Does Cannabis Work As Well As Real Medicine?

Marijuana has been cultivated and used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. Most commonly used for pain relief, pot has been known to have natural anti-inflammatory effects. It’s the OG ibuprofen (maybe a little stronger!) Specifically in history, cannabis has been used to aid uterine conditions, pregnancy, delivery, and PMS symptoms for centuries. While it’s not advised to consume cannabis while pregnant, weed can still be helpful for many of the other hormonal and physical symptoms that come with being a woman. 

So why don’t more people take advantage of natural herbs like marijuana for medicinal purposes? Unfortunately, the rise of western medicine put natural remedies on the backburner, and instead offered us fancy, new chemical copies of the old school herbs. Weed never lost its magic; our lovely pharmaceutical industry just rewired us to think we needed “real medicine.”

How Marijuana Can Help With Uncomfortable PMS Symptoms

As we mentioned, cannabis has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with mild to severe hormonal, psychological and physical symptoms. Through studies and word-of-mouth, it’s been proven that weed can help with PMS symptoms that 75-90% of women have suffered from. 

In our previous blogs we explored the endocannabinoid system, which is a series of molecules and receptors throughout the body. It’s connected to our nervous system  and it affects our mood, sleep, digestion, and helps build our resilience to stress.

Anandamide, our main internal cannabis molecule, helps to focus our stress response while returning our hormones and nervous system to a normal balance (remember homeostasis from biology?) This is often referred to as “righting the ship” after it’s been rocked. We can definitely agree PMS rocks our ships!

Weed Also Helps With Perimenopause Symptoms

As if 30-40 years of a period isn’t enough, around age 50 we transition into our next hormonal stage, menopause. Perimenopause is well known for hot flashes and irritability, but also can produce other frustrating symptoms including a low libido, high anxiety, insomnia, weepiness and a serious estrogen drop. Luckily, our friend Mary Jane can help with literally all these symptoms. There are actually phytoestrogens in cannabis that can help our bodies process the estrogen drop during menopause. Weed can actually help stabilize our hormonal balance and alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms. 

The Right Bud and Best Methods for Helping With PMS

Not sure where to start? As always, we recommend starting slow. There’s a fine line between calming symptoms and adding to your already heightened anxiety. PMS symptoms often come on fast and we crave that instant relief from cramps and nausea. Smoking and vaping will bring on the quickest relief. It’s also easiest to adjust the amount of impact it will have on your symptoms. Vaginal suppositories and lotions can be applied to the pelvic area (below your belly button) for specific relief. In the case of PMS, edibles aren’t always the best option because they take longer to feel their effects and also last the longest. However, edibles can be used before bed for a calming sleep and ongoing pain relief. 

CBD or THC?

Both have been proven to provide serious relief for PMS and many other symptoms. Starting with CBD or microdosing THC (low dose) can help with pain relief without any psychological effects or heightened anxiety. CBD works as a muscle relaxer and is known for its calming effects. We don’t need to be more on edge than we already are. However, sometimes we need a little more help. THC or THC/CBD ratios can help stabilize our symptoms and provide the relief we need. It’s knowing which strains to look for...

Strains to Try During That Time of the Month

Not all marijuana has the same effects. There are different effects from Sativa and Indica strains, not to mention hybrids. Figuring out which strains can help your specific symptoms can help you get the relief you need. The Top 5 Marijuana Strains for PMS Pain Relief are:

1. Sour Diesel
2. Blue Dream
3. Pink Kush
4. Super Lemon Haze
5. Lavender

Ecomeds Products to Help Your PMS 

As a woman-owned business, eco-focused business, we make it our mission to provide the best natural products for our cannabis community. Here are some of our favorite products we carry that provide relief for PMS and other hormonal symptoms:

Papa & Barkley Releaf Balm (CBD Rich)

Our Releaf Balm is a concentrated whole plant cannabis-infused salve that relaxes and calms your body. It provides targeted topical relief. Rub it directly on your lower abdomen to quickly help calm your cramps. 

Kush Queen Bath Bomb

From the brand, High Gorgeous, our Love CBD Bath Bomb was created to up the romance and reduce the stress. Whether you are soaking alone or with a partner, it can provide an instant calm. 

Humboldt Apothecary Inflammation Soother

This tincture is a 3:1 ratio and combines other tried and true pain relieving herbs, including turmeric, to give you the relief you need when you need it. Add it to water, tea, juice, or your favorite recipe. The alcohol/honey base provides fast onset effects within 20 minutes!

Kiva Dark Chocolate Espresso Bar

Because we all need chocolate during our period! With Kiva's 1:1 CBD Dark Chocolate Espresso Bar they’ve created the ideal 1:1 balance of CBD to THC. Infused with cold water hash and delicious notes of freshly brewed espresso, this bar is a harmonious combination of flavors and effects that will make the world slow down - even if just for a moment.

Cali Heights Sour Diesel

Try these vapes to help you through the irritability and fatigue that comes with PMS. 87.18% THC A popular sativa marijuana strain made by crossing Chemdawg and Super Skunk. Sour Diesel effects are dreamy, cerebral, fast-acting and energizing.

Mary Mary Banjo

This flower is the ultimate PMS relief! Hailing from Santa Cruz-based breeder Strong Agronomy, Banjo is a Sativa-dominant cross between Tangelo and Boost. 

Marigold Blue Dream Minis

Biodynamically grown in the heart of the Sonoma Valley, this Blue Dream is sure to provide an uplifting, clear headed effect and help pull you out of any funk. Plus, they’re prerolls for quick relief!

The Bottom Line

Your period doesn’t have to suck! Whether it’s lotions, vapes, tinctures, or a tightly rolled joint, there’s something for everyone. As always: be safe, start slow, and enjoy the high!