South African Research Team Says Cannabis is ‘Very Promising’ as an Opioid Replacement
by Bethan Rose
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!
According to research, “Migraine is highly prevalent, affecting 12% of the population, attacking up to 17% of women and 6% of men yearly. Among children, it tends to happen more in girls than boys.” A migraine can be very disabling and last from hours to two or three days. Migraines are considered to be the…
PTSD can have far-reaching effects on health, functionality as well as on quality of living, which is why having access to effective treatment is so important. If you are living with PTSD or are living with someone who has PTSD, you would have first-hand experience with how challenging it can be getting through life on…
Up until recently, lack of cannabis education meant that people were blissfully unaware of the fact that the plant is not limited to just one strain and, therefore, does not produce just one type of effect. Fortunately, agricultural experimentation has led to the market exploding in terms of strains that can satisfy everyone, from beginners…
Using cannabis to help combat anxiety is a tricky business. Studies have given us significant evidence that cannabis can be used to help cope with anxiety and because anxiety is so common, that’s an extremely welcome piece of information. In fact, 72% of daily cannabis users reported consumption to relax or relieve tension and 58%…
A cannabis compound that has been described as “cutting-edge” and “so elusive, laboratories often misidentify the compound as CBC (cannabichromene) or CBL (cannabicyclol)” is finally becoming better understood. Delta-10-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-10 THC) is a need-to-know cannabinoid, and here’s why. What Is Delta-10 THC? Does Delta-10 Get You High? Is Delta-10 Safe? How Is Delta-10 Created? Is…
Nebraska advocates are working to get medical cannabis on the ballot, THC seltzers are building buzz in Tennessee, and researchers tested CBD…
What was once used as an ideal anesthetic for monkeys could soon be competing with cannabis as a medical aid. We’re talking…
In 1988, only 24% of Americans supported federal cannabis legalization. Opinions have shifted immensely since then, with 21 U.S. states and Washington,…