Five Cannabis Strains For Treating Menstrual Symptoms

As female potheads know, cannabis can be a useful tool in reducing period-related symptoms.

Period cramps can be incredibly painful. In 2016, one doctor^[1] compared the magnitude of period pain to that of a heart attack. Period pain varies from woman to woman—some are debilitated by their period cramps, while others don’t experience any pain at all. For others, PMS is the greater evil: the lethargy, depression, and fogginess that precede a period make many women long for their time of the month to begin.

Weed is effective at treating both forms of menstrual malady. Before we explore our five symptom-treating strains, let’s get into some background on the mechanisms of menstrual issues, and their connection to cannabis.

WHAT CAUSES MENSTRUAL CRAMPS?

During menstruation, the body releases prostaglandins, which cause the uterine muscles to contract and expel the uterine lining. Higher levels of prostaglandins can be associated with pain and inflammation, leading to the dreaded cramps. Some doctors theorise that period pain is caused by violent uterine contractions that press against nearby blood vessels and cut off oxygen flow to the uterus and nearby organs. Recent research^[2] suggests that period pain may be linked to inflammation. Period cramps are characterised by pain in the lower belly, and can also be associated with nausea, pain in the thighs, back pain, and constipation. Period pain is most common in women under 30.

Period cramps can also be caused by medical conditions like endometriosis, unequal leg length, and ovarian cysts. If you experience severe, debilitating period cramps and suspect you may have one of these conditions, please seek medical attention. In this article, we’ll be primarily focused on period cramps unrelated to these issues.

Cannabis may play a direct role in addressing the mechanisms causing period cramps. Cannabis has anti-inflammatory effects, and may act on the prostaglandin system itself^[3]. Research shows that THC can also act as a muscle relaxant^[4], thereby helping to treat cramps indirectly. The uterus also happens to be rich in endocannabinoid receptors, and it’s likely that phytocannabinoids (from the cannabis plant) can help regulate and restore healthy uterine functioning.

WHAT CAUSES PMS?

PMS is caused by low hormone levels leading up to menstruation. Symptoms of PMS can include cramps, bloating, headaches, constipation, low sex drive, depression, mental fog, and mood swings. PMS can occur any time between ovulation and menstruation, though it’s most common in the few days leading up to menstruation. As we’ll see, certain cannabis strains can address symptoms directly.

FIVE STRAINS FOR TREATING MENSTRUAL SYMPTOMS

1. SOLOMATIC CBD

If you don't want a traditional cannabis high, Solomatic CBD is the way to go. This strain boasts 22% CBD and under 1% THC, giving you a massive CBD content, without the THC buzz. A combination of a Diesel CBD strain and an Asia CBD Auto, Solomatic CBD hits with a nice clean and crisp effect accompanied by a smooth and citrusy-sweet flavor. Ideal for when you are on the go and don't want to be bogged down with a high!

Solomatic CBD
	Diesel CBD x Asia CBD Auto
	15 - 16.8 oz/m2
	3 - 3.9 feet
	7 - 8 weeks
	THC: 1% (aprox.) / CBD: 21%

	20% Sativa, 70% Indica, 10% Ruderalis
	3.9 - 5.3 oz/per plant (dried)
	3.6 - 4.9 feet
	9-10 weeks after planting
	Soft, Clean and very light

Solomatic CBD

	Diesel CBD x Asia CBD Auto
	15 - 16.8 oz/m2
	3 - 3.9 feet
	7 - 8 weeks
	THC: 1% (aprox.) / CBD: 21%

	20% Sativa, 70% Indica, 10% Ruderalis
	3.9 - 5.3 oz/per plant (dried)
	3.6 - 4.9 feet
	9-10 weeks after planting
	Soft, Clean and very light

Solomatic CBD

2. WHITE WIDOW

White Widow is a balanced sativa-indica hybrid, famous for its uplifting and relaxing effects. If you’re suffering from PMS-related mood swings and depression, White Widow could be exactly the mood boost you need. The high of White Widow can be a cerebral, creative, and sometimes almost psychedelic experience; if you’re looking to tap into the mystic power of menstruation, this strain could be the way to go.

