Menstrual cramps? And don’t feel like taking a paracetamol or ibuprofen? Put a weed pill up your vagina. That, at least, is what American cannabis company Foria recommends.

Weed as medicine is nothing new. Although it isn’t legal in the UK, medicinal cannabis has been used for thousands of years because of its painkilling, anti-depressive and anti-inflammatory properties. Contrary to recreational use, in other words: smoking a joint, medicinal cannabis is often drunk (as a tea) or inhaled (with the help of an inhaler). Now it appears you can also put it up your vagina. Foria Relief,  developed by the American cannabis company Foria, is a vaginal suppository which should ease menstrual cramps

Stoned on your period?

No, (for some: unfortunately not). According to Foria: ‘The majority of users do not report experiencing a psychoactive high’. In other words: it might put you in a relaxed mood, but it’s unlikely that you’ll get stoned or high from the pill.

The suppository consists of organic cocoa butter, 60mg THC and 10mg CBD, the two key active compounds found in cannabis. These cannabinoids each have their own function: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) assists in blocking pain and has a numbing effect, while cannabidiol (CBD) suppresses inflammation and also reduces the psychoactive effect of THC.

Bye bye cramps!

The instructions are simple: insert vaginally, just like you would with a tampon. Because of the vaginal mucous membranes it’s directly absorbed into the bloodstream and works within 15 to 30 minutes after insertion. And it’ll continue to relieve your pain for an entire day.

That, at least, is what Broadly contributor Mish Way says. She tried Foria Relief and wrote about her experiences on Broadly: ‘Within 20 minutes, my cramps totally disappeared.’ Sounds logical, as it’s been proved that cannabis relaxes muscles. Menstrual cramps are caused by contraction of the uterus; which is, indeed, a muscle.

All natural

Since Foria’s cannabis comes from weed that is grown using biodynamic and organic practices, the pills are seen as an all-natural painkiller. Users are enthusiastic and testimonials on the website are fiercely positive. Before you plan on ordering some, be aware that Foria Relief is currently exclusively available in the United States. Only residents of the states of Colorado and California are allowed to buy it and the pills aren’t cheap: 44 dollars for four pieces.

Also, it hasn’t been clinically tested yet and the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) haven’t approved it either. Critics consider the amount of THC to be pretty high (the average dose of THC in edible cannabis products is only 10mg) and plead for further research in how exactly cannabinoids are absorbed by the vagina.

DIY?

Do it yourself by cutting up some weed plants and sticking them in your vagina? We don’t recommend it. If you really want to use cannabis against menstrual cramps, better have a look at Weed against cramps (2).

Editorial note: Period! Magazine is a journalistic platform and is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice of medical practitioners. If you’re suffering from any medical complaints, always visit your doctor or GP.

See also:
Weed against cramps (2)
Oh no, not now!
What’s app?
10 Reasons to be happy with your period