If you've ever experienced the discomfort of menstrual cramps, you know that period pain can range from a mild nuisance to a full-blown, day-ruining event. The traditional remedies for menstrual pain — from over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen to heated blankets and long naps — can be effective, but they don't always work for everyone.

But what about edibles? With the increasing popularity of cannabis, a lot of folks are wondering if cannabis edibles help with menstrual pain. The short answer? Maybe. But let's dive deeper into the topic to understand why cannabis edibles might be helpful, how they interact with the body, and what the science says about their effectiveness for menstrual cramps.

Understanding Menstrual Pain: What's Going On Here?

Before we can answer whether edibles can help, it's important to understand what's causing menstrual pain in the first place.

Menstrual cramps, or dysmenorrhea, are a common issue for many menstruators. These cramps occur due to the release of chemicals called prostaglandins during menstruation. Prostaglandins cause the muscles of the uterus to contract, which helps expel the uterine lining but can also cause pain, inflammation, and a whole heck of a lot of discomfort. In some cases, high levels of prostaglandins can lead to severe pain and other symptoms like nausea, fatigue, and dizziness.

This pain can vary in intensity, but for those with more severe cramps, this pain can disrupt daily life, making it difficult to work, exercise, or even relax. If that's you, don't worry. Help is on the way.

How Can Edibles Help with Menstrual Pain?

When it comes to taking cannabis for pain relief, edibles are a really popular choice. They're really discreet, easy to dose, and provide a longer-lasting effect compared to more traditional forms of cannabis consumption, like smoking or vaping. But how exactly can edibles help with menstrual pain?

Cannabis contains compounds known as cannabinoids — most notably, THC and CBD. These compounds interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, or ECS for short, which plays a critical role in regulating various bodily functions, including pain, inflammation, mood, and sleep.

Pain Relief and Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Both THC and CBD have been shown to have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. THC binds to CB1 receptors in the brain, which can provide a sense of euphoria and relaxation while also helping to reduce pain, and CBD works by interacting with CB2 receptors, which are found throughout the body and have a significant impact on immune response and inflammation. By reducing inflammation, CBD may help alleviate the muscle cramps and discomfort associated with menstruation.

And these notions are backed up by science. There have been a ton of studies that have demonstrated that cannabinoids like THC and CBD can help manage pain and inflammation. One 2016 review published in The Journal of Pain found that cannabinoids can be effective for chronic pain management. Another study in Neurotherapeutics found that CBD had significant anti-inflammatory effects, making it a potentially useful treatment for conditions involving muscle or joint inflammation — like menstrual cramps.

Muscle Relaxation

Menstrual cramps often involve the contraction of the muscles of the uterus. Cannabis, particularly THC, is known to have muscle-relaxing properties. This effect can be helpful in reducing the intensity of cramps and helping to relieve tension in the body, making it easier to manage pain.

Science backs this up too. THC has been shown to have muscle-relaxant properties, which is why it's commonly used for conditions that involve muscle spasms or tightness. In a study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology in 2020, researchers found that THC could reduce muscle spasms and provide significant pain relief for individuals dealing with conditions like multiple sclerosis and other muscle-related pain.

Mood and Stress Relief

As you're well aware, menstrual pain is not just physical. The hormonal fluctuations that occur during your cycle can also contribute to emotional and mental stress. THC, known for its mood-lifting effects, can help alleviate anxiety and stress, while CBD may have a calming effect that promotes relaxation. These mood-enhancing benefits can help to ease the emotional strain of dealing with really bad cramps.

Studies have found that both THC and CBD can improve mood, reduce stress, and even combat feelings of depression and anxiety. A 2015 study in Neuropsychopharmacology concluded that low doses of THC could improve mood and decrease anxiety, making it a promising option for managing emotional stress during menstruation.

Better Sleep

When period pain is particularly intense, it can be hard to get restful sleep. Fortunately, THC has been shown to improve sleep quality, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. For people whose cramps interfere with their ability to rest, edibles can be a real game-changer.

THC's sleep-inducing properties are also well-documented. In a 2018 study published in Current Psychiatry Reports, researchers found that THC helped to reduce the time it took for individuals to fall asleep and improved the overall quality of sleep. This could be really helpful for people struggling with pain-related sleep disturbances during their menstrual cycle.

So now you know how cannabis can help with menstrual pain, but why should you use edibles in particular? There are a few reasons that we'll get into below.

What Are the Benefits of Using Edibles for Menstrual Pain?

While other forms of cannabis can provide rapid effects, edibles offer several benefits that make them particularly useful for menstrual pain:

• Longer-Lasting Relief: Edibles take longer to take effect compared to smoking, but they also tend to provide longer-lasting relief. This can be particularly useful for managing cramps over an extended period.
• Discreet and Convenient: Edibles are easy to consume discreetly, whether you're at home, at work, or on the go. They also come in a lot of different forms — from gummies to chocolates to baked goods — so there's something for almost every preference.
• Precise Dosing: Cannabis edibles from Sherpa and other reputable providers come with clearly marked dosages, making it easier to control how much you're consuming. This is especially important for people who are new to cannabis or are looking for a specific level of relief.
• No Smoke or Vapor: For those who prefer not to inhale anything, edibles provide a smokeless alternative. They're a lot gentler on the lungs and more suitable for folks with respiratory issues.

