Cannabis: Game-Changer for Women's Health? For thousands of years, cannabis has been touted for its medicinal purposes in cultures around the globe. Ancient Egypt used cannabis to treat pain, inflammation, and seizures, and in Ancient Greece, cannabis was a remedy for insomnia and gastrointestinal issues. It’s been around a long time! But despite its epic history as a multi-purpose treatment, cannabis is still in its infancy when it comes to modern medicine. Back in 1996, California was the first state to legalize medical marijuana. Now, medical-use cannabis is legal in 40 states, and recreational use is legal in 24 states (and growing!) As cannabis becomes more widely legalized and accepted, new research suggests that it can be extremely beneficial to women’s health issues and treatment.
As we approach the April 20 “high holiday,” let’s take a closer look at why women may benefit from cannabis use and the ailments that may be eased by incorporating the plant into your lifestyle.
Why More Women Are Turning to Cannabis
Although more men and women are using medical marijuana, according to research reported by Med Well Health and Wellness Centers, females are more likely to use marijuana to treat chronic illnesses to replace prescribed medication. The reason? Cannabis has been known to help with ailments more often experienced by women. For example:
Menstrual cramps: We’ve all had ‘em! Cannabis can help alleviate some of the pain associated with menstrual cramps due to its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to relax muscles. We highly recommend using a CBD-infused suppository to help with PMS symptoms like cramping.
Endometriosis: Endometriosis a super painful condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. Cannabis’s anti-inflammatory powers and ability to ease pain can provide relief. Poor sleep and gastrointestinal problems are also associated with Endometriosis, which have been shown to improve with cannabis use.
Anxiety and depression: More not so great news: Studies consistently show that women are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety than men. A positive note: Cannabis has a calming effect and can lower stress levels, especially the CBD component of cannabis, due to its neuroprotective properties.
Menopause: As hormonal changes occur with age, women experience menopause (and perimenopause!) symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, irritability, weight gain or loss and vaginal dryness. Studies have found that medical cannabis can help alleviate some of these symptoms. One survey suggests nearly 80% of midlife women use cannabis to ease certain menopause-related symptoms like mood issues and trouble sleeping. We created our collection of CBD-infused intimacy oils to help combat dryness, promote relaxation, and ease pain.
Fibromyalgia: Another condition that affects more women, Fibromyalgia causes chronic pain throughout the body, mood changes, and fatigue. Studies suggest that women are diagnosed with the condition between 75% and 90% more often than men. Cannabis has been found to help ease these symptoms and improve sleep. Research is still ongoing to discover the true benefits of marijuana on Fibromyalgia symptoms.
Autoimmune Disorders: Women are more likely to suffer from autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. Medical marijuana’s immunomodulatory properties can support women who are experiencing these issues, especially by calming inflammation.
What’s Next For Women’s Health and Cannabis?
Of course, more research is always needed. And now that cannabis is becoming more widely accepted, we expect more studies will be conducted to better understand the connection between women’s health and the marijuana plant. Despite some of the controversy in the United States around cannabis use, it’s clear that its deep history as a medicinal tool and its benefits are compelling. Medical marijuana can offer relief from physical pain and discomfort, as well as mood changes, sleeplessness, and anxiety. Because many of these symptoms are consistent with ailments primarily experienced by women, research shows that women may be the most to benefit from the expansion of marijuana legalization.
For more on all things women’s sexual health, cannabis, and CBD, follow us on social media and stay up on our latest blog posts.
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