Cannabis for PMS: Does Weed Help Period Cramps?

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a recurring condition that affects three out of every four menstruating people. The term was first referenced in 1931 by Robert T Frank in his paper “The Hormonal Causes of Premenstrual Tension.” It was hypothesized that fluid retention due to increased estrogen was the cause of symptoms like headaches and bloating. It was then discovered by Katharina Dalton and Raymond Greene that the symptoms of PMS were related to increased progesterone and not estrogen.¹ Depending on the individual, symptoms can be both emotional and physical. They range from anxiety, depression, and social isolation to food cravings, fatigue, and tender breasts. PMS symptoms are usually predictable but can vary per cycle.

What Causes PMS?

There isn’t one precise cause for PMS. Doctors commonly believe that a fluctuation in hormones involved in reproduction, mood, and stress plays a significant role. However, several other factors can contribute to PMS and its symptoms, including;

• Alcohol, 
• Current mental and physical health,
• Family History of PMS or PMDD,
• Lack of vitamins,
• Smoking,
• Social environment,
• Stress,
• Weight.

PMS Signs & Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of PMS can change month-to-month but are usually predictable and can be anticipated. You may experience one or more of the following symptoms if you have PMS:

• Anxiety,
• Backaches,
• Bloating,
• Cramping,
• Depression,
• Fatigue,
• Food cravings,
• Headaches,
• Irritability,
• Mood swings,
• Sleep issues,
• Social withdrawal,
• Tender breasts,
• Tension,
• Trouble concentrating.

A more severe condition, similar to PMS, is premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). This condition affects about 3% to 8% of menstruating people.² Symptoms are similar to PMS but on a more extreme level. People who may be more prone to PMDD are those:

• Who already suffer from PMS,
• Have mood disorders, anxiety, or depression,
• Have a family history of PMS, PMDD, depression, postpartum depression, or other mood disorders.

Can Cannabis Help Alleviate PMS Symptoms?

The endocannabinoid system plays a significant role in our bodies, interacting with multiple other systems. Endocannabinoids like anandamide naturally increase during the menstrual cycle during ovulation, and it has been reported that CB1 and CB2 receptors are located within ovarian tissue.³ While more research is needed, this could point to more promising research on cannabis and alleviating PMS symptoms.

There are currently no studies on how cannabis directly affects PMS. This is due to several variables, one of them being the historical prohibition and current legal status of cannabis; however, it wasn’t until 1993 that Congress and the National Health Institute established a law requiring that women and minorities be included in clinical research. In recent years, researchers have conducted several survey-based studies on menstruating individuals and their experiences with cannabis.

• A 2016 online survey of 145 women with PMS or PMDD reported “significant expectancies” that cannabis use would effectively treat PMS symptoms except for food cravings.⁴ Eight years later, in 2022, a review of 16 studies regarding cannabis use for gynecological conditions like PMS found that 61% to 95.5% reported pain relief from cannabis use.⁵
• A study of 69 menstruating female cannabis users with and without PMDD found that a depressed mood correlated with increased use of cannabis. Females who had PMDD were also found to be more likely to use cannabis in general.⁶
• A 2019 review of studies by the University of Arkansas stated that CBD might treat symptoms of PMS, like headaches, pain, and emotional issues.⁷
• Cannabis may help alleviate symptoms associated with PMS, like depression, but there are conflicting and limited results on whether it’s effective.⁸
• Cannabinoids like CBD have also demonstrated positive effects against inflammation and pain in many conditions.^9,10 

Unfortunately, researchers could only conduct these surveys and studies on small groups of menstruating individuals and their use of cannabis. These studies had varying results, and insufficient information is available to make conclusive statements about cannabis as a treatment for PMS. Cannabis may, however, provide relief to individuals suffering from certain symptoms of PMS, such as depression, pain, and headaches.

Legality and Doctor’s Recommendation

To determine if your state considers PMS a qualifying condition for medical marijuana, check out our Laws & Regulations section for the medical cannabis rules for your state.

If you find that your state recognizes PMS as a qualifying medical condition, you can seek a doctor’s recommendation to register for your state’s medical marijuana program. 

