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THC you later, PMS.
Below, we dive into the wild world of weed and PMS with the help of a few dope experts.
Meet the experts:
- Carrie Mapes and Patty Pappas, co-founders of Hello Again
- Sabrina Wheeler, COO of Stone Road
- Felice Gersh, M.D. OB/GYN and founder/director of the Integrative Medical Group of Irvine, in Irvine, CA and the author of Menopause: 50 Things You Need to Know.
- Lian Bruno, clinically-trained herbalist and founder of Puff Herbals
- Hanna Brand, Chief Sales Officer and Partner, Autumn Brands
- Eric Culberson, RN, SVP of Horticulture, The Cannabist Company
- Jessica Shepherd, M.D. OB/GYN specializing in hormones and PMS
What PMS symptoms can cannabis help with?
“Cannabis can serve as an excellent alternative to traditional PMS treatments and supplements. Personally, I’ve found more relief (and enjoyment) in using cannabis to alleviate the symptoms of my menstrual cycle than any over-the-counter treatment has ever provided,” says Sabrina.
“Cannabis offers multifaceted period relief, addressing both the physical and the emotional aspects of PMS and menstruation,” Lian says.
This includes symptoms like:
The Endocannabinoid System
“Humans (and most animals) have cannabinoid receptors all over the body. When a physical (pain), emotional (irritability) or cognitive (brain fog) system gets out of whack, as most of ours do during hormone fluctuation, the brain makes and releases cannabinoids,” Patty explains.
These cannabinoids connect with our cannabinoid receptors, to help balance the system.
“The cannabinoids (THC, CBD, and about 100 others) in the cannabis plant also ‘fit’ our cannabinoid receptors for the same balancing effect. Cannabis utilizes our built-in mechanisms to restore balance,” she says.
And you know where there are a ton of those receptors? In the female reproductive tract.
For example, “There are both CB1 and CB2 receptors in the uterine tissue,” Dr Jessica says. When the uterus contracts, it can cause cramps.
“Research has shown that the endocannabinoid system does play a part in how the muscle of the uterus contracts during menstruation, and cannabinoids such as THC may help promote relaxation of the uterine muscle.”
“CBD and THC come from different parts of the plant and have different molecular makeup,” Dr. Jessica explains. “Their molecular makeup determines how they interact with cannabinoid receptors in the body,” she says. This helps explain why THC gets you high, and CBD doesn’t.
CBD can be effective without THC, but a combo of both is generally more effective.
You could say it’s a joint effort. “CBD can provide efficacy without any THC, which is important to know, as there are still many states where full-spectrum products remain illegal,” Dr. Gersh says. “However, small amounts of THC may provide more superior pain control than CBD alone.”
CBD can also help balance out THC and give you more of a body high than a cerebral one, Hanna explains. “This can bring better relief when dealing with monthly cramps or other aches/pains. THC is more effective, but combining it with CBD provides an added layer.”
“One of the reasons cannabis is a real game changer for menstrual cramps is the specific cannabinoid THC,” says Carrie. “THC is a great muscle relaxer and vasodilator, which means it increases blood flow to the tissues of the reproductive tract. The increased blood flow and oxygenation of the surrounding tissues helps ease discomfort.”
If you’re cautious about using THC, Eric says it’s fine to start with CBD only. “Once you understand how it affects you, slowly and carefully add a little THC,” he says. “A low/beginner dose is 2.5 milligrams THC,” he says, “and that can be all you need if you’re an infrequent user.”
Containing one milligram of hemp-derived THC, plus functional herb kanna, these microdosing melts are designed to elicit a subtle blissful effect—perfect for any short-temper moments that may arise.
In addition to 5 milligrams of hemp-derived THC and CBD, these refined sugar-free fruit snacks are packed with uplifting ingredients like schisandra and l-theanine.
The different types of products:
Cannabis comes in many different forms. “Different body systems are involved, depending on which form you choose,” says Eric.
“There is, however, limited data on the comparative differences between the various ways in which cannabis can be administered into the body,” Dr. Gersh says. “As a generalization, smoking should provide the fastest action, followed by topical, and lastly by edibles. All modalities can be effective, but for cramps, my recommendation is to try the topical first for its heightened local effects and smoking last, due to its effects on cognition and pregnancy. And the edibles fit into the middle.”
Ingestibles
Psychoactive
How they work: Once ingested, they go through the digestive tract and the liver before entering the bloodstream and brain.
Important to know: They can take a while to kick in.
