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How can cannabis help with period cramps?

woman in pain, sitting and holding her belly

Article written by

Dr. June ChinChief Medical Officer

Content reviewed by

Dipak HemrajMedical Cannabis Researcher

Table of contents

  1. Does weed help with period cramps?
  2. What other medical conditions can cause menstrual cramps?
  3. CBD for menstrual cramps
  4. How to use weed for period cramps
  5. Best cannabis strains for menstrual cramps
  6. The bottom line: Cannabis has potential to relieve period cramps
  7. References

If you’ve ever found yourself curled up with a heating pad to soothe period cramps, you’re not alone. Menstrual pain affects millions of people and can interfere with daily life, sleep, and emotional well-being.

Over-the-counter painkillers can help some find relief from period cramps, but others are turning to cannabis for relief. So, does weed help with period cramps? Dive into the research below.

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Does weed help with period cramps?

Cannabis has been used for centuries to ease pain and spasms.

While larger-scale studies are still needed, anecdotal reports and traditional medicine have long pointed to marijuana’s ability to reduce:

  • Pelvic pain
  • Mood swings
  • Backaches
  • Endometriosis-related discomfort
  • Dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual periods)

Research is still evolving, but the effects of cannabis on pain, inflammation, and muscle relaxation suggest that it can be a helpful remedy for some.

Menstrual cramps happen when the uterus squeezes or contracts to shed its lining. These contractions are triggered by prostaglandins, which are inflammatory compounds that can also cause nausea, fatigue, and headaches.

The higher your prostaglandin levels, the more intense your cramps may be. Cannabinoids like THC can inhibit prostaglandin release.

Cannabis might help by targeting the inflammation, pain signals, and muscle spasms behind these symptoms.

Anti-inflammatory properties

Both tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are known to reduce inflammation, a key contributor to cramping. By interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, cannabinoids may help regulate immune response and calm overactive pain pathways.

Pain relief

Cannabis, particularly THC, can change the way your brain processes pain. CBD also plays a role by reducing pain signals and sensitivity. Together, they may help some individuals experience less painful period cramps.

Cannabis-based medications may also be safer and have fewer side effects than traditional pain medications, including opioids.

Muscle relaxation

THC has antispastic properties that may help ease the uterine contractions related to period cramps.

For some people, this may translate into faster and deeper relief than what conventional pain relief medications offer.

Mood and symptom support

Beyond physical pain, cannabinoids like CBD can help address other menstrual symptoms like:

  • Irritability
  • Anxiety
  • Perceived stress

Cannabis might also help reduce sleep disruptions, which are common during premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

What other medical conditions can cause menstrual cramps?

Not all menstrual cramps are caused by typical hormonal fluctuations. In fact, several chronic conditions can lead to intense, recurring pelvic pain that often goes misdiagnosed or undertreated.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. This buildup can lead to severe pain and inflammation, significantly impacting quality of life.

Treatment often involves NSAIDs, hormone therapy, or even opioids. Both THC and CBD show promise for reducing pain and inflammation. A recent human cohort study found cannabis effective for relieving pelvic pain, digestive discomfort, and mood issues.

Inhaled cannabis seemed to help most with pain, while oral forms were more beneficial for mood and gut symptoms. Clinical trials are still needed to confirm these effects.

PCOS

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is another inflammatory condition that can cause cramping, along with irregular periods and hormonal imbalances. PCOS is often linked to insulin resistance and weight gain.

Though research is limited, early studies suggest cannabinoids might help manage the inflammation and hormonal disruptions associated with PCOS.

Uterine fibroids

Uterine Fibroids are benign growths in the uterus that can cause heavy, painful periods. While the exact cause is unclear, high estrogen levels may play a role.

There’s little direct research on cannabis and fibroids, but some studies indicate cannabis may reduce estrogen levels, potentially lowering fibroid risk. More broadly, cannabis’s pain-relieving effects may offer relief to those dealing with fibroid-related cramping.

CBD for menstrual cramps

If you prefer to avoid the “high” that comes with THC, you may want to consider CBD for menstrual cramps.

