Period pain may be a part of life, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do something to help be a little more comfortable when that time of the month rolls around. Cannabis is often used for pain, and a lot of people find that cannabis works especially well when the menstrual cramps just won’t cut them any slack. Let’s take a look at why cannabis may be good for menstrual period pain and which strains could be the best options.
Why Cannabis for Menstrual Period Pain?
One of the prime medicinal benefits of cannabis is how well it can help people who are in pain. For centuries, people have turned to the plant to help with a variety of painful ailments, including pain related to the menstrual cycle or even painful conditions like endometriosis.
The ways cannabis works for period pain is not completely understood. However, there is some speculation that the psychoactive properties dull the senses to help users better deal with the pain, while the analgesic properties of the cannabinoids target the pain itself.
The primary agent in cannabis that is thought to be responsible for the analgesic properties is, of course, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). However, other cannabinoids and terpenes may also play a role in the overall efficacy of cannabis when it comes to menstrual pain.
What Strains of Cannabis for Menstrual Pain?
When you are looking for the best cannabis for menstrual pain, the general consensus is to look for some of the more potent, high-THC strains that have the most analgesic effects. You really could go in a lot of directions, but most prefer a good high-THC strain that has the support of other cannabinoids and terpenes that could target the negative aspects of menstruation. Here is a look at a few good strains to consider and why.
Grape Cinex
Grape Cinex is a cross between Grape Ape and Cinex, so it offers some of the same trademark effects of the parent strains: calming, energizing, and relaxing. The strain has a 29 percent THC content, which is one of the highest available in a lot of dispensaries, so the analgesic qualities and direct euphoria are a good match for period pain.
Lifted OG
Lifted OG is a relatively new strain name in the world of cannabis, but this high-THC variety is often recommended by our budtenders for women who are dealing with menstrual cramps. The potent strain offers 24 percent THC, a nice CBG (cannabigerol) content, and is also high in the limonene terpene, which is known to help support a better mood.
Orange Kush Breath
With a telltale citrus flavor profile and deeply relaxing qualities, Orange Kush Breath could be a go-to strain for period pain. The strain is reportedly good for uplifting your mood and making you feel less stressed, which can be good qualities in cannabis for menstrual pain if you deal with mood swings. As a side note, 28 percent of reviewers on Leafly claim the strain helps with cramps, fatigue, and depression.
Purple Stardawg
Purple Stardawg is unique because it offers a good amount of CBG, which is also recognized for its analgesic properties. Purple Stardwag has Chemdog roots, so it carries a lot of the same desirable qualities. This strain has a funky, diesel-like odor thanks to high Myrcene terpene content, but delivers on that relaxing effect you may need when you are in pain because of your period.
Medicine Woman
Medicine Woman is a hybrid but Sativa-dominant that has a high THC content and relaxing effect. The strain was actually created by a sympathetic man looking to help his wife by giving her cannabis she could use for everyday pain and still feel clear-headed. The Sativa dominance of the strain means this cannabis offers effects that are a bit more energetic in nature while still offering good pain-relieving qualities.
CBD for Menstrual Cramps – Does It Work?
For people who prefer to stick with something that is purely therapeutic, cannabidiol (CBD) can be a good choice for managing period pain and possibly to help support a better mood. While CBD does not deliver the same level of analgesic potential, some people do find products made with CBD to be helpful for menstrual pain just the same.
While there is no major research to date that examines the efficacy of CBD for menstrual pain specifically, several studies have shown the cannabinoid to be valuable for ailments relative to the discomforts of menses. For example, CBD has been shown to be helpful for certain types of difficult-to-treat pain. Plus, CBD may also offer mood support, as it has been shown to help soothe anxiety and possibly help deter gloomy thoughts and emotions.
Without a lot of science behind CBD for period pain, how well it works is up for question. Nevertheless, there are ample anecdotal reports that CBD can be really helpful. So, even though science may not have substantiated CBD for menstrual cramps as a viable option, the cannabinoid may be worth a try for some women.
Find Your Preferred Cannabis for Menstrual Period Pain
Maybe science has yet to decide just why cannabis can help women with menstrual pain, but one thing is clear: a lot of people rely on cannabis to make life more bearable during their periods. Need help finding the best strain? Be sure to browse our selection of quality cannabis for menstrual pain at Moss Crossing.
