Menstrual cramps, also known as dysmenorrhea, are typically classified as a type of visceral pain. Visceral pain originates from the internal organs, in this case, the uterus, and is often described as a deep, cramping sensation.

During menstruation, the uterus contracts to help shed its lining, resulting in discomfort or pain for many individuals. This pain can vary in intensity and duration, ranging from mild to severe and lasting from a few hours to several days.

Visceral pain, including menstrual cramps, is influenced by both physiological and hormonal factors. Prostaglandins, hormone-like substances produced by the uterine lining, play a significant role in triggering uterine contractions and contributing to menstrual pain.

Management of menstrual cramps typically involves a combination of over-the-counter pain relievers (such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs), heat therapy (such as heating pads), relaxation techniques, and lifestyle modifications. For individuals with severe or debilitating menstrual pain, prescription medications or hormonal treatments may be recommended by a healthcare provider.

Cannabis Against Menstrual Cramps

Cannabis has the potential to alleviate different kinds of pain and may assist in managing menstrual cramps during menstruation. The pain resulting from menstrual cramps is not due to muscle contractions but rather the secretion of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like compounds that stimulate contractions in the uterus.

Medical cannabis may help with menstrual cramps due to its ability to interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, which is involved in regulating pain, inflammation, and other physiological processes.

Research suggests that cannabis contains compounds called cannabinoids, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), that interact with the body's endocannabinoid system. THC is known for its psychoactive effects and may help reduce pain by activating the body's CB1 receptors in the central nervous system. CBD, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive and may help reduce inflammation and pain by acting on multiple pathways in the body.

Studies have found that medical cannabis, particularly strains high in CBD, may help reduce the severity and frequency of menstrual cramps.

What Studies Exist to Support the Use of Cannabis Against Menstrual Cramps?

In 2019, a review of studies investigating CBD as a potential treatment for PMS revealed that cannabis could be beneficial for both chronic and acute pain relief, while cannabis and CBD may also alleviate similar symptoms.

A 2022 review ‘Dysmenorrhoea: Can Medicinal Cannabis Bring New Hope for a Collective Group of Women Suffering in Pain, Globally?’ cites several preclinical and clinical studies suggesting that CBD may help alleviate menstrual cramps by reducing inflammation and pain. One study found that topical application of CBD gel reduced pain and improved quality of life in women with dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual cramps).

The authors also note that CBD may be effective for other PMS symptoms, such as mood changes and sleep disturbances. However, they caution that more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of CBD for PMS.

The review concludes that while the available evidence is promising, more high-quality clinical trials are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of CBD for menstrual cramps and other PMS symptoms.

Another 2021 study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada found that medical cannabis was effective in reducing pain associated with endometriosis, a condition that can cause severe menstrual cramps.

Does cannabis for menstrual cramps have side effects?

The side effects of using medical cannabis for pain, palliative, and cancer care can vary depending on the individual, the method of use, the dosage, and the type of cannabis used.

It can range from Psychotropic effects like euphoria, drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion to cognitive ones including issues related to memory, attention, and reaction time. Besides, smoking or inhaling cannabis can cause respiratory irritation, coughing, and bronchitis. This can be a concern for patients with preexisting lung conditions.

Cannabis can also cause changes in heart rate and blood pressure, which can be problematic for patients with cardiovascular disease and gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

Key takeaways:

• Cannabis has the potential to alleviate different types of pain, including menstrual cramps caused by the secretion of prostaglandins, hormone-like compounds that stimulate contractions in the uterus.

• Medical cannabis interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the body, which regulates pain, inflammation, and other physiological processes, and contains compounds called cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, that can help reduce pain and inflammation.

• Studies have found that medical cannabis, particularly strains high in CBD, may help reduce the severity and frequency of menstrual cramps, as well as other PMS symptoms, such as mood changes and sleep disturbances.

• While the available evidence is promising, more high-quality clinical trials are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of CBD for menstrual cramps and other PMS symptoms.

Please note: it's important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the effectiveness and safety of medical cannabis for the treatment of menstrual cramps. Additionally, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before using medical cannabis for any medical condition.