By Jay Jay O’Brien C.H. ACCE Certified Cannabis Health Coach & Educator

The Feminine Flow

From menstruation to menopause, women spend their lives managing hormonal fluctuations, enduring pain, battling inflammation, and adapting to the physical and emotional toll that comes with each stage.
From cramps and migraines to mood swings and hot flashes, Mother Nature has offered women a lifetime of shifts, discomfort, and exhausting challenges.

The taboo in addressing these issues keeps many women suffering silently.
As Nature runs its course, these ‘normal’ conditions and symptoms make women more susceptible to hemorrhoids, yeast infections, UTIs, endometriosis, and cancers of the cervix, ovaries, and uterus.
It’s a tough world to be a woman, but we’re not alone. Our Earth Mother might be strict, but she is nurturing and provides.

Nurtured By Nature

Cannabinoids (THC, CBD), chemical compounds found in abundance in the female flowers of the Cannabis plant, interact with the body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS), helping to regulate many functions, including hormone production, pain perception, mood, appetite, immune response, and circadian rhythms.

In tandem with flavonoids (cannaflavin a & b, quercetin, etc.) and terpenes (linalool, myrcene, etc.), also present in the plant, Cannabinoids have the potential to offer relief from many common health concerns such as menstrual cramps, hormonal imbalances, pain, and anxiety.

These miraculous molecules highlight the versatility of Cannabis in supporting women's health and suppositories offer a unique and powerful way for women to experience the full therapeutic potential of Cannabis, supporting health and wellness from within.

The Ins & Outs of Relief

One of the most effective and discreet ways to tap into these benefits is through Cannabis suppositories. When administered vaginally or rectally, Cannabis suppositories offer localized relief, efficient targeted absorption, and improved bioavailability.

Providing fast and proficient relief, this method of administration helps reduce inflammation, improves gastrointestinal issues, mood, and anxiety, regulates hormonal fluctuations, reduces pain, and stress and all without the need for smoking or ingesting Cannabis — not that that’s a bad thing.

The next section delves into common issues women face and shows how Cannabis helps, but first….

Behind the Scenes of a Cannabis Suppository

A Cannabis suppository is designed to be inserted into the body through the rectum or vagina where it dissolves and releases its active ingredients directly into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes.

Often bullet or cone-shaped for ease of insertion, Cannabis suppositories are quickly absorbed, offering rapid relief with long-term benefits. [1]

Ideal Cannabis suppositories are crafted using a combination of full-spectrum cannabinoid extracts and a fat-based carrier oil, such as coconut oil, cocoa butter, or shea butter, which helps the active compounds penetrate the lining of the rectum for faster absorption. (see recipe video below)

Whether store-bought or homemade, suppositories are believed to have improved bioavailability— meaning a greater percentage of the active ingredients are absorbed into the bloodstream more rapidly compared to other methods of administration, like edibles or inhalation.

These features combined provide localized relief for pain and inflammation with fewer side effects because cannabinoids are absorbed directly through the tissues, bypassing the digestive system and liver.

By-passing first-pass metabolism, [2] the process where the liver breaks down compounds before entering the bloodstream, avoids the conversion of THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, a more potent compound approximately 4x stronger than THC. Therefore, suppositories can deliver effective relief where it's needed most, with minimal risk of systemic side effects or intoxication when using THC.

Not Just an Old Wives Tale

Historically, Cannabis has been used to ease menstrual discomfort. Reports dating as far back as 1866, like this one in the Indian Medical Gazette [3], mention the administration of Ergot of Rye in advance of “tincture of Cannabis indica” for the successful treatment of menorrhagia, heavy or excessive bleeding associated with menstruation.

Some rumors suggest that Queen Elizabeth I relied upon Cannabis on several occasions for relief during heavy menstruation and difficult childbirth. [4] Today, this traditional use is being revisited with modern formulations, including vaginal suppositories.

No Cramping Your Style

A recent quasi-experimental study published in NPJ Women’s Health (2024) examined the effectiveness of high-CBD vaginal suppositories for managing menstrual-related pain and discomfort. The study followed 307 participants, with 77 using the CBD suppository and 230 continuing their usual treatments over approximately two menstrual cycles. [5]

Results showed that compared to the control group, those using the 100mg CBD suppository experienced significant reductions in menstrual symptoms, improved daily functioning, and decreased reliance on other pain medications. A dose-dependent effect was also observed, meaning greater relief was reported with increased use of the suppository.

