Cannabis has long been considered a controversial drug- categorized as Schedule I by the DEA with the likes of heroin and Quaaludes (remember that scene from Wolf of Wall Street?) Regardless of its reputation, it has become increasingly more popular in the medical world for treating pain, anxiety, and inflammation (1,2). CBD (cannabidiol) is all the rage these days, but unlike its so-called sister compound THC, (tetrahydrocannabinol) you won’t be getting high off it.
THC vs. CBD: What’s the difference?
It’s all science, basically. Though they have the same molecular structure, they atoms are arranged differently. When they enter the body, they interact with something called your endocannabinoid system. THC triggers the system’s CB1 & CB2 receptors causing that high associated with marijuana. CBD, on the other hand, suppresses these two receptors and interacts with non-cannabinoid receptors (3).
Both chemicals are found all throughout the cannabis plant but marijuana contains more THC, and hemp has higher amounts of CBD.
CBD: is it legal?
Kind of- the laws surrounding it are still murky. As long as the product contains less the .03% THC, it is considered hemp. Hemp has the green light legally, unless it is sourced from a farm that is not growing it legally. Though marijuana itself is legal in Massachusetts, the 2014 Farm Bills penalizes farmers growing hemp outside of regulations. Yet, a new senate vote means we could see a change in the market soon (4). Moral to the story? If you’re going to buy, proceed with caution, and make sure no one is selling you a fake product either.
CBD for Period Cramps
Bet you didn’t see this coming- CBD has infiltrated the women’s health market. Period cramps can be awful, so innovation has naturally merged the use of cannabis to reduce pain and inflammation. Vaginal suppositories are especially hot on the market right now- claiming to be the relief that has been long sought after.
Is it safe to put CBD in my vagina?
While there is research supporting CBD as a pain reliever, there is no conclusive research stating that it is safe to take CBD vaginally. Most studies have revolved around using CBD on your skin or ingesting it in very small doses. Just like you wouldn’t put food products in your vagina, CBD is currently in a similar playing field. It could cause an infection, mess up your pH levels, etc. Way more research needs to be conducted before you upset the balance.
Fertility fears
Your endocannabinoid system also plays a part in pregnancy and embryo development. Research has indicated that even the smallest interferences with your endocannabinoid system can cause serious issues with anything from embryo implantation to development. Yes, that means miscarriage may occur (5).
Final thoughts:
- Hold off on putting CBD directly into your vagina, there hasn’t been enough research regarding its safety
- If you’re going to try CBD topically, avoid using it when you’re trying to conceive or if you’re already pregnant
- Your best bet? The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends trying natural supplements for dysmenorrhea (painful periods). B Vitamins and magnesium are both listed as natural alternatives to treating painful cramps (6). At BINTO, we purposely included these ingredients in our Bare Essentials supplement for period support.
Sources:
1.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5549367/
2.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2430692/
3.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3736954/
4.https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomangell/2018/06/28/u-s-senate-votes-to-legalize-hemp-after-decades-long-ban-under-marijuana-prohibition/#1927bb07418a
5.http://www.reproduction-online.org/content/146/3/R101.full.pdf
6.https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Dysmenorrhea-Painful-Periods#ease