For thousands of years, people have been aware of the therapeutic properties of cannabis. However, it wasn’t until the 1800s that women started relying on marijuana to treat their PMS symptoms.
Queen Victoria was one of the first women to use marijuana for menstrual cramps. Her personal physician, Sir J.R. Reynolds, prescribed cannabis to her
In 1890 after Dr. W.B. O’Shaughnessy brought it to England in 1824. The Queen found marijuana so effective that she later used it for morning sickness and obstetrical anesthesia.
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Modern Pharmaceuticals for PMS Cause Side Effects
As marijuana grew in popularity, measures to prohibit its recreational use made it hard for women to access marijuana for their PMS symptoms. The advent of modern pharmacology at the turn of the 20th century led to the creation of new treatments for menstrual cramps. Most women still use those solutions today including painkillers, muscle relaxants and antidepressants.
However, many of these treatments cause unwanted side effects, such as nausea, insomnia, and constipation. Wouldn’t it be wise, then, to look back to history for a better way to treat menstrual cramps with cannabis?
RELATED: MEDICAL MARIJUANA MAY ALLEVIATE SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH PMS
Anecdotal Evidence Says Marijuana Helps Relieve Menstrual Cramps
Because federal law classifies cannabis as a Schedule 1 drug, it’s very difficult for researchers to study marijuana’s effect on menstrual cramps. But there’s research that shows marijuana can relieve pain, while tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can decrease anxiety and nausea—both of which may help take the edge off menstrual cramps.
But where research is lacking, women report anecdotally that cannabis products help ease cramps, back pain and even cycle-related migraines.
As more states move towards legalizing marijuana for medical use, more people are beginning to look to marijuana in treating PMS symptoms. In some states, doctors already prescribe marijuana to cancer patients because it helps treat pain and nausea.
And so it follows that marijuana may benefit women who are having menstrual cramps. Cannabis may also offer many other therapeutic effects, including the relaxation of the muscles responsible for cramps. Marijuana has also been shown to help with anxiety and insomnia, two things many women deal with during PMS.
Best Cannabis Products for PMS Symptoms
So how can you add marijuana to your life to help ease menstrual cramps and other PMS symptoms? Here are a few of our favorite options.
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A marijuana strain that people say is great for cramps is Blue Dream. People report that it’s effective at relieving pain and promoting whole body relaxation.
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If you feel your cycle coming on, a marijuana-infused chocolate chip cookie might be just the thing you need. The effects of the cookie won’t take hold right away, so it’s perfect when cramps have just begun and may not be very strong.
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Full Moon Balancing Elixir is something you can take before cramps start. It’s a mix of THC and herbs that you can microdose (take in small amounts every few hours) to relieve symptoms the week before that time of the month.
Photo credit: TipsTimesAdmin
If you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our Cannabis 101 post. HelloMD can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it’s easy, private and 100% online.