White Widow
	White Widow S1
	15.9 - 17.6 oz/m2
	2 - 3.3 feet
	8 - 9 weeks
	THC: 19% (aprox.) / CBD: Medium

	50% Sativa, 50% Indica
	19.4 - 21.2 oz/per plant (dried)
	4.9 - 6.2 feet
	Late October
	Extremely stoned

White Widow

	White Widow S1
	17.6 - 19.4 oz/m2
	2 - 3.3 feet
	8 - 9 weeks
	THC: 19% (aprox.) / CBD: Medium

	50% Sativa, 50% Indica
	17.6 - 19.4 oz/per plant (dried)
	4.9 - 6.2 feet
	Late October
	Extremely stoned

Buy White Widow

3. SOUR DIESEL

This famous sativa is the strain to select if you want to treat your menstrual symptoms and still go about your day. Sour Diesel combines an energising, uplifting, and cerebral high with powerful pain-relieving effects. Sour Diesel might even give you the boost you need to get some exercise, which has been shown to reduce cramps and mood-related symptoms. So long as you have Sour Diesel on your side, there’s no need to slow down during your period.

Sour Diesel
	Original Diesel x (Northern Light x Shiva x Hawaiian)
	16.8 - 18.5 oz/m2
	3 - 5.2 feet
	10 - 11 weeks
	THC: 19% (aprox.) / CBD: Medium

	70% Sativa, 30% Indica
	19.4 - 21.2 oz/per plant (dried)
	4.9 - 6.6 feet
	Late October
	Physical, clear high

Sour Diesel

	Original Diesel x (Northern Light x Shiva x Hawaiian)
	16.8 - 18.5 oz/m2
	3 - 5.2 feet
	10 - 11 weeks
	THC: 19% (aprox.) / CBD: Medium

	70% Sativa, 30% Indica
	19.4 - 21.2 oz/per plant (dried)
	4.9 - 6.6 feet
	Late October
	Physical, clear high

Buy Sour Diesel

4. ROYAL CHEESE

If you’re looking for a strain to knock you out—along with your symptoms!—Royal Cheese is the way to go. Royal Cheese carries a powerful, THC-fueled high, granting this indica-dominant hybrid powerful pain-fighting properties. If you want to curl up with a movie and wait out the worst part of your period, consider bringing Royal Cheese along for the ride.

Royal Cheese (Fast Flowering)
	Old School Skunk x Afghani
	19.4 - 21.2 ozr/m2
	2 - 3.3 feet
	6 - 8 weeks
	THC: 17% (aprox.) / CBD: Medium

	40% Sativa, 60% Indica, 0% Ruderalis
	19.4 - 21.2 oz/per plant (dried)
	130 - 200
	Early October
	A combination of stoned + high

Royal Cheese (Fast Flowering)

	Old School Skunk x Afghani
	19.4 - 21.2 ozr/m2
	2 - 3.3 feet
	6 - 8 weeks
	THC: 17% (aprox.) / CBD: Medium

	40% Sativa, 60% Indica, 0% Ruderalis
	19.4 - 21.2 oz/per plant (dried)
	4.3 - 6.6 feet
	Early October
	A combination of stoned + high

Buy Royal Cheese (Fast Flowering)

5. SHINING SILVER HAZE

Shining Silver Haze is a contemplative, uplifting strain—perfect for a calm day at home carrying out gentle tasks. The serene, positive energy of Shining Silver Haze is great for addressing any mood-related issues, and will put the damper on your monthly aches and pains. Check out Shining Silver Haze for a strain that combines the energy of a sativa with the relaxation of an indica.

Period pain and monthly moodiness can suck, but you no longer have to suffer in silence. These cannabis strains can be your allies in the effort to stay comfortable, productive, and happy, even during that fateful time of the month.

Shining Silver Haze
	Haze x (Skunk x Northern Light)
	21.2 - 22.9 oz/m2
	2.6 - 3.9 feet
	9 - 11 weeks
	THC: 21% (aprox.) / CBD: Medium

	75% Sativa, 25% Indica
	21.2 - 22.9 oz/per plant (dried)
	5.9 - 7.2 feet
	Late October
	Very high

Shining Silver Haze

	Haze x (Skunk x Northern Light)
	21.2 - 22.9 oz/m2
	2.6 - 3.9 feet
	9 - 11 weeks
	THC: 21% (aprox.) / CBD: Medium

	75% Sativa, 25% Indica
	21.2 - 22.9 oz/per plant (dried)
	5.9 - 7.2 feet
	Late October
	Very high

Buy Shining Silver Haze