Cannabis has long been celebrated for its healing, nurturing, and calming properties. What makes this plant truly unique is that its most potent medicine comes from female flowers. Cultivators go to great lengths to keep male plants away, as their presence can disrupt the growth and potency of these flowers. This careful cultivation process not only ensures quality but also underscores cannabis’s strong connection to feminine energy—a theme often embraced in cannabis culture.
Despite cannabis’s inherently feminine nature, it has historically been marketed to men, mirroring the male-dominated industry in which it has thrived. However, times are changing. Women now make up 46.2% of Utah’s 94,192 active medical cannabis patients, a number projected by the Center for Medical Cannabis to reach 100,000 by April of this year. As more women embrace cannabis, product offerings are evolving to meet their unique needs. The narrative of who cannabis is for is shifting, with women leading the charge in redefining its role in wellness and healthcare.
Sexual Wellness
For women, cannabis offers transformative benefits, especially when it comes to sexual wellness. If you didn’t already know, cannabis is basically Viagra for the ladies. A small dose of inhaled cannabis flower can enhance both the quantity and quality of orgasms while easing barriers like anxiety, body insecurity, and sexual shame. It helps women feel more present, connected to their bodies, and in tune with their partners. Topical THC, applied to sensitive areas, promotes vasodilation and increased blood flow, leading to heightened sensation and greater pleasure.
Though vaginal suppositories—known for amplifying G-spot orgasms—aren’t yet available in Utah, their potential highlights the plant’s versatility in addressing sexual health. For many women, painful conditions like dyspareunia (painful intercourse) and vaginismus (involuntary contractions often linked to PTSD or trauma) create significant challenges to intimacy. Cannabis serves as a powerful tool, allowing survivors of sexual trauma to reconnect with their partners and rediscover pleasure in a way traditional therapies often cannot.
When using cannabis for sexual enhancement, it’s essential to start low and go slow. Too much can backfire, leaving you distracted or unmotivated. Begin by experimenting solo to understand how your body responds before involving a partner. Edibles may take too long to kick in and can have inconsistent effects, so a small inhaled dose paired with a topical THC pre-lube is often the best approach.
Choosing the right cultivar depends on your individual needs and desired experience. For example, cultivars with relaxing or arousing effects can enhance the experience. If using a topical pre-lube, apply it to the vulva about 20 minutes before you’d like to feel the effects. These products typically have minimal systemic absorption when used vaginally but are often oil-based, which can weaken latex. To avoid any issues, consider using non-latex condoms or stick to a monogamous, STD-free partner.
A word of caution: less is more with THC topicals. Overdoing it can lead to overstimulation, which might diminish the experience. Finally, as with any substance and intimate activity, ensure ground rules and consent are clearly discussed before incorporating cannabis into your routine.
Relief for Menstrual Pain, Endometriosis, and Fibroids
Cannabis has been used for centuries to ease menstrual pain, with historical accounts of Egyptians using cannabis-infused honey to soothe discomfort and relieve uterine contractions during childbirth. This ancient wisdom aligns with modern science, which reveals that the uterus is rich in endocannabinoid receptors, making cannabis an effective option for managing uterine pain.
Vaginal suppositories, while ideal for targeting this area, are not yet available in Utah. However, you can create your own at home using cocoa butter and distillate syringes with THC, CBD, and CBG, as these cannabinoids are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Topical products, bath salts, or even a few drops of tincture massaged onto the lower abdomen can also provide soothing relief. Additionally, tinctures, edibles, or inhaled flower with a balanced cannabinoid profile can help address uterine pain from within.
Managing Menopausal Symptoms
Cannabis offers valuable relief for menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, irritability, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. THC is a key ingredient to look for in sleep-focused products, as it promotes relaxation and better rest. The terpene myrcene, known for its sedative properties, can enhance these effects. Additionally, CBN is emerging as a beneficial compound for sleep-specific formulations.
Helpful product types include tinctures, low-dose edibles, or cannabis flower with sleep-promoting properties.
Postpartum Challenges and PMS
Cannabis can be a helpful tool for managing postpartum challenges, depression, and PMS. Products combining CBG with moderate amounts of THC are particularly effective, as CBG is known for its uplifting and calming effects. Cultivars high in the terpene limonene are also excellent for mood elevation and stress relief.
It’s important to note that cannabis is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers due to potential risks. Always consult a medical professional before incorporating cannabis into your routine during the postpartum period.
Helpful product types include vape cartridges, low-dose edibles, tinctures, and cannabis flower with balanced cannabinoid profiles.
Cannabis for Moms
Being a mom is no easy task, and the stress of managing daily life can take its toll. Discreet cannabis products that allow for micro-dosing have become a popular solution for moms seeking balance without compromising productivity. Small amounts of inhaled cannabis, edibles, tinctures, or infused beverages can help moms slow down, focus, and reconnect with their loved ones.
Micro-dosing pairs seamlessly with other self-care practices like mindfulness, yoga, and exercise. The key is finding products that provide subtle effects—just enough to ease stress and enhance relaxation—while still allowing you to be fully functional and responsible.
Conclusion
Cannabis is proving to be a versatile ally for women, addressing a wide range of physical, emotional, and mental health needs. As more women embrace its benefits, the conversation around cannabis continues to evolve, breaking down stereotypes and empowering us to take control of our well-being. Whether managing stress, finding balance, or enhancing intimacy, cannabis offers a natural, personalized approach to living our best lives.
You can connect with the author of this article, Mindy Madeo, PharmD, at Beehive Farmacy in Brigham City, where she continues to guide patients on their wellness journeys.
