11 Best Strains for Menstrual Cramps
Article written by
Shanti RyleContent Writer
Content reviewed by
Dr. Lewis Jassey
Throughout history, cannabis has been used to treat menstrual cramps.
Depending on their severity, symptoms associated with menstruation can interfere with an individual’s school, work, and social activities. Recent research has found promising evidence that medical marijuana can help with period pain relief and alleviate other post-menstrual-stress (PMS) symptoms such as mood swings, chronic pain, and more severe concerns such as endometriosis.
Based on their unique formulation of cannabinoids and terpenes, some of the best strains for menstrual cramps include:
- Gorilla Glue (GG#4)
- Lavender
- Blue Dream
- Skywalker OG
- Pink Kush
- Sour Diesel
- Purple Urkle
- Kali Mist
- Wedding Cake
- Orange Kush Breath
- Super Lemon Haze
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How Cannabis Affects Menstrual Cramps
Menstruation is when the uterine lining and unfertilized egg is shed. A mix of uterine lining and blood exit the body when no pregnancy occurs. The muscular organs around the uterus contract and shift before and during menstruation, sometimes resulting in painful cramps.
Over-the-counter painkillers like Tylenol or Midol or hormonal contraception are often used to treat uncomfortable premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menstrual symptoms. Increasingly, natural alternatives like warm baths, yoga, and cannabis products are taking over as preferred remedies for period discomfort.
While the research is limited, studies are unearthing more evidence on how medical marijuana can help relieve symptoms such as cramps and general menstrual pain.
The mechanism by which cannabis alleviates symptoms of more painful periods is uncertain. Some speculation suggests that the psychoactive properties of cannabinoids like THC interact with the cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to help alleviate the sensation of pain.
Cannabidiol (CBD) has also emerged as a promising medical cannabis option for relieving menstrual cramps. The cannabinoid’s analgesic (i.e., pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory properties can help relax constricting muscles in the pelvis while also helping relieve headaches, back tension, and other period pain-related issues.
Many anecdotal reports from users suggest cannabis strains high in CBD, as well as CBD products, help take the edge off period cramps or are preferable for overall relief.
While no specific research to date has examined the efficacy of CBD for PMS symptoms, an extensive body of research supports its powerful pain management properties and its ability to lift low moods and relieve anxiety. Medical marijuana use for period pain is well-documented, with many users recommending the best marijuana strains for menstrual symptoms that have worked for them.
Can Cannabis Help With Period Cramps?
According to some users, yes. However, the most effective way to consume cannabis for period cramps depends entirely on the person’s specific physiology, needs, and preferences.
For example, those seeking a fast-acting pain reliever may smoke weed or cannabis concentrates, particularly if they want to treat severe pain.
Smoking weed isn’t your only option for fast pain relief, though. Suppositories are not as fast-acting as smoking weed, but they are faster than edibles and topicals. Some people who menstruate also have found success with anal or vaginal suppositories that dissolve internally and deliver relief directly to the cannabinoid receptors in the lower pelvic region.
Alternatively, edibles are slower-acting but much longer lasting, providing more potent effects with smaller doses. For example, those seeking to sleep through the night may choose edibles for longer-lasting symptom relief.
Topicals may also alleviate specific sites of cramping, such as in the lower abdomen or back. Some users suggest CBD products like CBD cream applied to the lower abdomen.
Best Cannabis Strains for Menstrual Cramps
When it comes to the best strains (i.e., cultivars or chemovars) for menstrual cramps, try to opt for a more balanced ratio of THC to CBD. The THC-to-CBD balance does the trick for those seeking effective pain relief while moderating the psychoactive effects of THC. Similarly, seek out strains with terpenes that have analgesic or mood-lifting properties.
Terpenes to look out for include myrcene, pinene, linalool, and beta-caryophyllene. Of course, what works for one person may not work for another. You may need to try several strains to determine which works best.
Some cannabis users treating menstrual discomfort and PMS symptoms suggest marijuana strains high in cannabinoids CBG and CBGA, such as Dosido OG 18. Research has found CBG has anti-inflammatory properties that could be helpful for painful menstrual cramps.
Gorrilla Glue or GG#4
We rank Gorilla Glue as the best strain due to its multiple mentions on forums discussing medical marijuana use for period cramps. Anecdotal reports from women managing period cramps with cannabis suggest Gorilla Glue, also known as GG#4 or GG4, as their go-to marijuana strain for menstrual pain relief.
