Menopause and Medical Cannabis

By Sharron Sample

The proliferation of medical cannabis in the United States has contributed to an increasing number of menopausal women using the drug to relieve symptoms.

Recent research found 1 in 4 female veterans use medical cannabis to relieve anxiety and depression, improve sleep, and relieve pain associated with menopause.

We look forward to continuing studies to increase of knowledge of the effects of cannabis for these conditions and others. As cannabis use for medical conditions continues to increase in number, the long list of benefits that researchers are still discovering may include menopause relief.

New Study on Menopause and Medical Cannabis

New research, published in the journal, Menopause, studied more than 250 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women who were recruited through targeted ads about women’s health and cannabis use. Over 83% of study participants said they regularly used cannabis to treat menopause-related symptoms. Most of the study participants stated that cannabis is used to help improve sleep and mood and decrease anxiety symptoms. It’s important to note that the study had a built-in bias since participants were recruited because of their interest in cannabis. While the study may have a built-in bias, it doesn’t take away the fact that common symptoms of menopause are the same symptoms we’ve seen proven to be helped by medical cannabis use.

How Cannabis Can Help With Menopause Symptoms

Researchers believe that there are many systems in the body that are affected by the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is found to be activated by THC and CBD. Other systems include:

• pain perception

• body temperature

• memory

• mood

• hunger

• stress

• sleep

• metabolism

• immunological response

• Reproduction

Local dispensaries, through web sites, or in-person visits, provide a wealth of knowledge on available products and their methods of consumption.