How NuggMD Can Help

NuggMD is the nation's leading medical marijuana technology platform, serving patients in 28 states and growing. We’ve connected over 1,000,000 patients with their new medical marijuana doctors face-to-face via our state-of-the-art telemedicine platform. 

We believe that every human being has the right to explore the benefits of medical cannabis and are fully committed to helping each patient explore all their options in their journey to wellness. For further information on whether you qualify for medical cannabis, select your state.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cannabis & PMS

Is cannabis good for menstrual pain?

There is limited research to confirm whether or not cannabis is effective for menstrual pain specifically. However, there are many cases of individuals self-reporting it as an adequate source of relief for their symptoms.

What strain is good for PMS?

THC and CBD may help alleviate symptoms associated with PMS, like pain, sleep issues, and anxiety. Although some specific strains are listed online as potentially beneficial for PMS, like Purple Stardawg and Real OG, it’s an entirely subjective experience. It’s best for those experiencing symptoms of  PMS to try what they’re comfortable with and take note of how they feel. 

Do edibles help with PMS?

Edibles can offer a more potent experience for users, with many ratio options of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids. Though there’s no specific research on the topic, they may be an adequate source of relief for those experiencing symptoms of PMS.

Can CBD help with PMS?

CBD has been looked at for its potential to alleviate symptoms of PMS and was found to be potentially effective for emotional and pain symptoms. However, research is limited, and more investigation is needed to determine if CBD effectively treats PMS-associated ailments.

Are there cannabis products designed for PMS relief?

A few companies formulate cannabis products for PMS and menstrual symptoms, but users should be mindful that research and regulation are sparse, so they may or may not be adequate for their specific needs. 

Resources

1. Zietal B. Katharina Dorothea Dalton (1916–2004) | The Embryo Project Encyclopedia. embryo.asu.edu. Published May 24, 2017. Accessed August 20, 2023. https://embryo.asu.edu/pages/katharina-dorothea-dalton-1916-2004
2. Abu Alwafa R, Badrasawi M, Haj Hamad R. Prevalence of premenstrual syndrome and its association with psychosocial and lifestyle variables: a cross-sectional study from Palestine. BMC Women’s Health. 2021;21(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-021-01374-6
3. Di Blasio, A. M., Vignali, M., & Gentilini, D. (2013). The endocannabinoid pathway and the female reproductive organs. Journal of Molecular Endocrinology, 50(1), R1-R9. Retrieved Aug 23, 2023, from https://doi.org/10.1530/JME-12-0182
4. Slavin M, Barach E, Farmer S, Luba R, Earleywine M. Cannabis and symptoms of PMS and PMDD. Addiction Research & Theory. 2017;25(5):383-389. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/16066359.2017.1294165
5. Liang AL, Gingher EL, Coleman JS. Medical Cannabis for Gynecologic Pain Conditions. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2022;139(2):287-296. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/aog.0000000000004656
6. Joyce KM, Thompson K, Good KP, et al. The impact of depressed mood and coping motives on cannabis use quantity across the menstrual cycle in those with and without pre‐menstrual dysphoric disorder. Addiction. 2021;116(10):2746-2758. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/add.15465
7. Cavner JP, Smith F, Gray B. Is CBD A Viable Option for Menstrual Symptoms? Online Journal of Complementary & Alternative Medicine. 2019;2(5). doi:https://doi.org/10.33552/ojcam.2019.02.000548
8. Feingold D, Weinstein A. Cannabis and Depression. Cannabinoids and Neuropsychiatric Disorders. 2020;1264:67-80. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-57369-0_5
9. Pellati F, Borgonetti V, Brighenti V, Biagi M, Benvenuti S, Corsi L. Cannabis sativa L. and Nonpsychoactive Cannabinoids: Their Chemistry and Role against Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Cancer. BioMed Research International. 2018;2018:1-15. doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/1691428
10. Hill KP, Palastro MD, Johnson B, Ditre JW. Cannabis and Pain: A Clinical Review. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. 2017;2(1):96-104. doi:https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2017.0017

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.