Menstrual cramps can be debilitating, and those who face this problem know how painful it is. Some women suffer so much pain that they dread even the mention of menstruation.
Over the years, there have been discoveries of many different treatments for menstrual cramps. Primarily, the treatment options have been limited to various types of painkillers, and this is where medical marijuana is being touted as an effective solution for menstrual cramps.
Medical marijuana is attaining a growing preference to manage severe pain as well as chronic pain. Anyone with a legit marijuana med card can procure medical marijuana, provided it is legal in their place of residence.
What do studies suggest?
Statistical data and research have shown that pain caused by various conditions, including endometriosis, can be managed using medical marijuana. It gives confidence that the treatment can also be beneficial for cramps and pelvic pain associated with menstruation. The first thing that needs to be kept in mind is that marijuana is a complex mixture of more than 100 different types of compounds that are known as cannabinoids. These are absorbed by the body when either they are eaten or inhaled. These go directly to the brain and produce different kinds of reactions within the body. The body has got cannabinoid receptors to which naturally occurring compounds called endocannabinoids attach. Cannabinoids can attach to these receptors. The endocannabinoid system has shown significant involvement in the role of regulating pain and inflammation. Among these 100 different types of compounds, the two most well-known are THC and CBD. THC or Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol produces the typical high feeling associated with cannabis whereas, CBD or Cannabidiol doesn’t.
The most important thing about the efficacy of any treatment is research data. Modern medical science dwells on the premises of research data. It further validates the use and effectiveness of any treatment on the same. Needless to say, marijuana was not considered as a forerunner in the case of medicinal use, and thus proper research data is not widely available. Having said this, it is worth considering that marijuana has been used for a long time in gynecology. Sir John Russel Reynolds, who was the personal physician of Queen Victoria, used to prescribe hemp tincture to the queen to alleviate her menstrual cramps back in the late-19th century. The process by which medical marijuana may be able to control menstrual cramps is ill-understood. The pain and cramps during menstruation are caused by the release of certain inflammatory compounds called prostaglandins. When excessive amounts of prostaglandins are produced it causes severe pain. The usual treatment for menstrual cramps is the prescription of NSAIDs or Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The NSAIDs work by blocking the production of prostaglandins. They do it by binding with COX receptors in the brain and other tissues. In the case of cannabinoids like THC and CBD, there is no such interaction with COX receptors. So, they do not have any effect on the production of prostaglandins. They are known to stimulate the production of the hormone dopamine. Dopamine hormone is also known as the “feel-good” hormone. They also reduce the inflammation in nerves and the joints.
How does it work?
The ability of THC or CBD in increasing the production of dopamine and reducing inflammation in nerves and joints shows efficacy in the reduction of chronic pain conditions like neuropathic pain and rheumatoid arthritis. The inability of medical marijuana to affect the production of prostaglandins has clouded the minds of researchers and doctors as to how they may be beneficial in the management of menstrual cramps. There is one concept that the euphoria or high of THC may affect nullifying the sensation of pain to some extent. However, the effect of CBD is unknown.
The safety of using medical marijuana is something that is debated quite often. The reason behind this is long-term researches are yet to provide any decisive conclusion on this. Most people assume that the use of marijuana for a long time is safe. However, the National Institute of Drug Abuse advises against arriving at any such conclusions because such consequences of using marijuana over a long period are still unknown. It is a fact that medical marijuana products like CBD oils, extracts, and tinctures are still sold as a form of alternative medicine. Thus they sometimes do contain unknown ingredients. The dosage list on the product may also not be accurate many times, owing to the product being sold as an alternative therapy. Considering all these factors, medical marijuana in its inhaled form should not be used by the following people as per the advisory from NIDA or the National Institute of Drug Abuse.
- People who are not yet 25 years old.
- People who have a history of psychosis or strong evidence of others in the family suffering from the ailment.
- If there is a history of cannabis use disorder. This may be a current issue or may have happened in the past as well.
- If the person is known for engaging in substance abuse.
- Any person who suffers from either cardiac diseases or pulmonary disorders.
- Any woman who is either pregnant or is planning pregnancy.
One more thing that women need to keep in mind is there is no conclusive research done on the effect of cannabis as far as pregnancy is concerned. Thus it is in the best interest of women who are of reproductive age to avoid cannabis altogether. There is no proven impact of cannabis on the fetus. But, the fetal brain does possess cannabinoid receptors. Hence, the use of cannabis by the mother may impact the child’s mental development in later years. The last thing that pregnant women must remember is that overuse of cannabis when they are pregnant may increase chances of pregnancy loss through the overstimulation of cannabinoid receptors in the lining of the uterus.
Through the discussion, it is evident that the use of medical marijuana may have helped in the reduction of menstrual cramps and pain. However, the risk associated must be considered carefully. Overall, marijuana has been known to be relatively low risk and thus may be consumed in moderation. Effects should be monitored carefully to understand how helpful it is in reducing the problems.
