For hundreds of years, women have been medicating with cannabis as it proves to be a reliable natural treatment for medical conditions unique to their bodies. In the new age of cannabis, this medicine continues to comfort women by maintaining homeostasis and relieving physiological imbalances. Many women find cannabis has fewer negative side-effects compared to traditional western medicine with no risk of a lethal overdose. The plant contains a diverse collection of therapeutically valuable chemical compounds that mimic naturally producing endocannabinoids to alleviate a wide range of symptoms. From PMS to menopause, cannabis is a natural medicine used to treat symptoms unique to women and improve health and offer a greater sense of wellbeing.
In the 19th century Queen Victoria favored using cannabis to treat her menstrual pain. As a known analgesic, cannabis is helpful for treating uterine pain and menstrual symptoms. During the menstrual cycle, levels of Anandamide, a naturally producing endocannabinoid, fluctuate, peaking near ovulation and plummeting before menstruation. At its peak concentration, the uterus contains more Anandamide than any other organ in the body. This fluctuation may provide support for the preference for women to treat period pain by supplementing with cannabinoids, THC and CBD. Over 80% of women experience menstrual pain at some point in their lives. This pain can be severely debilitating and doctors may prescribe opiates for treatment. Chronic pain and discomfort from endometriosis, intercourse, or breast cancer may be relieved from medical cannabis. In fact, the Siberian Ice Maiden, a 2500-year-old mummy discovered in 1993, had breast cancer and was found buried with a pouch of cannabis. Cannabis decreases chronic pain, provides muscular relaxation, and delivers calmness to the mind.
Female patients have reported increased libido and sexual enhancement as cannabis is an aphrodisiac. Results vary based on strain composition and compatibility but finding comfort during these intimate moments can contribute to life satisfaction. Many mental health SSRIs, such as Celexa, Zoloft, and Prozac, decrease libido in women downplaying the important need for healthy sexuality and ease of arousal. Women going through menopause in later life often with more debilitating symptoms that negatively impact their lives. Low libido, depression, mood swings, hot flashes, fatigue, and insomnia can become nearly overwhelming during this time. The endocannabinoid system plays an important role in regulating body temperature and cannabis can be used to remedy discomfort. Cannabis has been known to alleviate feelings of anxiety and depression. With a menopausal decrease in estrogen, cannabis varieties can provide increased energy, motivation, and a calming mental uplift to stabilize mood swings.
As the stigma lessens many women are turning towards cannabis and are sharing their positive experiences. This opens the door for product innovation formulated for women by women, as well as more comprehensive research. Women across history from a range of different cultures have found cannabis to be a reliable natural treatment for their symptoms. From period pain, to mood swings, cannabis brings relief, relaxation and calmness with less negative side effects compared to traditional western medicine. Medical cannabis provides a greater sense of wellbeing, comfort, and connection for women who may question their compatibility with traditional pharmaceuticals.
Resources
Backes, Michael. Cannabis Pharmacy: the Practical Guide to Medical Marijuana. Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers, 2017.
MD Monthly, and MD Monthly Staff. “5 Benefits of Cannabis for Women.” MD Monthly, 7 July 2020, mdmonthly.com/5-benefits-of-cannabis-for-women/.
Relief, Dr. Green, and Dr. Green Relief. “Benefits of Medical Marijuana for Women’s Health.” Dr. Green Relief Marijuana Doctors, 28 Mar. 2019, www.drgreenrelief.com/blog/benefits-of-medical-marijuana-for-womens-health/.
Tully, Colleen Fisher. “Women and Weed: A History of Cannabis and Women’s Health.” Leafly, 28 July 2020, www.leafly.com/news/health/cannabis-history-womens-health.