These findings highlight the potential of high-CBD vaginal suppositories as a natural, effective option for menstrual pain management, offering women an alternative and reducing the need for conventional analgesic treatments, like NSAIDs (Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs).

Navigating The Change

As more women seek alternative treatments for menopause-related issues, Cannabis is increasingly emerging as a popular option.

A 2022 survey published in Menopause found that 86% of perimenopausal and postmenopausal participants had used Cannabis, with 79% specifically seeking symptom relief. [6]
Perimenopausal individuals reported experiencing more severe symptoms and using Cannabis more frequently, suggesting that Cannabis is increasingly being used as a complementary option to help manage menopause-related discomfort.

Beyond menopause, Cannabis is also being explored as a therapeutic option for other health challenges commonly experienced after the midlife ‘change’.

Nurturing Intimacy After Menopause

Menopause brings hormonal shifts that could significantly impact sexual health. Changes such as lower libido, heightened emotions, vaginal dryness, and night sweats can affect a woman's overall well-being and intimate connections.

Cannabis-based vaginal suppositories are gaining attention for their potential to address menopause-related discomfort. These products work by delivering Cannabinoids directly to the affected area, providing fast-acting, localized relief.

By helping to restore moisture, reduce inflammation, and increase blood flow, Cannabis suppositories may not only ease vaginal dryness but also enhance sexual pleasure by promoting relaxation and heightening sensitivity.

With consistent use, they can offer a more comfortable and enjoyable experience, helping individuals navigate changes in sexual health during menopause with greater ease.

Nurturing Intimacy After Gynecological Cancer

Menopause itself doesn’t increase cancer risk, but it’s well known that a woman's risk, particularly for breast cancer, rises with age. [7]

Sexual dysfunction after gynecological cancer is a common yet often overlooked issue. Cancer treatments can cause lasting physical and emotional changes that impact intimacy, self-esteem, and overall well-being, creating challenges that are rarely discussed openly.
Emerging research suggests that Cannabis-infused vaginal suppositories, combined with mindfulness, may offer a promising solution.

A recent randomized controlled trial found that women using both interventions experienced significant improvements in sexual arousal, lubrication, orgasm, pain reduction, and overall sexual confidence. [8]

DIY vs. Dispensary: What To Look for In A Cannabis Suppository

Understanding your health goals is the first step to guiding your decision. Then you may ask:

• Which cannabinoid profile is ideal for your symptoms?
• Which dosage will best suit your needs?
• DIY or BUY?

While Cannabis suppositories are still in the process of establishing a consistent and sustainable presence in the legal market, the growing interest and need for such products show promising potential. While producers work hard to meet demand, variability in stock and pricing can occasionally leave women seeking sustainable alternatives. As the market continues to evolve, there's optimism that more reliable and accessible options will become available.

Understanding your health goals is the first step to guiding your decision.

THC or CBD?

THC and CBD suppositories offer targeted relief, but their effects differ:

• THC Suppositories: May provide localized pain relief, muscle relaxation, and increased blood flow. They are often used for pelvic pain, menstrual cramps, and endometriosis. THC in suppositories has minimal intoxicating effects for the majority of people, due to its limited absorption into the bloodstream. Because of this, women typically experience therapeutic benefits without significant intoxicating effects, making them a viable option for daytime relief.
• CBD Suppositories: Known for their potent anti-inflammatory properties, CBD suppositories primarily reduce pain, irritation, and discomfort.  They are also particularly beneficial for pelvic inflammation or cramping, helping to restore balance to the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) while promoting overall comfort and well-being.

Best of Both Worlds

Some suppositories offer a balanced blend of THC and CBD, harnessing the entourage effect—a phenomenon where Cannabis compounds work together to enhance their therapeutic benefits.

By combining THC’s pain-relieving and muscle-relaxing properties with CBD’s anti-inflammatory and soothing effects, these formulations provide comprehensive relief. This synergy creates a more well-rounded therapeutic experience, offering both immediate and lasting comfort.

Out of This World

When sourcing or making suppositories, avoid ingredients like synthetic fragrances, harsh preservatives, petroleum-based oils, low-quality extracts, or additives that could irritate or disrupt your body’s natural balance. The fewer all-natural, organic ingredients in your product, the better. By ensuring quality, you’re initiating an effective natural approach to wellness with fewer side effects.

