Oregon will hold a three-day appeal hearing in early February that could shape how states treat female sexual-health conditions under medical marijuana laws.
The proceeding, scheduled for February 3 to 5, challenges the state’s denial of Female Orgasmic Disorder (FOD) as a qualifying condition. According to advocates, this will be the first formal appeal of its kind in the nation.
The petitioner, Rebecca Andersson, has spoken publicly about developing FOD following a radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer and how she successfully overcame it using cannabis. Her experience mirrors emerging evidence, including a recent randomized clinical trial showing improvements in sexual function and orgasm among gynecologic cancer survivors who used cannabis mindfully for symptom management.
Suzanne Mulvehill, PhD, a clinical sexologist and orgasmologist, told The Marijuana Herald that more than ten experts have volunteered to testify at the February hearing. These specialists come from the United States and Europe and include physicians, therapists, and researchers working in sexual medicine, gynecology, and cannabinoid therapeutics. Mulvehill noted that the hearing “will be the first formal appeal of its kind challenging a state’s denial to add Female Orgasmic Disorder as a qualifying medical condition for medical cannabis.”
Despite peer-reviewed evidence (for example, here, here, and here) supporting cannabis efficacy, six states have denied adding FOD as a qualifying condition. Illinois and Connecticut remain the only states to approve it for medical use. Advocates say the movement continues to grow, and in 2026 they plan to expand petitions to include additional women’s health conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, and FOD.
Mulvehill added that the team is also collaborating with a California sex therapist who uses cannabis as a therapeutic tool to treat women with FOD and is working with a state senator on legislation that would add women’s health conditions to California’s medical program. She highlighted their recently published peer-reviewed review on cannabis and female orgasmic function and an upcoming follow-up paper focused on cannabis and the future of treating female orgasmic disorders.
Advocates say the Oregon case represents a key moment for women whose health concerns have long been overlooked. With expert testimony prepared and national interest increasing, the February hearing may help determine whether sexual-health conditions like FOD gain broader recognition in state medical marijuana programs.
More articles from The Marijuana Herald can be found below.
