Cannabis Relief For Menstrual Pain

by MADELINE FERGUSON

The research on medical cannabis used in pain management is clear. It is safe and most importantly effective. 

Not only does it work, it comes without harmful side effects for most users. There is an entire body of research for replacing addictive, opiate-based painkillers with medical marijuana, which is extremely promising and proven to work. The research focuses on how the endocannabinoid system is similar to the opioidergic system. A recent study found that 80 percent of medical cannabis users substitute it for prescription painkillers.

But what about those aches and pains that don’t require a trip to the doctor? Specifically, the aches and pains are known all too well by those who menstruate. Anecdotally, the benefits of cannabis use for menstrual pain is well documented and can replace popping over-the-counter pain medication.

Often if you visit a doctor for menstrual pain, they may recommend hormonal birth control to help ease the pain of those who menstruate if OTC pain relievers aren’t cutting it. Many people who experience pain want more options because there is no one-size-fits-all solution to our health. That’s where medical cannabis comes in.

While there needs to be more research on menstrual pain specifically, there are several studies on cannabis as a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory (like OTC ibuprofen). 

Cannabis works well to relieve pain because of your body’s endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is a system for cell-to-cell communication. The main compounds of the plant, THC and CBD, work differently in the body. More is known about how THC works, it activates cannabinoid receptors in both the nerve cells and immune cells. Activation of the receptor in nerve cells reduces the sensations of pain. Researchers also credit the euphoric sensation brought about by THC for some of its ability to relieve pain. CBD doesn’t cause euphoric sensations. 

Less is known about CBD, and there are fewer studies showing the benefits of using it for pain management. According to Harvard Health, there is a lack of human research on CBD though there are a few promising studies on animals. A 1:1 combination of THC and CBD shows promise for pain relief, in Canada that ratio has been approved by Health Canada for certain types of pain. 

One study on cannabis for menstrual pain asked women who used the botanical about their experiences. Of all women surveyed, 85 percent said they had used the herb for menstrual pain; of those, 90 percent reported it as effective.

A large chunk of the worlds’ population experiences some sort of pain associated with their monthly cycle and medical cannabis is a viable option for relief. According to the American Society Of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 80 percent of women experience painful periods at some point throughout their life. In comparison, 20 percent experience dysmenorrhea or pain that is disruptive to everyday life. If cannabis can help these women, it’s helping women who would otherwise be missing out on their lives and jobs. 

Best Strains For Period Pain

As research grows, many dispensaries in states with medical and adult-use legalization of cannabis evaluate which strains work best to relieve menstrual pain.

According to Leafly, a well-respected source of cannabis information in the United States strains high in THC may be the most effective at relieving period pain. 

For example, Velvet Glove, Orange Tree, and Orange Kush Breath are all high THC strains reported to be good for menstrual pain relief. 

Another path you could take to ease period pain is choosing cultivars best-known to reduce inflammation. These are typically well studied because of the number of medical marijuana patients with chronic inflammatory conditions like arthritis. 

Regarding cultivars(aka strains) that best mitigate inflammation, Way Of Leaf recommends a few with lower THC levels and higher CBD levels and a few with about a 50/50 ratio. Some of those strains are: 

• ACDC

• Harlequin

• Cannatonic

Modalities of Medicating

The study referenced above surveyed women who smoked or ate edibles, two common ways to consume the herb. Those women self-reported the effectiveness of the plant for period pain relief. There are other, less-researched modalities that can be used for pain management like creams, tinctures, and suppositories, giving people a range of options to choose what is best for them. 

It is important to be a smart consumer when choosing products that work best for you. It’s also good practice to remember that everyone is unique and what works for some may not work for others. Some important factors to consider when researching products are THC and CBD content (cannabinoid profile), terpenes, the source of the plant, and for oils or edibles, you should consider extraction methods. 

While edibles and flower are the most used modalities, other products marketed toward menses pain relief are popping up on the market. An article from Leafly features a newer line of products - menstrual relief patches, similar in looks to IcyHot patches you’d find at the drugstore. The patches come in a variety of formulations with differing amounts of CBD and THC. You can also find creams, bath soaks and THC or CBD infused tampons. Again, it’s important to do your research and be a smart consumer when trying new products. 

Legality, Advocacy & Importance

With half of the population experiencing monthly cycles, cannabis proves to be effective, and research is only growing. People with painful periods no longer have to live with the pain or go on a hormonal form of birth control that could have debilitating and long-term side effects. 

When looking to use the plant for pain relief it’s important to know the laws where you live. Utah’s medical cannabis program conditions list is minimal, and menstrual pain is not an accepted condition. You’ll need to work with a QMP (Qualified Medical Provider) to assess your course of action, you can find a QMP here. 

For more on Utah’s laws and local advocates for sweeping plant medicine changes in Utah, read The Utah Bees’ plant medicine section for up-to-date advocacy and policy information.