Menstrual pain can be debilitating.
Cramping, bloating, backaches, and fatigue… every month, millions of women are expected to carry on like normal while managing a cocktail of symptoms that can range from uncomfortable to utterly unbearable.
But more and more women in the UK and around the world are turning away from the medicine cabinet and toward a more natural remedy: cannabis.
And it’s not just a trend. It’s a sign of a larger movement, one rooted in body literacy, self-empowerment, and the rejection of being dismissed by a medical system that too often tells women to “just deal with it.”
Here’s why cannabis is becoming a go-to for menstrual relief, and how it might help you too.
Understanding period pain (and why so many feel let down)
Period pain, or dysmenorrhea, affects around 80% of menstruating women at some point in their lives. For some, it’s mild. For others, it’s so intense it interferes with daily life.
Despite how common it is, treatment options are limited. Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen and paracetamol are typically the first recommendation, yet they often fall short. And long-term use can carry risks, particularly for the gut and liver.
The other common solution? Hormonal birth control. But for many women, this comes with a host of unwanted side effects, not to mention the growing desire to work with the body, not override it.
This is where cannabis enters the conversation.
The endocannabinoid system & menstrual pain
To understand why cannabis helps with period pain, we need to introduce a key player: the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The ECS is a regulatory system in the body that plays a role in pain perception, mood, inflammation, and even hormone function. It consists of receptors (CB1 and CB2), endocannabinoids (like anandamide), and enzymes that break these compounds down.
Cannabis interacts with this system. The plant’s compounds, primarily THC and CBD, bind to these receptors and influence various processes in the body, including how we perceive pain.
In fact, research has shown that CB1 receptors are involved in pain modulation, and activating these receptors (which THC does) may significantly reduce menstrual cramping.
Additionally, CBD, while not directly activating CB1 or CB2, helps by reducing inflammation and supporting endocannabinoid tone.
What the research says
Cannabis and menstrual pain haven’t been studied as extensively as other conditions, likely due to the stigma around both periods and cannabis.
But there is growing data to support what many women already know from experience.
🔹 A 2020 study published in Journal of Women’s Health found that women who use cannabis for menstrual pain reported significant relief and a reduction in the need for conventional medications.
🔹 A study conducted by Clue App from 2019 found that 84% of women who used cannabis for menstrual pain found it effective.
🔹 A 2023 review of cannabinoid use in gynaecology also noted cannabis’ potential for managing not only period pain but also endometriosis and pelvic pain more broadly.
The evidence, while still emerging, is promising, and it aligns with centuries of historical use.
Cannabis for cramps: how women are using it
We’re not advocating rolling a joint and hoping for the best.
At High & Polite, we believe in safe, conscious, and intentional use of cannabis, particularly for medicinal purposes.
Many women are finding success with:
- CBD oil: Anti-inflammatory, calming, and great for daily use to reduce the overall severity of symptoms.
- THC via dry herb vaporizers: Inhalation gives faster relief and can help with sharp cramps and mood swings.
- Edibles: Longer-lasting and helpful for night-time relief or those who prefer not to inhale.
- Topical balms: Some women apply cannabis-infused balms directly to their lower abdomen for targeted relief.
Some also combine methods, such as using CBD throughout their cycle and adding THC products during the first few days of bleeding when cramps peak.
Cannabis & your cycle: a week-by-week guide
Menstrual health isn’t just about managing your period, it’s about understanding your whole cycle. Hormones fluctuate week by week, which means your symptoms (and your cannabis needs) will too.
Here’s a simple guide to help you work with your body, not against it.
| Cycle Phase | What’s Happening | Common Symptoms | How Cannabis Can Help | Suggested Use |
| Menstrual (Days 1–5) | Estrogen & progesterone drop; uterine lining sheds | Cramps, fatigue, lower back pain, irritability | Relieve cramps, relax muscles, soothe mood swings, and improve sleep | THC or balanced THC:CBD strains via dry herb vaping or edibles; CBD oil throughout the day |
| Follicular (Days 6–14) | Estrogen rises; body prepares to release an egg | Energy rises, mood lifts, creativity returns | Microdose cannabis for creativity/focus if needed; not typically required for pain relief | Low-dose THC or CBD microdoses (e.g., via tinctures) if enhancing focus or calm |
| Ovulation (Day 14) | Estrogen peaks, luteinising hormone spikes; egg is released | Libido boost, sometimes headaches or anxiety | Support calm if mood swings or tension arise; enhance sensual connection if desired | Low THC vape or 1:1 THC:CBD blends; CBD-only products for anxiety or inflammation |
| Luteal (Days 15–28) | Progesterone rises, then drops if no pregnancy occurs | PMS: bloating, mood swings, breast tenderness, cravings | Reduce inflammation, ease anxiety, support sleep, balance irritability | CBD oil daily; THC in the evening via vape or edibles for mood and sleep; topical balm for tender breasts |
Note: Your cycle may not match the textbook days exactly — track your own rhythm to tailor this to your needs.
But it’s not just about pain
Many women who use cannabis during their period report benefits beyond pain relief. These include:
- Mood support: Cannabis can ease irritability, anxiety, and low mood associated with PMS and menstruation.
- Sleep improvement: Poor sleep is common during menstruation, and cannabis may help women fall and stay asleep more easily.
- Digestive relief: Bloating, constipation, and diarrhea are common symptoms of the menstrual cycle – cannabis can support gut function via its interaction with the ECS.
This multi-symptom support is one of the reasons cannabis is gaining traction, especially in a world where single-target pharmaceuticals are often the only option presented.
A word on safety
Cannabis isn’t a silver bullet, and it’s not for everyone.
Women with a personal or family history of mental health conditions should be cautious, particularly with high-THC strains. Cannabis may also interact with medications, so it’s important to consult a professional.
We always recommend starting with low doses and choosing safer consumption methods, such as:
- Dry herb vaping (minimises toxins from combustion)
- Oils or tinctures (accurate dosing and long-lasting)
- Edibles (ideal for night-time or sustained relief)
Avoid smoking joints, not just for health reasons, but because the tobacco often mixed in can worsen menstrual symptoms by constricting blood vessels and impacting estrogen.
Our take: cannabis as a catalyst
At High & Polite, we see cannabis not just as a pain reliever, but as a catalyst for greater health awareness.
It helps us tune in to our bodies. It opens the door to deeper rest, gentler self-care, and greater respect for the natural rhythms we move through each month.
It’s one tool in a larger toolkit, alongside nutrition, movement, toxin removal, light management, and stress reduction, that empowers women to step into their own role as healer.
Want to learn more about cannabis and natural health?
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