Marijuana for menstrual cramps? would you try it? Research before you use it!
Apparently, a new product called Foria Relief offers relief from menstrual cramps with the help of marijuana compounds in the form of a vaginal suppository.
However, experts suggest that, because of the lack of studies on the product, there’s no clear evidence that it is safe to use, or that it works.
What does Foria Relief contain?
Foria Relief contains 60 milligrams of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and 10 mg of cannabidiol (CBD), along with cocoa butter. Both THC and CBD are active ingredients in marijuana; THC is responsible for producing the “high” effect of the drug.
The product became available last month in 2 states Colorado and California, (Recreational use of marijuana is legal in Colorado, and marijuana can be obtained for medical purposes with a physician’s recommendation in California.)
The company states that THC and CBD can relax muscles and that, as such, these compounds may help with menstrual cramps, which are caused by the contraction of the uterus muscles. The compounds can also act on the nerve endings of the uterus, cervix and ovaries to block pain, the company says.
However, Foria Relief has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The effectiveness and safety of the product have not been evaluated and proven. The company notes in a disclaimer that information on its product is
“based on patients’ reported experiences.”
Because the product is not FDA-approved, it cannot be marketed to treat or cure any disease.
What’s more, there’s little scientific research on the effect of any type of marijuana on menstrual cramps.
Firstly, there’s not much evidence in literature that supports the effectiveness of marijuana use in relieving menstrual cramps. Secondly, there are no safety studies on products like Foria Relief, so the risks are unknown. It’s unclear how much, or how fast, the drug would be absorbed into the bloodstream through the vaginal route.
It would be a mistake to market such a product yet!
