The many medical uses of cannabis are still being explored, and one idea that shows a lot of promise is that of using cannabis to treat the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, or PMS. Because PMS affects such a large percentage of the population and is a regularly recurring issue as opposed to a one-time problem, it’s the sort of condition that appeals greatly to cannabis researchers looking for ways to put the substance to effective use.
The symptoms of PMS include physical pain and mood swings, and while research is still being done into the medical uses of cannabis, we do know that it has been shown to be effective at dealing with both physical and emotional pain.
There are numerous ways the properties of cannabis can be used to deal with PMS cramps. THC is highly effective as a muscle relaxant. One good option that might serve PMS sufferers well is to apply cannabis products topically to deal with muscle pain. A transdermal patch or cream or salve might have the desired effects. CBD is also effective as an anti-inflammatory. The use of CBD can be effective against inflammation and swelling, two factors that can contribute to PMS pain.
For the most impactful results, it may be best to select a cannabis product that features both THC and CBD—although users who prefer to avoid the psychoactive effects of THC may still likely to find some relief with CBD products.
Emotions can run high for those suffering from PMS, but cannabis can be a great way to manage stress. If you struggle with increased anxiety, depression, or mood swings, cannabis might be able to help regulate those fluctuating emotions.
However, it’s very important to be cautious when introducing cannabis as a way to manage emotional and mental health. Although some people find it a very effective way to stabilize their moods, for others, cannabis seems to exacerbate depression. Start with small doses to see how it affects you. It’s also a good idea to talk to your personal physician about any concerns.
For some, PMS can bring on troubles sleeping. If that is your experience, you might benefit from oxidized cannabis, also known as CBN. This compound has a powerful sedative effect that has been shown to combat insomnia. And, as a fortunate side note, CBN is also effective at combating pain and inflammation, making it an ideal tool to deal with several of the unpleasant symptoms of PMS.
As with any cannabis need, it’s important to find the proper strain for the issue or issues you’re dealing with. Consider the following strains that are known for their pain-relieving effects:
Take the time to experiment with a variety of cannabis strains and find the one that works best for the PMS symptoms you experience. A budtender will be able to help by making additional recommendations based on a description of the effects you hope to experience, as well as details of how other strains have worked for you in the past. You can also request the assistance of your doctor, who may be able to share wisdom gleaned from other patients who have found success using cannabis to combat PMS symptoms. Good luck!
The pharmaceutical that is known as Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid pain reliever that has long been associated with misuse, addiction as well as overdose. However, research has found that the fentanyl overdoses and deaths are largely due to the synthetic versions available on the illicit market. Finding measures to reduce addiction and assist with…
As new states have legalized medical cannabis, there is a mad dash for both local and major out-of-state businesses to secure licenses. As of Nov. 4, 2020, 36 states have legalized medical cannabis, though the newest two states to legalize do not have licensing application systems working yet. Still, with well over half the country…
New Jersey legalized retail cannabis during the November elections. Laws were supposed to change on January 1st, 2020, but that is not what happened. Between the Senate, the Assembly, and Democratic Governor Phil Murphy, a stick was just tossed in the wheels of cannabis legalization in New Jersey. Those on the bike ride to recreational…
One of the most strenuously argued points of the War on Drugs was that allowing any drugs to gain a toehold in society would create a slippery slope that would end in America’s children rotting their brains on narcotics. We know now that a lot of those fear tactics don’t hold up under scrutiny—cannabis doesn’t…
Thanks to some of its participants, the DC Capitol Seige Riot set the cannabis stigma back as rioters consumed irresponsibly in the Rotunda. To help boost morale for the COVID vaccines, the Joints for Jabs campaign will be giving away free cannabis outside of DC vaccine clinics. And Texas, of all places, is flirting with…
Research has consistently shown that cannabis Video Transcript: A topical cannabis spray that helps treat skin conditions is in development and a…
As we prepare to usher in our newly elected president of the United States, Joe Biden, many of us wonder what he…
High-intensity interval training, or HIIT, has come to gain a lot of attention for the proposed benefit of being able to get…
