By Angel Johansen - Certified Cannabis Educator

When menopause begins—or even long before it officially starts—women often feel like they’re losing themselves. Hormones go haywire, moods shift unpredictably, temperature regulation feels impossible, restful sleep becomes a distant memory, and mental clarity seems out of reach. And what’s the solution most often offered? “Just deal with it.”

Let’s be clear: that's unacceptable. Women deserve better than to suffer silently. Understanding how Cannabis interacts with the body during this transformative stage can provide insight—and potentially relief—without stigma.

What’s Going On With Your Body?

Here’s the science: our bodies produce natural cannabinoids, which are part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) that all of us were born with. This system helps regulate key functions like mood, temperature, sleep, and even bone health. During our reproductive years, these endogenous cannabinoids peak during our monthly cycle, working in tandem with our hormones.

But when menopause hits and hormones take a nosedive, the ECS can struggle to keep things balanced. This is where plant-based cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, can step in to help. These phytocannabinoids bind to ECS receptors, assisting in ways your body’s natural cannabinoids might no longer be able to.

According to research published in PNAS (2004 study) (1), the ECS is integral to homeostasis, managing everything from immune response to pain perception. During menopause, this system faces significant strain, with decreasing hormone levels throwing it off balance. The study highlights how phytocannabinoids—like THC and CBD—can work as external helpers, supplementing the ECS to restore equilibrium.

This science underscores why Cannabis could play a key role in managing menopause symptoms like anxiety, sleeplessness, and even those dreaded hot flushes. It's not just about masking symptoms but also supporting the body's natural systems as they adjust to hormonal changes.

THC, CBD, and Bone Health

One lesser-known benefit of Cannabis during menopause lies in its potential to support bone health. Research suggests that the CB2 receptors (associated with CBD and a naturally occurring endocannabinoid called 2-AG) play a role in building bone and correcting immune system imbalances. These receptors help regulate the balance between bone-building cells (osteoblasts) and bone-breaking cells (osteoclasts), which is essential for healthy bones. Some studies suggest that activating CB2 receptors may help protect against bone loss, which is especially important during menopause (PNAS, 2005) (2).

Meanwhile, THC may also play a role in bone metabolism, though more research is needed to fully understand its effects. Some early studies suggest that cannabinoids can influence bone formation and resorption, potentially impacting overall bone density. However, the exact relationship between THC, estrogen receptors, and bone health is still being explored.

If you’re concerned about osteoporosis or long-term wellness, this could be a great topic to bring up with your healthcare provider when discussing your options.

Trust Your Body

The relationship between Cannabis and menopause is highly individual. You may notice changes in how your body responds to Cannabis products over time. For example, during your reproductive years, THC might compete with your body’s natural “bliss molecule,” anandamide, for ECS receptors. However, THC is a stronger binder, which means it can have a more noticeable impact during menopause when endogenous cannabinoids decrease.

Building on this, it’s important to recognize how your body’s needs and responses evolve during menopause. Anandamide, named after the Sanskrit word ananda, meaning joy or bliss, plays a crucial role in regulating mood and stress. As levels of this molecule decrease, many women feel its absence profoundly—but THC can mimic its effects and restore some of that lost balance.

The key is to listen to your body. Your experience is unique, and you are the best guide for figuring out what feels right. Whether it’s experimenting with CBD during the day for calm or incorporating THC for better sleep, this is your journey to navigate. Trust your intuition, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to make adjustments as you go.

Breaking the Stigma

One of the biggest barriers to using Cannabis as a wellness tool is stigma—particularly for women. Whether it’s misinformation or outdated cultural taboos, these biases often prevent women from exploring Cannabis as a legitimate option for symptom relief.

But education is the antidote. Studies like those from Science Direct (2010) (3) provide a solid foundation for understanding how Cannabis interacts with the body, offering a much-needed shift in perspective. When you arm yourself with science, you can confidently counter outdated narratives and empower other women to do the same.

Share what you’ve learned about Cannabis and menopause with the women in your life—your mothers, sisters, and friends. These conversations have the power to break down barriers, normalize Cannabis as a wellness option, and create space for women to take control of their health.

 

Final Thoughts

Menopause is a profound change, but it doesn’t have to mean losing yourself. Cannabis offers a potential path back to balance, helping with sleep, mood, bone health, and more. Whether it’s something you’re considering or already exploring, trust your intuition and keep educating yourself about how this plant interacts with your body. If you need support in finding the right approach for you, I can offer resources and guidance to help you make informed choices.

Cannabis isn’t a magic bullet, but it’s an option worth exploring in partnership with informed healthcare providers. As research grows and stigma continues to fade, more women will gain access to this incredible plant’s potential.

Remember, menopause doesn’t define you—you define it. Cannabis can be one more tool in your kit to feel like yourself again, and that’s something every woman deserves.

References

1. Scorticati, Camila, et al. “The Inhibitory Effect of Anandamide on Luteinizing Hormone ...” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), 27 July 2004, www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.0404366101. 

2. Ofek, Orr, et al. “Peripheral Cannabinoid Receptor, CB2, Regulates Bone Mass.” The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), 9 January 2006 www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.0504187103. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

3. Caitlin J.N. Riebe, Matthew N. Hill, Tiffany T.Y. Lee, Cecilia J. Hillard, Boris B. Gorzalka,
Estrogenic regulation of limbic cannabinoid receptor binding, Psychoneuroendocrinology, Volume 35, Issue 8, 2010, Pages 1265-1269, ISSN 0306-4530, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2010.02.008.

About Angel Johansen:

Angel Johansen, a compassionate Cannabis educator, specializes in empowering women on their journey toward intimacy and embracing the wisdom that accompanies age. With a passion for creating safe spaces and fostering a sense of community, Angel guides women through the nuanced landscape of Cannabis, offering knowledge, support, and a deep understanding of their unique experiences. Her mission is to lead women into their wise years with grace, ensuring they navigate the realms of intimacy and Cannabis with confidence, informed choices, and a profound sense of connection.

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Effective Cannabis Newsletter is a platform to educate on the vital role of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) in one's health. The information is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in or available through this newsletter is for general information purposes only. It is not medical advice; it is health awareness.