While many women have told their doctors that it has helped them with anxiety and discomfort, additional research is needed to see how helpful it is for long-term usage and what negative effects may occur. (Photo 145766844 © Kyrylo Vasyliev | Dreamstime.com)

By Karen Habashi

historic use

Cannabis continues to be used in treatment of women health issues

Oct 6, 2023 | 7:00 AM

While many think the use of cannabis for treatment of some women’s health issues, such as menstrual cramps or menopause symptoms is a new concept, research has shown that it was used throughout history dating back to 1550 BC, according to medical textbooks found in ancient Egypt.

Women used it as an ointment, along with other tinctures locally, to help with delivery and for depression.

During the reign of Queen Victoria, her personal physician, Sir John Russell Reynolds, is said to have made use of an alcoholic extract of the cannabis plant. It’s unknown if Queen Victoria ever used the concunction herself (she had nine children), but it was widely used in England at that time, added to tea, for example, as a source of pain relief.

In recent years, some research has been done to prove the effect of CBD on some of the health issues women complain about– such as menstrual cramps and menopause.

While many women have told their doctors that it has helped them with anxiety and discomfort, additional research is needed to see how helpful it is for long-term usage and what negative effects may occur.

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In the 2021 BC Cannabis Use Survey, women comprised 51% of those who use cannabis for medical purposes, but only 39% of those who use cannabis for non-medical purposes.

Research by Alberta University shows there is reasonable evidence that cannabinoids improve nausea and vomiting, but there is some uncertainty about whether cannabinoids improve pain and it is likely a small effect.

But, according to a Harvard-led survey, nearly 79% of the women who participated endorsed it to help with menopause-related symptoms. The top three menopause-related symptoms participants reported using cannabis to treat were sleep disturbance (67 per cent), mood/anxiety (46 per cent) and libido (30 per cent).

The impact of cannabis usage on ovulation and the menstrual cycle is supported by some research, despite the fact there are many competing theories in medical literature. Preclinical research has generally demonstrated that high THC levels can influence sex hormones, interfere with ovulation, and cause irregular menstruation.

It’s important to note, however, public health initiatives have advised those attempting to conceive, those who are pregnant, and lactating patients to abstain from using marijuana. For more guidelines, visit Health Canada online to learn more about the health effects of cannabis during preconception, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.

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info@westernbuzz.ca