Does Weed Help With Period Cramps? Relief & Benefits
This post is part of our Best Dispensaries Around the Bay Area series, sponsored by Project Cannabis.
From easing insomnia to minimizing stomach troubles, cannabis offers a lot of benefits for the body and mind. But for those with intense PMS symptoms, the question remains: Does smoking weed help with period cramps?
Absolutely it can. In fact, marijuana can be an effective and more desirable alternative to other common treatments for period cramps—such as taking ibuprofen or other NSAID pain relievers. Many prefer cannabis for its natural qualities, as well as its ability to improve other common symptoms related to PMS—such as mood swings, trouble with sleep, irritability, and nausea.
Even better news? Legal cannabis is widely available in many states—including California—where you can try out a variety of affordable marijuana products and discover those that best fit your lifestyle.
Every person’s experience with menstruation is different. And so is every person’s experience with cannabis. Fortunately, there’s a lot of information available to better help explain the way this substance can improve PMS symptoms—and how it might specifically impact you.
One common question that arises is, “Does weed help with period cramps?” To shed more light on the topic, here’s a closer look at how marijuana interacts with the body and how using it can ease menstrual cramps.
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How Does Weed Help With Period Cramps?
While there’s a lot of evidence to show that cannabis helps ease menstrual pain, the exact science behind it is still being researched. So, how does weed help with period cramps?
The general idea is that when marijuana is consumed, it introduces a variety of compounds known as cannabinoids into the body. THC and CBD are the primary cannabinoids that have a positive effect on cramps.
THC increases dopamine production in the brain. This hormone promotes a “feel good” sensation that can minimize a person’s perception of cramping pain.
The mechanism behind CBD isn’t as well understood. But it’s believed that it helps by relaxing muscles in the uterus, which in turn, reduces menstrual pain.
Is Smoking The Only Way To Use Weed To Treat Period Cramps?
You don’t have to smoke weed to give your body a dose of those beneficial cannabinoids. In fact, many find relief by consuming marijuana through an assortment of methods—such as by consuming edibles, vaping, applying topicals, or consuming tinctures.
Can CBD Be Used To Treat Period Cramps?
A lot of cannabis connoisseurs reply with a resounding “yes,” when asked “Does weed help with period cramps?” But when asked the same question about CBD, they might not always be so sure.
When you use weed, you’re introducing both THC and CBD into your body. THC is known for its psychoactive qualities (or how you feel “high”) while CBD doesn’t produce these feelings.
In terms of treating menstrual cramps, THC is shown to help by increasing the brain’s production of dopamine—a feel-good hormone that can minimize one’s perception of pain. CBD’s impact is a little less clear, but what’s known so far is promising.
Period cramps happen when uterine muscles contract, which can lead to increased inflammation and pain. CBD is thought to help by relaxing these muscles and easing contractions, which may minimize pain. It can also help by reducing inflammation.
In short—using CBD alone can help curb period cramps, but not in the same way as consuming cannabis. CBD can be a great option for those looking to get cannabinoid-related relief without experiencing the “high” effects of THC.
Can You Get A Medical Card For Menstrual Cramps?
In California and several other states, you can legally buy cannabis products from a dispensary if you’re 21 or older—regardless of whether they’re used for medicinal or recreational purposes. However, there’s still good reason to wonder: Can you get a medical card for menstrual cramps?
After all, with a medical marijuana card, Californians can avoid certain taxes that recreational customers have to pay. It also allows individuals 18 or older to purchase medicinal cannabis from a qualifying dispensary.
Technically, menstrual cramps and other PMS symptoms alone would not make you eligible for a medical card in California. The good news is that you can work with a doctor to see if your situation may qualify under different terms. For example, chronic pain—such as that related to inflammation—can be a qualifying condition for a medical card.
Best Strains For Period Cramps
When you visit a dispensary and encounter a wide variety of cannabis products, you’ll likely have a lot of questions about which are right for you. What kind of weed helps with period cramps? Is indica or sativa better for menstrual cramps? Is there a specific strain that’s best? Here’s what to know.
Is Sativa or Indica Better For Menstrual Cramps?
In general, both sativa and indica strains are effective at regulating menstrual cramps, as they both contain beneficial THC and CBD compounds. However, the best option may depend on the situation.
Sativa-dominant strains, for example, are known to be more uplifting—a great benefit to those who may be trying to balance mood swings in addition to cramps. By comparison, indica-dominant strains act more as a relaxant—an ideal option for those looking to ease cramps and enjoy better sleep, while also minimizing nausea.
If you want the best of both worlds, consider an indica-sativa hybrid strain.
Keep in mind that every strain has a unique composition that may impact your symptoms differently. Your budtender can help you point you to the best options for your specific concerns.
Does Smoking Weed Affect Your Period?
After learning that weed can ease period cramps, many wonder how much the substance may impact the actual menstruation process. The answer is that it really depends on the person.
People who consume cannabis lightly might experience a short delay in ovulation. Heavier users, on the other hand, may sometimes go through their menstrual cycle without actually ovulating. This skipped cycle may result in a lighter or heavier flow the next month.
Hopefully, as more research is done on the subject, more will be known about how cannabinoids influence menstruation as a whole.
How To Purchase Marijuana
If you’re looking to buy cannabis to ease period symptoms in Northern California, pay a visit to the San Francisco Cannabis Dispensary by Project Cannabis. Located in the culturally rich SoMa neighborhood, this dispensary presents a vast selection of cannabis flower, edibles, concentrates, beverages, and vapes. When you arrive, you can avoid the stress of other dispensaries, and instead, enjoy a relaxing, curated environment where helpful staff are eager to provide dedicated attention and connect you to the best solutions.
Key Takeaways On Weed And Period Cramps
- Evidence shows that consuming cannabis can ease menstrual cramps.
- Cannabinoids—such as THC and CBD—are marijuana compounds that interact with the body to promote relaxation, minimize inflammation, and ease pain.
- CBD products are a good option for treating cramps if you’re looking for relief without the “high” feeling of using marijuana.
- Both sativa and indica strains can be effective at treating period cramps. Sativa may be more uplifting, while indica tends to be more relaxing.
Conclusion
Relief from period cramps is possible with cannabis. Whether you’re looking to smoke traditional flower, consume an edible, or use CBD oil for PMS symptoms—there are many products out there to ease your symptoms.
Consult with your favorite dispensary to figure out which strains and products might be best for your situation. And remember, if you’re new to cannabis, it’s best to start slow with your chosen method. As you get a sense of how the substance impacts your body, you can gradually adjust your intake until you find a suitable balance for relief.
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