CBD is non-intoxicating and widely available, yet still has many of the anti-inflammatory and pain relief properties that can help ease the discomfort of period cramps.

While scientific research on CBD specifically for PMS is still limited, its effects on pain and inflammation are well-documented, and some users report using CBD products for menstrual relief.

How to use weed for period cramps

The best method of using cannabis for cramps depends on your needs and how quickly you want relief. Here are some tips:

  • For fast relief, consider smoking or vaping: Inhaling cannabis can offer fast relief of symptoms, but it may not be a suitable method for everyone.
  • For longer-lasting relief, use edibles: Eating or drinking cannabis leads to a slower onset of effects, but symptom relief lasts longer, which may be ideal for overnight or extended periods of time.
  • For targeted relief, try topicals or suppositories: These options offer localized pain relief with no intoxicating effects. Suppositories may provide fast and targeted pelvic relief for intense period cramps.
  • Get personalized guidance from a doctor: For the best results, speak with a cannabis-knowledgeable provider who can help you create a plan to manage period cramps safely and effectively.
  • Purchase cannabis from licensed dispensaries: When you buy from dispensaries, you can rest assured that your products are regulated and tested by a third party.

Each person’s body is different, so experimenting with methods may help you discover what works best for your body.

Best cannabis strains for menstrual cramps

Some strains are especially popular among those managing menstrual pain.

Look for strains with a balanced THC:CBD ratio. You should also consider the terpenes in your product. Terpenes are compounds in cannabis that affect its smell, taste, and therapeutic effects.

Some terpenes — like myrcene, linalool, beta-caryophyllene, and pinene — have calming and pain-relieving properties that might make your cannabis product particularly helpful for period cramps.

Strains recommended for menstrual cramps include:

  • Gorilla Glue (GG#4)
  • Blue Dream
  • Grandaddy Purple
  • Lavender
  • Purple Punch
  • Purple Urkle
  • Skywalker OG
  • OG Kush
  • Pink Kush
  • Orange Kush Breath
  • Sour Diesel
  • Kali Mist
  • Wedding Cake
  • Girl Scout Cookies (GSC)
  • Super Lemon Haze
  • Harlequin
  • Pennywise

Each person’s response to a strain may vary, so it may take some trial and error to find the best one for you.

Should you use a sativa or indica for menstrual cramps?

Many people question whether a sativa or an indica strain is best for menstrual cramps. Today, nearly all strains are considered hybrids, but each might be indica- or sativa-dominant.

In general, indica-dominant strains may help with period cramps through pain-relieving and relaxing effects. Sativa-dominant strains might be better for other menstrual symptoms, like low mood or fatigue.

It’s important to remember that factors like cannabinoid profile and terpene content are more important to a product’s effects and your experience using it than a sativa or indica label.

The bottom line: Cannabis has potential to relieve period cramps

Does weed help with period cramps? For many individuals, the answer is yes.

Cannabis and CBD may ease inflammation, reduce pain, and calm uterine spasms, offering real relief when other methods fall short. Still, results vary from person to person, and finding the right product, strain, and dose is key.

If you’re considering using cannabis for menstrual pain, getting a medical marijuana card can help you access high-quality, lab-tested products tailored to your needs. You may also benefit from speaking with a licensed physician at Leafwell who can guide you in finding the right strain, CBD:THC ratio, and dosage.

References

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Frequently Asked Questions

Take a look at some more frequently asked questions around cannabis for period cramps.

How does weed help with periods?

Cannabis may help relieve menstrual symptoms like painful cramps, mood swings, and sleep issues by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system to reduce pain and inflammation and promote relaxation.

What is the best weed for period cramps?

Strains high in CBD or with balanced THC:CBD ratios are often preferred for cramps, as they may reduce pain and inflammation without intense psychoactive effects. Popular choices include Harlequin, ACDC, and Pennywise.

Do cannabis suppositories help with menstrual pain?

Some people find that cannabis suppositories provide fast, targeted relief from menstrual pain by delivering cannabinoids directly to pelvic tissues, reducing inflammation and muscle tension.