Top 5 Strains for PMS Relief

The application of medicinal cannabis continues to break ground into new areas. From insomnia to anxiety, marijuana has proven time and time again to be an effective way to manage health concerns. Cannabis for menstrual cramps has helped countless women to deal with monthly pain, swelling, and discomfort. Given that cannabis use among women is higher than among men (with about a 60-40 split overall), there is no reason why cannabis cannot be a tool to help relieve menstrual cramps. If you are wondering whether CBD-intensive strains can help with this particular medical issue, here are some of the best strains for aiding menstrual cramps.

Cannabis and Menstruation

Many women have found that marijuana for menstrual cramps provides a productive solution due to the impact of cannabis on the immune system. Most stoners have heard of cannabinoids, the receptors in the brain that help you get high as a kite, but cannabis also affects receptors in the body called endocannabinoids which help regulate the immune system, including the menstrual cycle.

Does weed help with cramps? Like all medical issues, there is no guarantee of success, but many of the common issues with extreme PMS, such as nausea, pain, and mood swings, are all part of medicinal cannabis symptoms. Marijuana for menstrual cramps, furthermore, can kick in faster and harder than standard over-the-counter medicine like ibuprofen. As such, a woman thinking about smoking weed on period should consider certain strains and types that can give her the greatest relief.

What Type of Weed?

Given the personal nature of period cramps, what works best for one woman may not work for another. Each type of cannabis - flower, edible, oil - can have advantages and disadvantages. Edibles for menstrual cramps may be beneficial for women who need to plan ahead: taking an edible first thing in the morning can provide longer-lasting relief during a busy workday. However, edibles for cramps kick in slower, even if they are fast edibles, and sometimes you may not be able to wait two or three hours to feel the benefits.

CBD for menstrual cramps in the form of oils can be useful for targeted delivery. Applying oil or topicals to your skin makes it possible for the skin to absorb the chemical as quickly as possible. Likewise, tinctures have exact dosages, meaning you can measure precisely how much you need and adjust the CBD oil for menstrual cramps dosage in the future.

Once you determine which type of cannabis product to use, what strains are best for this painful period of the month?

Sour Diesel

One of the most famous strains of cannabis in the world, there's a reason why Soul Diesel tops the charts of the best weed strain for menstrual cramps. Not only does it make you feel good, featuring a walloping 20% THC ratio, but it also boasts .2% CBD, more than enough to ease nerves, pain, or cramps. Of course, the main drawback with Sour Diesel is its taste, which is why some stoners prefer hybrids that mix it with other strains with fruitier flavors.

Blue Dream

This sativa-dominant hybrid strain, crossing Haze with Blueberry, has a lower CBD rate than others on the list, but do not let that fool you. Blue Dream is a common medicinal cannabis prescription, commonly known to treat depression and nausea. As the name suggests, Blue Dream does taste like berries, making it preferable for those who have a rougher time with their tastebuds during PMS.

Lavender

Lavender is a kush strain, which is why it has huge purple crystals. This strain is an indica with a floral, spicy taste. With a full 1% CBD, it has some of the best anti-pain properties of any strain on this list. It can also give a decent head high, which will help when you need a break from it all. 

Super Lemon Haze

Is indica or sativa better for cramps? Generally, an indica will give more CBD, while a sativa will give more THC. Both can be helpful for dealing with period cramps, but when you're unsure which way to go, why not go with a hybrid and get the best of both worlds? Super Lemon Haze is a sativa-dominant hybrid of Super Silver Haze and Lemon Skunk, and is a two-time Cannabis Cup winner. With lively and energetic effects, it is an excellent way to power through the negativity of period cramps.

Mimosa

If your solution to feeling grumpy is to brunch your heart out, the Mimosa strain may be the best solution to intense cramps. A hybrid of Purple Punch and Clementine, Mimosa tops the list with a massive 20% THC and 1% CBD, giving you all the good things you need when you feel low. Uplifting and motivating, it can also be relaxing and is a common medicinal marijuana strain used for depression.

Do you use cannabis for medicinal purposes? How have you found that it affects your health? Let us know in the comments below!