Menopause + Cannabis

 
 
 

Written by Ryan Gay

While there has yet to be significant and conclusive scientifically-based research concerning cannabis and menopause, a leading researcher in both fields, Dr. Staci Gruber of McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School, has compiled data on cannabis use by menopausal and perimenopausal individuals which has shown that - at least anecdotally - cannabis can have some positive effects for those suffering from certain symptoms. 

Of the approximately 300 menopausal and perimenopausal people surveyed, nearly 79% reported that they use cannabis to relieve certain symptoms associated with menopause. 67% reported that it helped with sleep, and 45% reported that it helped with mood and/or anxiety relief.

Dr. Heather Hirsch, head of the Menopause and Midlife Clinic at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital, reports that this is broadly due to cannabis use helping to “dim” the prefrontal cortex, which helps to control mood and anxiety.

Though the most effective common medical treatment for menopausal symptoms has been hormone therapy, some choose to forgo these treatments due to the potential side effects, including risk of blood clots, stroke, and breast cancer. Cannabinoids found in THC and CBD are known to be an alternative for those who choose the more holistic route.

Those THC and CBD cannabinoids interact with our body’s endocannabinoid system, a system that produces endocannabinoids like anandamide, which helps our bodies regulate emotional processing, sleep, temperature control, and the female reproductive system. Cannabinoids found in cannabis have similar structures to anandamide, so it is suspected that cannabinoids from cannabis can help with the production of estrogen, which otherwise decreases during menopause.

Specific terpenes found in cannabis can have various therapeutic effects as well: 

  • Myrcene: anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, pain reduction, stress relief

  • Limonene: anti-depressant, mood elevation, stress relief

  • Pinene: energy-boosting, pain reduction, stress relief

  • Linalool: anti-anxiety, antidepressant, immune support, pain relief, stress relief

  • Terpinolene: sleep aid, stress relief

  • Caryphyllene: treat pain from nerve damage, cancer treatments, and surgical procedures

Here at SeaWeed Co., we did a survey of our own to see which symptoms our menopausal and perimenopausal customers are experiencing and how cannabis has helped them. In those menopausal surveyed, 84% chose cannabis to help them sleep, 37% chose edibles as their preferred mode of consumption, and prefer to consume as a way to wind down at the end of the day. Our surveyors also chose to consume cannabis to aid their body pain, anxiety, depression, even low libido. 

Some products that could help menopausal symptoms amongst others from SeaWeed Co.:

✅ SWC Pate de Fruit Gummies - good for sleep and body relaxation

✅ East Light Cannabis Gummies - good for sleep and body relaxation

✅ SWC Willie’s Medicine Tincture - good for sleep, anxiety, and muscle pain

✅ Merry Meeting Bay CBD Muscle Gel - good for muscle/joint pain

Come on by to ask your budtender which products are right for you! We’re here to help you find the optimal form of consumption, the most appropriate strain, and terpene choices to provide you with an elevated, personalized experience.

 
 

This blog is sponsored by Leafly.

 
Ryan Gay