Research is showing that some women who are experiencing menopause and premenopausal symptoms may be using medical marijuana to find relief. For instance, a 2020 study shows that about 1 in 4 female veterans use cannabis to treat menopause symptoms.
Experts suggest caution when using medical marijuana to relieve menopausal symptoms like anxiety, depression, and pain because the effects have not been fully established. However, a new study shows that the number of women finding relief through cannabis may be higher than they thought. And with the long list of benefits that researchers are still discovering, the future may include menopause relief.
New Study on Menopause and Medical Marijuana
The new research, published in the journal Menopause, involved more than 250 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women who were recruited through targeted ads about women’s health and cannabis use. Over 83% of study participants said they regularly used cannabis to treat menopause-related symptoms. Most of the study participants stated that cannabis is used to help improve sleep and mood and decrease anxiety symptoms. However, despite the seemingly positive findings, the study has a built-in bias since participants were recruited because of their interest in cannabis. While the study may have a built-in bias, it doesn’t take away the fact that common symptoms of menopause are the same symptoms we’ve seen proven to be helped by medical marijuana use.
How Cannabis Can Help With Menopause Symptoms
Researchers believe that there are several systems in the body that are affected by the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is found to be activated by THC and CBD. These other systems include:
- pain perception
- body temperature
- memory
- mood
- hunger
- stress
- sleep
- metabolism
- immunological response
- Reproduction
The Future of Medical Marijuana and Menopause Relief
The proliferation of medical cannabis in the United States has contributed to an increasing number of menopausal women using the drug to relieve symptoms. Given that there is a lack of clinical trials testing the effectiveness and safety of cannabis to manage menopause symptoms, more research is clearly needed.
Best Medical Marijuana Dispensary in Maryland
Dispensary Works is a Southern Maryland medical marijuana provider committed to providing the best cannabis product to patients as part of their overall health program. Our highly trained staff is here to help you select the best cannabis for your particular needs. We are here to guide you as you uncover the world of marijuana. If you would like to learn more about who we are and what we do, contact us today!
