Owning Your Menstrual Cycle With Cannabis
How is the cannabis industry meeting the needs of women on their periods?
Menstruation can sometimes be seen as a disadvantage to being a woman. There’s bloating, exhaustion, mood swings and of course, cramps. Physical activity, wearing tight pants, even eating spicy foods can feel frustratingly impossible. Such symptoms of an experience that makes us part of who we are, when in truth, it’s our monthly reminder that we have the ability to create life, to hold another living being in our bodies, if we so choose. Not to mention the fact that it shows women the resilience it takes to be female. We’re working, taking care of kids, ourselves, our lives all while bleeding and feeling the inescapable experience that is cramps. Many women turn to cannabis to ease their discomfort but that too is sometimes met with upturned noses. The marijuana industry however, persists just as women do (and always have), inviting women and their needs into its evolution.
With monthly cycles comes hiding tampons en route to the bathroom, layers of foundation on PMS induced blemishes, a temporary fear of white clothing, and then of course, maneuvering the outside world while your insides feel like they’re being twisted with a screwdriver. There are so many impactful issues that come along with getting your period. Akin to breastfeeding in public, outside perspectives institute shame for the outward experience of it; though really, the only true outside perspective, is that of men. So why do we care so much? Are we so concerned that men or, God forbid, fellow women will reproach what is a very human, everyday occurrence? Ultimately, the responsibility thus falls on women to face any sort of embarrassment head on, and escape from the mentality that it’s something to be hidden. Ownership such as this can only lead to empowerment and hopefully a shift into considering how to ease those monthly visitor woes for oneself and not in terms of the convenience of others. Thankfully, the cannabis industry has started to catch up to this kind of thinking with a roll out of products that aren’t ashamed to broadcast their female focused mindsets, openly inviting women to proudly claim their needs (and enjoyment) of marijuana consumption.
Go-tos for women typically include pain relievers such as Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) or Acetaminophens. Excess use of the former, however, can lead to heart and stomach issues, while long term use of the latter can result in liver damage. CBD and THC products work to alleviate the inflammation that acetaminophens and NSAIDs do, without those long term risks. Their effects on receptors in muscle tissue help to ease contractions that come with cramping, which in turn allows for vascular relaxing which can further ease cramping.
These products come in an array of forms, from suppositories to balms to oils. While suppositories and some balms are particularly geared toward women, most pain relief rubs can offer inflammation relief to women in need of it. With a focus on wellness, Blissed is releasing a 1:1 oil as well as a pure CBD oil, both geared toward self care. In a time where women are stepping out of the habits of shame, the cannabis industry is responding accordingly and meeting specific needs with specific products. That’s not to say that general items marketed at all sexes can’t be helpful too, flower and edible products are sources of great sleep for restless period nights, but it’s hard to ignore the cannabis industry stepping alongside women in the uphill battle of owning their bodies with pride.
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This article was written by Hannah Ward. Hannah is a Los Angeles based actress and freelance writer, writing for TREC Brands as well as High Times Magazine. Her particular interests in the latter field is in developing female empowering content. She can be seen on screen in Gravitas Ventures’ upcoming films, After She Wakes, and The Assent.
This article was published October 1st, 2019.