Can Weed Help with Menstrual Pain Relief?

Perhaps the only thing worse than pain is the promise of its imminent arrival.

Such is the unfortunate situation facing those who suffer from menstrual cramps and discomfort. Running the gamut from occasional unease to consistent torment, painful periods and cramping can be, at extremes, downright debilitating. With the inevitable looming on a regular basis, managing such pain can become an essential need to avoid frequent disruptions to one’s ability to work, play, and go about their daily lives.

One of the most popular forms of relief recommended by healthcare providers to treat menstrual pain are a no-brainer: anti-inflammatory medications.

The science behind this logic has to do with the true root cause of the issue: prostaglandins. Essentially, prostaglandins are compounds in the human body consisting of fats with hormone-like effects. Produced as a natural response to cell membrane injury all throughout our bodies, the prostaglandins that regulate menstruation cycles have been pinpointed as a likely source of subsequent pain and discomfort.

In short: it’s not the cramps themselves that cause menstrual pain so much as the prostaglandins said cramps create.

For that reason, over-the-counter painkiller medications like aspirin and naproxen are a popular remedy thanks to their properties as NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The key takeaway with NSAIDs is that they can block an enzyme called cyclooxygenase, which our bodies rely on to make prostaglandins. By blocking this enzyme, NSAIDs can thus reduce inflammation and pain.

Understandably, some people may wish to explore the viability of alternative options. Perhaps someone does not wish to regularly rely on painkillers of any strength or, alternatively, does not wish to utilize birth control solutions that can result in unwanted side effects. Whatever the reason, one alternative when it comes to treating menstrual pain is to consider cannabis products as a possible solution.

Though the science is still being determined in real-time, the history of people using cannabis to treat menstrual pain and cramps can be traced all the way back to ancient Egypt and China. Now, over two millennia later, we’ve got a working theory as to how cannabis works to alleviate these conditions.

Here’s the idea: Humans possess endocannabinoid systems. When we ingest or otherwise consume cannabis, this system becomes stimulated. Cannabinoids like THC and CBD (but there’s far more where that came from) subsequently interact with nerve cell receptors. Known as CB1 and CB2 receptors, they respond to cannabis by soothing pain, reducing inflammation, and more. And anatomically speaking, these receptors can be found in abundance in the brain, pelvis, and reproductive organs of all humans.

Unfortunately, unlike NSAIDs, cannabis compounds such as THC and CBD do not block the enzyme responsible for producing prostaglandins. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t capable of potentially providing sustained, satisfactory relief. It’s just a matter of approaching the situation with a modern cannabis lexicon.

Here at PLUS, we pride ourselves on our science-rooted production process.

Backed by expertise and plenty of first-hand experience, we like to think of ourselves as downright relentless when it comes to pursuing excellence in the field of cannabis edibles. By offering our products in an array of doses, cannabinoid ratios, terpene profiles, flavors, and functional ingredients, we aim to provide consumers with a customizable complement of tasty treats to best serve their personal needs.

Our bestselling line of PLUS Gummies, for instance, feature 3.5-5 mg THC per serving in six delicious flavors. To find the dosage that will best address your menstrual pain, start small and build from there. Remember: you can always take more, but you can’t go back and take less!

Some consumers may find that CBD is especially beneficial in relieving their menstrual discomfort. In that case, take a gander at our (aptly named) Relief line.

Available in three unique, CBD-rich ratios, our trio of PLUS Relief products are also the ideal solution for those still skittish about the psychoactive effects of THC. Additionally, if your needs change, you can always pivot back to our more potent PLUS Gummies line.

But arguably the best option of all lies with our first-of-its-kind PLUS Solventless line.

Capturing the character of three classic strains in the form of delicious, all-natural edibles, this line embodies the familiar flavor notes and unique entourage effect you’ve come to expect from beloved strains like Island Maui Haze, Rainbow Kush, and Grapes n’ Cream.

Our strain-specific, solventless hash-based gummies deliver the full flower experience, cleverly packed into a tasty gummy.

As we continue to learn more about the entourage effect and the ways in which specific terpenes and cannabinoids interact — both with each other and with our bodies — PLUS is pleased to have a flagpole firmly planted in support of edibles that work for you and your needs.