Dosage

The rules are simple for Cannabis suppositories: “Start low, and go slow.”

Sure, a 100mg CBD suppository may cover all your bases, but how do you know the 20mg one won’t as well unless you try?

Starting low offers the best option at acquiring your MED (Minimum Effective Dose) and in the long run, will save you time and money.

Keep in mind that high-THC formulations can be beneficial for serious conditions like cancer but are generally unnecessary for everyday health and wellness concerns. For most people, lower-potency formulations are sufficient and better tolerated.

Buy vs DIY

Since the legal market offers limited and relatively high-priced options, you may want to consider making your suppositories yourself. It’s quite easy, and you can tailor your formulations to your specific needs.
If you need some direction, check out this DIY video from certified Cannabis coach Michelle Crawford.

Some people love DIY, while others prefer DIFM—Do It For Me! If you’re leaving it to the pros, I recommend you do your research and know your supplier, their values, and the ingredients they use in products that will enter your most intimate places. After all, true self-care doesn’t cut corners.

The Importance of Personalized Wellness

You are unique and your healing journey is as personal as your ECS. The way you integrate Cannabis into your wellness routine should reflect your individual needs. Whether using Cannabis suppositories for pain relief, hormonal balance, or intimacy issues, trust that your body knows how to restore equilibrium. Your healing is yours to define.

Need guidance and support? Reach out! A Certified Cannabis Educator is standing by to answer your questions, increase your confidence, and empower you with the knowledge you need to embark on your healing journey with courage and calm.

References

1. Hua, Susan. “Physiological and Pharmaceutical Considerations for Rectal Drug Formulations.” Frontiers in pharmacology vol. 10 1196. 16 Oct. 2019, doi:10.3389/fphar.2019.01196

2. Lucas, Catherine J et al. “The pharmacokinetics and the pharmacodynamics of cannabinoids.” British journal of clinical pharmacology vol. 84,11 (2018): 2477-2482. doi:10.1111/bcp.13710

3. Queen Victoria’s Cannabis Use, researchonline.lshtm.ac.uk/id/eprint/16087/1/Berridge_2003_Queen_Victorias_cannabis_use.pdf. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

4. Dahlgren, M.K., Smith, R.T., Kosereisoglu, D. et al. A survey-based, quasi-experimental study assessing a high-cannabidiol suppository for menstrual-related pain and discomfort. npj Womens Health 2, 29 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44294-024-00032-0

5. Dahlgren MK, El-Abboud C, Lambros AM, Sagar KA, Smith RT, Gruber SA. A survey of medical cannabis use during perimenopause and postmenopause. Menopause. 2022 Sep 1;29(9):1028-1036. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000002018. Epub 2022 Aug 2. PMID: 35917529; PMCID: PMC9422771.

6. Laconi, E., Marongiu, F. & DeGregori, J. Cancer as a disease of old age: changing mutational and microenvironmental landscapes. Br J Cancer 122, 943–952 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41416-019-0721-1

7. Banbury, Samantha et al. “A Preliminary Investigation into the Use of Cannabis Suppositories and Online Mindful Compassion for Improving Sexual Function Among Women Following Gynaecological Cancer Treatment.” Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) vol. 60,12 2020. 7 Dec. 2024, doi:10.3390/medicina60122020

8. Banbury S, Tharmalingam H, Lusher J, Erridge S, Chandler C. A Preliminary Investigation into the Use of Cannabis Suppositories and Online Mindful Compassion for Improving Sexual Function Among Women Following Gynaecological Cancer Treatment. Medicina (Kaunas). 2024 Dec 7;60(12):2020. doi: 10.3390/medicina60122020. PMID: 39768900; PMCID: PMC11727804.

About Jay Jay O’Brien:

Jay Jay is a certified Cannabis coach and educator at EduCanNation. The founder and creator of naturalisticallynow and the Canecdotal Collective, where she educates and assists people with cancer, implementing Cannabis into their protocols. As a stage 4 lung cancer survivor and caregiver to her type 1 diabetic son, Jay Jay has learned that you truly do "get what you give," and with Cannabis, she believes we have the opportunity to truly heal rather than just masking our symptoms. Through her own experience of healing, she has now made it her mission to share the capabilities of Cannabis with all who will listen.

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 If you need help with any terminology in this article, you may find some answers in our glossary

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.