Many women experience pain and cramps, also called dysmenorrhea, while they are menstruating. Some common ways to deal with the pain are using over-the-counter medications, putting a heating pad on your abdomen, and exercising. (1)
One company has developed a product that uses cannabis to treat period pain and cramps. They say that cannabinoids’ anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties will relieve dysmenorrhea. (5)
Cannabis Vaginal Suppositories
Foria, a company that makes cannabis and hemp products, has created vaginal suppositories to help with menstrual pain. The suppositories are made of THC, CBD, and organic cocoa butter. (2, 3)
Each suppository contains 60mg of THC and 10mg of CBD. Together, THC and CBD reduce cramping and inflammation. Some users also experience decreased anxiety and improved mood due to the presence of CBD in the product. (3)
How to Use the Suppositories
Women experience period pain at different times throughout their cycle. Some might have dysmenorrhea during menstruation, a few days before it, or during ovulation. You can use Foria’s vaginal suppositories any time you need relief from pain, cramps, and inflammation. (3)
To use the suppositories, you should insert them vaginally. This ensures that the cannabis compounds are applied as close to the site of pain as possible. According to Foria, most women experience relief from menstrual pain within 15 to 30 minutes. (3)
Foria recommends that you store the vaginal suppositories in a cool place before using them. Since they are made of cocoa butter, place them in the fridge at least 20 minutes before you use them. This will help the cocoa butter firm up. (3)
Benefits
For many women, the pain and discomfort that comes with menstruation can be inconvenient or even debilitating. Natural remedies like heating pads and exercise are not always enough. Many women turn to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for help. (4)
NSAIDs inhibit the COX-2 enzyme that produces prostaglandins, which cause inflammation, contractions, and pain. However, NSAIDs also inhibit the COX-1 enzyme, which can lead to gastrointestinal side effects. (4, 5)
Cannabinoids inhibit the COX-2 enzyme but not COX-1, which may make them more comfortable for those with digestive issues. And CBD and THC actually stop your DNA from producing as much of the COX-2 enzyme. So the vaginal suppositories address both the symptoms of menstrual pain and their cause.
Disadvantages And Risks
Although Foria’s cannabis suppositories undoubtedly have many benefits, they also come with some disadvantages and risks. At $44 for four suppositories, they are a bit pricey. However, if menstrual pain is disrupting your life, relief may be worth the price.
Vaginal suppositories can also be messy. The cocoa butter in Foria’s suppositories will melt from your body heat. There will likely be leakage, so users might want to wear a panty liner. (3)
The suppositories do contain THC, and it could show up in your blood or urine on a drug test. Foria cautions users to treat their product the same as any other cannabis products when it comes to drug testing. If you can’t risk using THC but still need menstrual pain relief, Foria offers a THC-free suppository as well. (3, 6)
It’s All About Options
Not everyone will feel comfortable using cannabis vaginal suppositories. But having more options for natural pain relief is a good thing. As we have access to more choices to treat ourselves holistically, we can all find what works best for our bodies.
