Women’s Health and Cannabis Molecules

THC is the substance responsible for providing the psychoactive qualities of cannabis. However, according to recent research, THC also has properties that can be therapeutic and has potential benefits specifically for women’s health.

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Which cannabis molecules are we even looking at?

Of the more than 100 substances that can be obtained from cannabis, the best known are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). They are, unsurprisingly, the most abundant compounds in the plant, as together they represent almost 40 percent of active components.

First of all, people who do not have experience with these substances should be careful and be widely informed in order to obtain the maximum benefits and minimize risks when consuming them. In mammals, including humans, there is a system called endocannabinoid system. This is composed of a series of complex mechanisms that have diverse functions for the organism, it is related to the neurotransmitters of pain, the body’s defense cells and the control of circadian rhythms among other key functions.

When consuming cannabis or any other substance, it enters the body and, through the endocannabinoid system, results in the alteration of body processes. Thus when consuming THC, it will produce strange sensations and the larger the amount consumed, the more likely it is to generate euphoria, hallucinations, irritated eyes, alterations in the perception of time and space and agitation among other symptoms, so it is advisable to start cautiously in the consumption of cannabis, especially with THC.

Cannabis, THC, and women’s health

Researchers point out that THC causes greater effects in women than in men. Doctors point out that this is largely due to a hormonal issue as they interact with the endocannabinoid system. There are also other studies that indicate that women have more endocannabinoids and endocannabinoid receptors than men.

Research, however, is inconclusive as there are currently more male marijuana users than female (although in the United States, this could change in the future). In addition, due to the very long prohibition of the herb in most countries, research on the subject is not yet robust nor does it have the required accuracy to have confirmed results.

Are there women’s health benefits from cannabis consumption?

THC can help with premenstrual syndrome, which is a set of physical and emotional symptoms experienced by women during some point of the menstrual cycle. Although so far the reasons for this syndrome are poorly understood, experts say that it is due to hormonal fluctuations in the different days of the cycle; some of these symptoms which can become very annoying and even disabling are: muscle and joint pain, migraine, swelling, fatigue, acne, fluid retention, breast tenderness, diarrhea, nausea, constipation, irritability, depression, uncontrollable crying, insomnia, among some others.

Cannabis and THC specifically can alleviate some of these symptoms such as irritability, fatigue and mood swings, making it potentially beneficial for women’s health. There are other areas it might help which interest women in particular.

THC for skin care and other health and wellness concerns

Currently the cosmetic industry is including more and more cannabis derivatives for skin care products, especially CBD, though THC also has moisturizing properties that give the skin a rejuvenated appearance, it also contains polyphenols which are antioxidants that protect the cells of the epidermis against oxidative damage.

Cannabis is conferred with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, so it is also used to treat dermatitis, eczema, acne and psoriasis.

THC for sexual vitality
THC can significantly help to improve blood flow, which has an impact on sexual performance, resulting in greater arousal and more intense orgasms. In addition, because it is effective in treating some types of pain, it can reduce dyspareunia (pain that occurs during vaginal penetration).

THC as a treatment for pain
The reduction and relief of chronic pain is one of the main properties conferred to cannabis and although many people point out that it is CBD that has this quality, current studies recognize that a combination of CBD and THC provide a more effective and faster relief for the treatment of pain.

The analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis can contribute to the treatment of endometriosis, dysmenorrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, dyspareunia, fibromyalgia, migraine, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, among other conditions.

It is important to point out that before any treatment that intends to include cannabis or any of its derivatives to alleviate any ailment, it will always be necessary to consult with the attending physician.

(Featured image by 
Sharon McCutcheon via Unsplash)

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First published in NacionCannabis, a third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

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