Does Weed Help With Menstrual Cramps? - Find Out

Can marijuana help with menstrual cramps? Are there specific strains I should use? Many women wonder how to alleviate menstrual cramps. Can weed be the solution?

Anecdotal data suggests that marijuana's components THC and CBD may alleviate menstruation cramps. However, there has been little scientific research on this topic, and further studies are needed to establish its efficacy and safety.

Some women claim that using marijuana products, such as smoking or eating edibles, can help relieve the symptoms of period pain. Marijuana's possible pain-relieving qualities can be ascribed to its ability to interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, which regulates pain perception and inflammation.

CBD, particularly, has received interest due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. According to some research, CBD may help reduce pain and inflammation, both of which are common symptoms of menstrual cramps.

Read further to fully understand how some cannabis strains can potentially help to relieve menstrual pain.

What do Scientific Studies say?

"Research has shown that the EC system has a role in myometrial contractility during menstruation and that cannabinoid agonists, such as THC, can trigger myometrial relaxation—this would, in turn, ease the pain of dysmenorrhoea."

The text above is retrieved from www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov on 6/19/2023. The NCBI is the National Center for Biotechnology Information, advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information.

Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for painful periods or menstrual cramps. It's a common condition where some women experience pain and discomfort during their monthly menstrual cycle. There are two types:

Primary Dysmenorrhea:

This is the most common type and occurs in young women and teenagers. It happens because of natural chemicals in the uterus called prostaglandins, which contract the uterus and cause cramps. The pain can range from mild to severe and might come with other symptoms like back pain, nausea, vomiting, or headaches.

Secondary Dysmenorrhea:

An underlying medical condition like endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, fibroids, or adenomyosis causes this type. It usually develops later in life, and the pain can get worse over time. Treating the underlying condition can help reduce the symptoms.

Clinical Trials

From what I gathered from the research paper, treating dysmenorrhea/menstrual pain is very individual.

Clinical trials on women with both mild, medium, and severe pain show that some benefit while others don't. This makes sense because the experience of having a period is also very individual. Naturally, there are many different effects a period can have on the human body.

Menstrual Cramps (Dysmenorrhea), Heavy or Prolonged Menstrual Bleeding (Menorrhagia), Irregular Menstrual Cycles, premenstrual syndrome (PMS symptoms), headaches or migraines, nausea, digestive issues, fatigue and low energy, mood swings or pelvic pain are just some of the unpleasant symptoms every woman have a different experience with.

If you consider smoking weed to help with menstrual cramps, the first thing I would do is consult with a medical professional. Remember that marijuana can have various effects, both good and bad. It can be a good idea to try less invasive pain relief methods first. Being under the influence of THC or CBD can impact your day-to-day. Not driving is one of the disadvantages.

It is legal in some places to drive after consuming CBD, as long as you don't feel intoxicated or impaired.

What Weed Strains are Recommended?

While research is still full of anecdotal evidence (personal experiences), some do report a decline in period cramps after smoking specific marijuana strains.

There are different strains to relieve different symptoms:

Weed Strains for PMS Symptoms - Mood Boosting

It can be frustrating if you struggle with mood swings and negative energy as PMS symptoms, as many do. I mean, we all want to be happy and cheerful. Being happy while your body works against you can be difficult. Hopefully, these strains can help!

Durban Poison

Durban Poison is one of the best weed strains to cure a bad mood. It isn't just a sativa-dominant strain. It is a pure sativa strain.

It has a magnificent balance of terpenes and thc to get you more energetic and in a pleasant mood.

Durban Poison Info

Blue Dream

This sativa dominant hybrid strain isn't like Durban Poison. If your head is messy and thoughts race, this strain can help you feel calmer and more centered.

Blue Dream Info

Weed Strains for Menstrual Cramps - Relieving Pain

If menstrual pain is your biggest concern, or you are looking for something for chronic pain relief. I would check out the following;

Pink Kush

Smoking weed can cause many different effects on the mind and body. It can be uplifting or soothing. Pink Kush is reported to have an extremely calming effect. This calming effect can push you into a deeply peaceful experience.

Pink Kush Info

Orange Herijuana

This marijuana strain is one of the best relievers of period pain without getting "high". It offers pain relief without the hassle of too many psychoactive effects. EarthMed claims this is one of the best cannabis strains for "-dealing with cramps and the overall body aches that can come with PMS and menstruation".

Orange Herijuana Info

Best Cannabis Strains for Headaches - Relieving Pain

Headaches can be a true bitch, especially if it's that time of the month. These cannabis strains focus on curing headaches by "attacking" the central nervous system. These

Purple Kush

If you have been smoking weed for a while, you have likely heard of Purple Kush. This is one of the classic indica strains known for its immense relaxing effects. This is my go-to strain to rid me of all bad.

Purple Kush Info

OG Kush

This might be the best strain. It is almost exactly a 50/50 hybrid. With the couchlock OG Kush induces you can forget about any headache you've ever had. OG Kush is also one of the most popular strains overall. You cannot go wrong with this one.

Remember, the best weed strains for you may be bad strains for someone else. If one strain does not work for you, you may not have found the right one for you yet.

OG KUSH Info

Where Should I Purchase These Strains?

If you live in a state where a medical marijuana card is required to legally purchase weed, you should get a "green card".

I will always recommend purchasing from experienced and licensed dispensaries. If purchasing from a "dealer", it is impossible to actually know what strain you're getting.

Do some research as to where in your area these strains are available and go there. However, I would still strongly recommend consulting a practicing medical professional to make sure this is the route you should be on.

So, Can Marijuana Use Help Me With Period Cramps?

Research on the use of marijuana for menstrual cramps is limited, but anecdotal evidence suggests that it may help alleviate the symptoms. More research is definitely needed. The components THC and CBD in marijuana have been associated with pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects, which could potentially ease menstrual cramps. However, further scientific studies are needed to establish its effectiveness and safety. The endocannabinoid system, which regulates pain perception and inflammation, may be involved in these effects.

Scientific research has shown that THC, a cannabinoid found in marijuana, may trigger the relaxation of the uterine muscles, potentially alleviating dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain). However, individual experiences can vary, and clinical trials have demonstrated mixed results, as menstrual pain is subjective and can vary among individuals.

In terms of strains, some women report that specific cannabis types can help with menstrual pain relief. The best strains for PMS symptoms and mood-boosting effects are strains like Durban Poison (sativa-dominant) and Blue Dream (sativa-dominant hybrid) are suggested. For menstrual cramp relief, strains such as Pink Kush (indica) and Orange Herijuana (hybrid) are recommended. When it comes to relieving headaches, Purple Kush (indica) and OG Kush (hybrid) have been mentioned for their anti-inflammatory properties.

If considering marijuana for menstrual cramp relief, it is crucial to consult with a medical professional. Individual responses to marijuana can vary, and it is essential to explore less invasive methods of pain relief before considering marijuana. Additionally, being under the influence of THC or CBD can impact daily functioning and limit options. It is important to exercise caution and follow local laws and regulations regarding marijuana use.

When purchasing marijuana strains, it is advisable to obtain them from experienced and licensed dispensaries to ensure product quality and strain accuracy. Researching availability and consulting a medical professional can help determine the best course of action for addressing menstrual cramps through the use of marijuana. If stressed out about smoking weed for the first time, check out my guide!

Smoking Weed For The First Time

So, does weed help with cramps? Yes, it might. And no, it might not.

-Good Luck, -Freddie