It’s an indica-dominant hybrid strain with a terpene profile comprising caryophyllene, myrcene, and limonene. Medical marijuana patients often choose Gorilla Glue when dealing with symptoms associated with pain, stress, and anxiety. Its analgesic properties (i.e., pain relieving properties) are a big draw for users treating painful menstrual cramps.
Lavender
Lavender is an excellent cannabis choice for those who need relief from more severe pain. This indica-dominant hybrid reportedly produces potent physical relief that washes away pain sensations and improves one’s overall outlook on life.
Lavender’s high linalool content contributes to its stress-relieving properties and unique floral scent, while its higher levels of myrcene set users up for a pain-free night of sleep.
Blue Dream
Blue Dream is a sativa-dominant hybrid strain that produces uplifting results without causing anxiety.
Users report that Blue Dream creates a peaceful evening or mild daytime strain that keeps one’s day happy and pain-free. It also contains high levels of beta-caryophyllene and pinene, which can help mitigate the fatigue associated with premenstrual syndrome symptoms.
Skywalker OG
Skywalker OG is a potent cultivar with THC levels often surpassing 20%, though its above-average myrcene and linalool contents make its high more relaxing and pain-relieving.
Beginning users should start with small amounts of Skywalker OG but have reportedly found effective pain relief for stubborn cramps.
Pink Kush
Pink Kush is a coveted member of the OG Kush family, prized for its strong body high and long-lasting effects. Its hefty myrcene percentage also helps to relax stress or anxiety associated with periods, making it helpful for dodging insomnia and achieving restful, lasting sleep.
For those seeking effective cannabis pain management and relaxation during their menstrual cycle, Pink Kush offers a delicious and fast-acting option.
Sour Diesel
Sour Dieselis another cannabis strain with energizing and uplifting effects, producing a gentle, lilting high. When dosed appropriately, this strain is not overly potent, yet it’s highly effective.
Sour Diesel is a good choice for squashing the depression associated with fluctuating hormone levels while soothing mild to moderate cramp pains.
Purple Urkle
Purple Urkle is a descendant of the indica-dominant strain Mendocino Purps and is a good choice for evening-time pain relief. Its potent body buzz comes from its higher myrcene andpineneconcentrations, which filter out the pain sensation while blanketing the mind in a soft euphoria.
When you need to get a good night’s sleep free from cramps or back pain, Purple Urkle may do the trick.
Other “purple” strains women recommended on Reddit as their favorites for menstrual pain relief include Purple Punch and Grandaddy Purp, which are great options to help relieve menstrual discomfort.
Kali Mist
Kali Mist is a sativa-dominant hybrid with uplifting and energizing effects. Its flavor profile is spicy and herbal, and dominant terpenes include myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene.
Kali Mist is another excellent cannabis strain for menstrual discomfort. Medical users report Kali Mist is best for chronic pain and depression. It’s an effective choice for painful periods and PMS symptoms, according to anecdotal reports.
Wedding Cake
Cake strains are heralded for their ability to help with stomach issues, reducing pain and inflammation and offering relief. Wedding Cake is an indica-dominant strain with high THC content.
Medical marijuana patients choose Wedding Cake to help relieve symptoms associated with pain, insomnia, appetite loss, anxiety, and depression.
Orange Kush Breath
Orange Kush breath is an indica-dominant hybrid strain with a terpene profile that includes terpinolene, myrcene, limonene, and pinene. It has an orangey, citrusy flavor and aroma and is well known to help with cramps, depression, and fatigue.
Super Lemon Haze
Super Lemon Haze or Lemon Haze is a sativa-dominant hybrid strain. Its terpene profile is rich in terpinolene, myrcene, and caryophyllene.
Many users enjoy Super Lemon Haze for its citrusy flavors and uplifting high. Medical users report using it for chronic conditions such as depression, anxiety, as well as other PMS symptoms.
The Bottom Line
While the research on medical marijuana use and its potential to treat menstruation symptoms is lacking, many studies investigate cannabis’s potential to relieve pain, anxiety, and other period-related symptoms.
Hundreds of anecdotal reports also celebrate medical marijuana’s ability to alleviate period cramps and other PMS symptoms. If you’re looking for a natural way to address concerns during your menstrual cycle, it’s worth speaking to your doctor about the best cannabis products for your specific needs.
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Published: April 2023
Updated: April 2024