Pro tip: Always read the label, and if you don’t feel anything, make sure you wait the recommended amount of time on the package before taking more.
These sugar-free, vegan gummies contain CBN, a cannabinoid studied as a sleep aid, plus other bedtime ingredients like magnesium glycinate, tart cherry, and chamomile.
Camp’s edibles are made with 100% natural fruit blends—no added sugar to be found. This juicy blackberry flavor contains pain- and inflammation-fighting CBG.
Vaginal suppositories
Non-psychoactive
How they work: They deliver cannabis directly to all those cannabinoid receptors in the female reproductive tract.
Important to know: Because they aren’t psychoactive, they can use higher THC levels for the benefits, minus the high
Pro tip: They can be messy as they melt.
In addition to cannabis, these vaginal suppositories contain natural botanicals specifically chosen to help with cramps, mood, and focus. Sabrina calls these “truly transformative.”
These THC-free suppositories are made with organic, fair trade cocoa butter, and each one contains 100 milligrams of organic broad-spectrum CBD.
Topicals
Typically non-psychoactive
How they work: Topicals absorb through the skin for localized relief.
Important to know: Consistent application is needed to keep inflammation down.
Pro tip: Eric recommends using topicals along with ingestibles for maximum benefits.
“My favorite product has been our nourishing muscle and joint salve applied to both my lower abdomen and lower back,” Hanna says. The salve contains a stellar trio of THC, magnesium, and arnica.
These transdermal patches release a steady supply of cannabinoids into the bloodstream for up to 12 hours. Unlike other topicals, however, these patches may get you high—but just like a teeny tiny bit.
Spritz away hard-to-reach cramps with this quick-drying mist that contains a 1:1 ratio of THC:CBD.
Smokeables
Psychoactive
How they work: When the smoke is inhaled, the cannabinoids are absorbed into tiny blood vessels in the lungs, where they enter the bloodstream and head directly to the brain.
Important to know: Inhaling smoke of any kind into the lungs carries risks.
Pro tip: if you choose this route, Sabrina recommends indica-dominant strains. “They tend to offer greater pain relief effects and typically induce more of a body high than a head high,” she explains. “Some of my favorite strains for menstrual cramps and PMS symptoms include Forbidden Fruit and Northern Lights.” Lian recommends strains high in CBD during your period, like Harlequin, Cannatonic, and Sour Tsunami.
Ofc, you’re not limited to just one of the above.
Sabrina takes a multi-prong approach. “My favorite form factor for menstrual cramps is inserting a THC-infused suppository,” Sabrina says, recommending Patty and Carrie’s company Hello Again. In addition to suppositories, she says she also finds relief “by smoking a small joint for immediate pain relief, paired with eating a small edible for longer-lasting relief. Beyond cramps, these combinations are effective for managing hormonal headaches and mood swings,” she says.
A chic way to store your stash, this smell-proof box is made with super-soft vegan suede and comes in a handful of vibey prints. It’s secured by two combination locks and contains an inner removable tray and all the pockets you could want.
This innocent-looking vegan leather bag has pockets for everythinggggg and keeps any sus odors locked in.
These nifty pulse-release tablets release a dose right away, then another one about three hours later to help you both fall and stay asleep.
Infused with CBN and THC, these gummies are designed to ease you into a blissful sleep.
For when you’re crampy but also horny:
These vegan and gluten-free gummies contain terpenes to help relax, uplift, reduce inflammation, and, yes, increase pleasure.
These tasty little chews are infused with terpenes from the Golden Strawberry cannabis strain, which basically means they’ll help you feel both relaxed and aroused. And isn’t that the dream?
For when you’re on the edge of a menty b:
“Like cashmere socks for your soul,” is how the brand describes these sparkling pear-flavored gummies—and tbh, no notes, that’s the perfect description.
One of the closest things to a real-life chill pill you’ll find. These vegan, calorie-free, sugar-free, and gluten-free swallowable tablets contain 5 milligrams THC and 25 milligrams CBD.
Not only are these gummies ridiculously delicious, they contain a carefully curated combo of terpenes designed to help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, calm stress, and relax muscles.
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TL;DR
Cannabis can serve as an alternative to traditional PMS treatments and supplements. The cannabinoids THC and CBD can help address both the physical and emotional aspects of PMS and menstruation. There are many different forms to choose from, including vaginal suppositories and topical treatments, both of which contain THC but are not psychoactive (aka they won’t give you a head high).
