How can cannabis improve women's health?

7 Ways Cannabis Can Improve Women's Health It can be hard to be a woman in today’s world. Between politics, social opinion, sexual oppression and accessing proper healthcare, there are a number of battles still faced by today’s modern ladies. While cannabis cannot solve everything, it is growing as a tool to help women better manage their health. After all, can it be coincidence that the female cannabis plant are the ones that contain the cannabinoid-rich trichomes?

In addition, with legalization looming and so many easy ways to buy cannabis online, it is becoming more available to women all over the world. But what is it about cannabis that makes it such a powerful ally for women’s health?

1. Reduce Symptoms of PMS

First and foremost, cannabis is a great for helping to manage symptoms of PMS. This is because the uterus contains 100 times more of the neurotransmitter anandamide than the brain does. This transmitter is sometimes referred to as the “bliss molecule”. Unfortunately, anandamide is closely linked to estrogen. This is why when estrogen drops during the menstrual cycle, anandamide drops as well. This can result in moodiness, irritability, a higher sensitivity to pain or the craving for fatty foods1.

Anandamide's effects are mediated by the CB1 cannabinoid receptor in the central nervous system, as well as the CB2 cannabinoid receptor in the periphery. These receptors are particularly sensitive to THC, found in cannabis, which is why it is such a powerful relief agent 1

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for the immune system and pain. Cannabis helps to manage the production and stimulation of anandamide.

In addition, cannabis has powerful anti-inflammatory properties which work to relieve PMS symptoms like cramps bloating and aches and pains. Click here to shop PMS-relieving strains in our Fair Canna Care online cannabis dispensary!

2. Ease Painful Periods

As mentioned, cannabis is a powerful and natural anti-inflammatory that can aid in pain reduction and relief. Approximately 84% of women suffer from painful periods2. While some can get relief from over-the-counter medications such as Advil, Midol or Tylenol, some women have to take stronger painkillers and even call in sick from work!

Cannabis is a great alternative to these medications for easing painful period pain, as well as a variety of other symptoms. As cannabis communicates with the natural cannabinoid receptors found in the central nervous system, as well as the immune system, it can work to reduce the inflammatory response and relax pain receptors. In fact, it is becoming so popular for this use that companies are even designing THC infused tampons and bath bombs specifically for helping the pelvic region relax. In addition, there are many topical lotions to reduce pain for individuals who are regularly tested for THC due to their jobs.

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3. Manage Menopause

Menopause is something that affects 50% of the population and occurs in all women, typically between the ages of 48 to 55 years. However, some women can go through it prematurely before they turn 40! Menopause is not something women look forward to - the hot flashes, night sweats and moodiness are not a pleasant experience3. Fortunately, cannabis is proven to relieve many menopausal symptoms, without the scary side effects of hormone therapy.

The endocannabinoid system has a major hand in menopause as it helps maintain the biochemical balance in the body, including regulating reproductive cycles and body temperature. As cannabinoids are found naturally in the body, they engage easily with the cannabinoids found in marijuana. In fact, many women are even more sensitive to THC before ovulation, when estrogen levels are the highest. In terms of menopause however, the endocannabinoid system fluctuates and estrogen levels drop. As estrogen is thought to be responsible for regulating emotional response and mood, it often leads to menopausal mood swings.

Cannabis has been touted as a menopausal miracle since the 1920s, even back to 1889. THC is known to regulate body temperature by replacing and regulating anandamide. Additionally, THC is known to boost mood, thereby regulating estrogen-related mood swings. Additionally, cannabis is even said to help with postmenopausal osteoporosis!

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4. Relieve Headaches

Women are three times more likely to experience painful migraines than men are4. Interestingly enough, cannabis was used as a preferred treatment for these headaches up until the 1940s, when they were replaced with our new "traditional" painkillers5. However, cannabis today is stronger than it was 75+ years ago - and it is making a comeback as a preferred treatment option. Medical marijuana reduces inflammation and pain in every area of the body, including the brain.

In fact, the University of Colorado studied 121 people who suffered from regular migraines and found that cannabis reduced the number of migraines in half for 40% of the patients. Most individuals found that they had great results with smoking vs edibles or concentrates, as they were better able to control the dosage.

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5. Alleviate Depression

Depression is another ailment that affects women more than men. In fact, women are 50% more likely to experience major depression than their male counterparts (as if we don’t have enough on our plates!). Fortunately, cannabis has been around since 1899 as a treatment for depression. The reason determined by a University of Buffalo Research Institute study was that "compounds derived from cannabis -- marijuana -- to restore normal endocannabinoid function could potentially help stabilize moods and ease depression". In addition, a 2007 study revealed that it was low doses of THC that had the most positive effect on improving serotonin levels, which are one of the major causes of depression.

Girl Scout Cookies and Blue Dream are two great strains to help alleviate depression. They are easy to buy online and available through Fair Canna Care’s mail-order marijuana service. Click here to find more options!

6. Reduce Fatigue

Fatigue is another predominantly female-oriented issue with many ladies managing their family life as well as having strong careers as CEO’s, managers, publicists, etc. In fact, the modern woman is stretched so thin that she is two to four times more likely to suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome than the men in her life. Again, that is where cannabis comes in! As a remedy for fighting fatigue and muscle exhaustion for years, cannabis is a great alternative for women who don’t have the time to rest or don’t want to take stronger medications. Sativa-dominant strains are great for fighting daytime fatigue and helping to get things done, while Indica-dominant strains are ideal for aiding with sleep and increasing rest.

Chocolope and Green Crack are two great fatigue-fighting strains available in our online cannabis dispensary shop. Click here to browse more options!

7. Increase Appetite

Unfortunately, with the unrealistic social and body expectations of women, it is not surprising that as many as 20 million women in the United States alone suffer from an eating disorder.

Additionally, cancer patients going through chemotherapy or individuals suffering from a gastrointestinal disease may also find themselves lacking an appetite. The “munchies” is a common side-effect of marijuana that is generated by the appetite-inducing compound THC. This cannabinoid is able to communicate with the neuron receptors in the brain, telling the body it is hungry.

Skywalker OG and Sage ‘N Sour are some great strains for inducing appetite and are easy to buy in our online cannabis dispensary. Click here to browse more options!

It is time for women to take back their health - and cannabis is the perfect way to do that. After all, what women doesn’t love flowers? Whatever your symptoms, visit your local budtender or buy medical marijuana online and start feeling the relief you deserve.