The link between cannabis and lady parts is closer than you think.
There are many reasons I love being a woman. We are powerful—often immeasurably so. We are passionate. We are nurturers. We are a force to be reckoned with. It has taken me more years than I care to admit to realize the true power of being a woman. And now that I know, I embrace it in all its blazing glory.
Now there are plenty of things I can do. Number one, periods. Number two, cramps—which suck worse than Aunt Flow herself. I could do without the hormone imbalances and, when the time comes, menopause. Not to mention all of the societal stresses.
What’s a girl to do? Is it our curse to deal with these mental stressors and physical discomforts, or is there something out there designed to assist and relieve us of our ailments? Well, for the perfect remedy, leave it to the mother of all mothers, the woman in charge, the matriarch of us all: Lady Cannabis.
The benefits of cannabis to our emotional and physical health are astounding. Cannabis has been used to relieve menstrual pain for centuries and has even been shown to alleviate PMS symptoms. According to an article by Melinda Misuraca in the Emerald Report, cannabis use can be found in ancient texts from China, Egypt, Persia, Israel/Palestine, and Syria for cramps, bloating, and abnormally heavy or nonexistent bleeding, as well as menopausal symptoms, urinary tract infections, and uterine hemorrhage after childbirth.
Misuraca goes on to state that the US Pharmacopoeia and US National Formulary recognized the benefits of cannabis from the mid-1800s until the 1940s. It was even recognized by the renowned Journal of American Medical Association as “one of the most valuable and satisfactory drugs” for just about every female reproductive condition.
Now, let’s talk about mental health. It’s no secret that women experience higher levels of anxiety and mental stress compared with our male cohorts (insert patriarchal-driven social narrative here), and Mary Jane offers relief for these conditions, too. According to a World Health Organization re- port, cannabidiol (CBD) may provide therapeutic benefits for numerous maladies, including those which are more prone to women: cardiovascular disease, depression, anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Menopause? Check. Anxiety? Check. Menstrual cramps? Check. Hormone imbalances? Check.
As research surrounding the many, many medicinal properties continues to surge, it’s hard not to think that cannabis was made exclusively for women—thank you, Mother Nature.
So, if the connection between cannabis and gynecological health is so intimately intertwined, what about reproduction? Well, developing science around this issue is on the rise. Though the research is quite scarce for many reasons, whether related to ethics or stigma, science is now beginning to scratch the surface of how cannabinoids in the plant interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in our bodies. The human body produces cannabinoid substances that mirror what is derived from the plant, and they play a vital role in dictating the bodily functions within virtually every mammal, including the female reproductive process.
In an article for Medical Marijuana, Inc., Eve Ripley states: “The ECS regulates these various functions through sub- stances called endocannabinoids, which bind to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and throughout the peripheral nervous system and immune systems—sometimes, however, the ECS can become deficient in endocannabinoids. This can cause endocannabinoid system dysregulation, leading to an imbalance in the body and eventually health issues.” Studies also reveal that a healthy, well-functioning ECS system may help suppress mood swings and depression.
There are a growing number of women who are opting to use THC and CBD products, such as bath bombs, tinctures, and topicals, to relieve the pain of child birthing over pharmaceuticals. And to take it a step further, some women are using it as a natural alternative to the drug Pitocin, which accelerates labor and often leads to C-Sections.
In the article “10 Surprising Facts about Cannabis and Pregnancy” published by trusted resource Green Flower Media, author Anna Wilcox writes: “Several cultures around the world still use cannabis and hemp products during pregnancy. While you’ll be hard-pressed to find medical professionals willing to suggest cannabis as a pregnancy remedy, many women still turn to the herb for relief from nausea and vomiting despite a lack of medical research on the topic.”
As testimonials and scientific research continues to grow and cannabis products diversify, it’s not unreasonable to assume the link between ladies and cannabis will strengthen. I’m convinced that this natural connection transcends mere coincidence. Mother Nature has had our back the whole time. Which, in hindsight, isn’t a stretch. After all, us ladies must stick together.
Originally posted in Orange County Sensi July 2019 issue and San Diego Sensi July 2019 issue.