Ever since cannabis was criminalized in the early 20th century, women have been “re-discovering” the herb’s therapeutic benefits — stumbling onto its healing powers while consuming it recreationally.

But once upon a time, cannabis remedies were commonly prescribed by doctors — particularly for relief from gynaecological conditions. Even further back in history, cannabis was one of the most widespread remedies of village herbalists, medicinal women, and tribal healers. Rarely was cannabis smoked — most recipes were for oral, vaginal, anal, and topical application.

Why Are Women Putting Weed In Their Vagina?

Foria, an American company, has started marketing a suppository that claims to help women ease their period pains. They say they work because "the pelvic region contains more cannabinoid receptors than any other part of the body except for the brain".

The pills are made from cocoa butter mixed with 40mg of cannabidiol. Some have lauded them as a miracle cure for their cramps, but medical professionals aren't so sure. As the drug is not FDA approved and remains untested, there's little scientific proof of its effectiveness.

How Do They Work?

Pain-reduction is one of the most common therapeutic uses for cannabinoids. Since the reproductive tract can be a major source of pain during periods, using cannabinoids vaginally could be a much more direct route of relief.

Cannabinoids address pain in two ways — not only do they desensitize pain-perceiving nerves, but they also limit inflammation ( a major contributor to pain). It targets the same enzyme that painkillers do — decreasing your body’s production of inflammation that stimulate painful cramps — and THC & CBD reduce both the intensity of the cramps and your ability to feel their pain signals.

Plus, this suppository apparently doesn't get you high either. It simply works as a natural painkiller, keeping you away from a trip or high you may regret.

Other Benefits

Apart from relieving period cramps, cannabinoids can affect you in many other ways. It also helps with:

• Heavy bleeding
• Painful urination
• PMS
• Pain during sex
• Nausea during pregnancy
• Menopause
• Gonorrhoea
• Post-partum haemorrhage
• Difficult childbirth
• Aphrodisiac uses

Basically, women now finally have some hope for aiding the terrible cramps by simply putting weed (suppository) in their vagina. Though there are no concrete scientific studies validating the use of the drug, due to limited access and permissions, it's likely that the benefits are existent. Cannabinoids have always been used as medical aid, which is probably why Foria may actually work!