That said, there are a few things to keep in mind if you're going to take cannabis edibles for menstrual pain. While they're certainly helpful, there are a few considerations you'll need to make.

Are There Any Risks or Side Effects to Taking Edibles for Menstrual Relief?

While cannabis edibles can offer significant relief for menstrual pain, they're not without their risks and potential side effects — especially if you're not familiar with how cannabis affects your body. As with any treatment, it's important to speak with a doctor first and approach edibles with caution. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Overconsumption and Delayed Effects

One of the most common risks of consuming cannabis edibles is overconsumption. Unlike smoking or vaping, edibles take longer to take effect — often anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours, depending on factors like metabolism, the type of edible you took, and your individual tolerance. This delayed onset can lead inexperienced folks to mistakenly believe that they haven't taken enough, causing them to consume more before the first dose even kicks in.

Overconsuming can result in an intense and really uncomfortable high. To avoid this, you really need to start with a small dose, especially if you're new to edibles or cannabis in general. A good rule of thumb is to start with 5mg of THC and wait at least two hours before taking more.

If you're concerned about overconsumption, you can also look for edibles with a more balanced ratio of THC to CBD. CBD can help to counteract some of the negative effects of THC and give you a more gentle, well-rounded experience.

Legal and Safety Concerns

Cannabis laws vary significantly depending on where you live. In some places, cannabis is fully legal for both medical and recreational use, while in others, it's only available for medical purposes or remains entirely illegal. If cannabis is illegal in your area, purchasing edibles could lead to legal issues, including fines or even arrest.

That said, all of the products Sherpa sells are completely legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. We have more resources to explain this, but essentially, that piece of legislation defined hemp as being distinct from marijuana based on THC content. If it's hemp, it's legal to cultivate, and any products derived from hemp — like all of our edibles — are legal to possess and consume.

That said, it's also important to note that because cannabis is regulated differently across the country, the quality, potency, and safety of cannabis edibles can vary. Always ensure you're purchasing edibles from a licensed, reputable dispensary that complies with local regulations. Look for products like ours that are third-party tested for potency and contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.

Potential Drug Interactions

It's also important to know that cannabis can interact with other medications, which is an important consideration if you are taking prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications for pain relief or hormonal regulation. Certain medications that are metabolized by the liver, like painkillers or birth control pills, could interact with cannabinoids, potentially affecting how your body processes both. Cannabis — especially THC — can also have sedative effects, which may amplify the drowsiness caused by other medications, including anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, or sleep aids. This could leave you feeling overly groggy or lethargic.

It's a good idea to talk to your doctor before trying cannabis edibles, especially if you're on medication for any chronic conditions. They can help you understand any potential interactions and ensure that the combination is safe for you. Additionally, if you have a pre-existing condition like liver or kidney disease, your doctor may need to adjust your medication dosages if you add cannabis to the mix.

Digestive Sensitivity or Allergic Reactions

Cannabis edibles are often made with a variety of ingredients, which could include sugars, artificial sweeteners, flavorings, or gluten. If you have a food allergy or sensitivity, it's essential to read the ingredient list carefully. It's also worth noting that some people experience gastrointestinal discomfort like bloating, stomach cramps, or diarrhea when consuming cannabis edibles, particularly if they are not accustomed to cannabis or consume them in large quantities.

Impairment and Safety Concerns

You should also be aware that cannabis will impair your cognitive function and motor skills, affecting your ability to drive or perform activities that require focus and coordination. If you're planning to use cannabis edibles for menstrual pain relief, it's important to be aware of how they affect you. It's not a great idea to take one and then drive to work to give a big presentation to your boss, for instance.

Also, like we mentioned above, since edibles can take longer to kick in, there's a higher risk of taking more than you need, which is never fun. If you're new to cannabis or unfamiliar with how edibles affect you, it's best to use them in a safe, controlled environment, ideally when you're not planning to leave the house or engage in any activities that would require you to be engaged and mentally sharp.

The Bottom Line: Can Edibles Help with Menstrual Pain?

So the answer here is a resounding yes. The science shows that cannabis, particularly THC and CBD, can help alleviate menstrual pain through its anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, muscle-relaxing, and mood-enhancing properties. Basically all of the magical stuff people use cannabis for in the first place.

That said, cannabis edibles are not a one-size-fits-all solution. As with any form of treatment, what works for one person may not work for another. It's important to start with a low dose, experiment to find what works best for you, and always be mindful of the potential risks and side effects.

If you're interested in trying cannabis edibles for menstrual pain, make sure you're purchasing from a reputable source, and consider talking to a healthcare professional first. With careful use and a little experimentation, you just might find that cannabis edibles provide the relief you've been searching for.