By Luke Sumpter


Cannabis often gets viewed as a panacea. While lots of people use it for many different reasons, the truth is, we're seriously lacking sound research. Still, many women opt to use the herb in hopes of easing the monthly occurrence of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Find out more about PMS, and if cannabis can help to tackle some of the many symptoms.

What Is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)?

The women reading this will be more than familiar with the manifestations of PMS. This battery of symptoms shows up each month, some time between ovulation and the start of a period, and typically ends with the beginning of the period or in the following days. The symptoms of PMS vary among women in terms of severity. While some barely notice them, nearly 30% of women[1] of reproductive age experience them moderately, and about 20% experience them to such a degree that it disrupts their daily lives.

The symptoms of PMS are both physical and psychological. The primary symptoms include:

Anxiety Irritability
Appetite changes Low mood and tearfulness
Rapid changes in mood Reduced libido
Concentration issues Abdominal pain
Cramps Diarrhoea and constipation
Headache Muscle pain

As you can see, the symptoms of PMS are diverse, numerous, and target the body and mind simultaneously. But what causes them? Researchers are still looking to determine an exact underlying cause of PMS and, moreover, why some women are much more affected than others. So far, scientists point the blame at several factors, including:

  • Hormonal changes: The rapid reduction in hormones during the luteal phase (the stage following ovulation) likely leads to psychological symptoms such as anxiety and mood changes.
  • Neurochemical shifts: Hormonal changes also lead to a shift in neurochemistry. Researchers believe lower levels of dopamine and serotonin during this time trigger low mood and sleeping issues.
  • Pre-existing conditions: Women with a family history of mental health conditions are more likely to experience severe PMS symptoms. Such conditions include depression, bipolar disorder, and postpartum depression.
  • Lifestyle choices: Certain lifestyle choices, such as smoking, high sugar intake, and a lack of exercise, are also linked to an increased risk of more severe PMS symptoms.

  • Are PMS and PMT the Same?

Sometimes, the symptoms experienced during the two weeks leading up to a period are described as premenstrual tension (PMT). Indeed, these physical and psychological changes are identical to those of PMS. The two terms are synonymous, and refer to the exact same thing.

The Relationship of Cannabis and PMS

There are a variety of conventional treatments available to manage PMS, including hormone medicines, talk therapy, antidepressants, and dietary supplements. Lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and adequate sleep, are also recommended. However, many women are drawn to cannabis to manage their symptoms, particularly those with safe, legal access to the herb.

For example, a survey[2] conducted in 2015 at the University of British Columbia in Canada asked a group of 192 women if they had ever used cannabis to alleviate menstrual pain. In total, 85% of the group stated they had tried the herb for this purpose, of which 90% reported a beneficial subjective effect. Most of these women consumed cannabis either by smoking or eating cannabis edibles.

Interestingly, the relationship between cannabis and PMS isn’t confined to the modern era. Various cultures used cannabis[3] to promote natural menstruation, and historical accounts even report that Queen Victoria used a cannabis tincture[4] to address her own symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

Now, more and more women are asking the question, “Does weed help with period cramps?”. Traditional use and historical accounts are one thing, but our health decisions are often best guided by scientific evidence based on controlled human trials. These tightly designed studies put natural products to the test, giving us the best indication of whether or not they would actually work in the real world. However, the archaic controversy surrounding cannabis has seriously stunted research in this area.

The Relationship of Cannabis and PMS
  • The Role of the ECS

To understand if cannabis has a relevant impact on PMS symptoms, we first need a basic understanding of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Known as the universal regulator of the human body, this system oversees homeostasis (biological balance) and helps to modulate neurotransmitter firing, bone remodelling, appetite, mood, and memory.

Comprising various receptors, signalling molecules, and enzymes, the ECS shows up all over the body. The active constituents of cannabis, including THC, primarily exert their effect by interacting with these receptors or by altering enzyme activity.

Of course, the nearly ubiquitous nature of the ECS means its components also show up in the female reproductive system[5]—the site of several PMS symptoms. Here, the ECS holds a strong influence over fertility, reproduction, and endocrine function.

So, does the ECS propose a beneficial target via which cannabis may address PMS symptoms? Let’s dig in a little deeper.

Cannabis and PMS Symptoms: What the Research Says

Several published surveys and scores of anecdotal reports help to paint a faint picture of the effect cannabis could have on PMS symptoms—but the image remains blurry. No human trials have put cannabis and its wealth of phytochemical constituents to the test against PMS symptoms specifically; at least not yet.

At this stage, we have to make the most of what we have access to. Various preclinical studies have pitched cannabinoids and other constituents against models of pain, inflammation, mood, and headaches. The results from this research then give us a better indication of how cannabis might perform in dedicated human trials of the future. Let’s check some of them out.

  • Menstrual Cramps

Although physiologically useful, menstrual cramps are painful. During a period, the muscles of the uterus contract in order to help expel the endometrium (lining of the uterus). However, these contractions, or cramps, are often strong enough to compress nearby blood vessels, which temporarily cuts off the oxygen supply to affected tissues, resulting in pain.

Various ECS components are found in the nervous system[6] and pain signalling pathways, including cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1), cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), and the capsaicin receptor (TRPV1). Various cannabinoids are known to bind to these sites[7] and alter their activity, possibly altering pain perception.

Adding to this, a narrative review published in the Journal of the International Association for the Study of Pain assessed the available preclinical studies[8] revolving around cannabinoids, the endocannabinoid system, and pain. The authors of the review concluded that animal models in which cannabinoids and ECS modulators were used show considerable promise for analgesic drug development, but they also state that developing these compounds into clinically useful medicines poses a significant challenge.

Cannabis and PMS Symptoms: What the Research Says
  • Mood Swings

The ECS plays a significant role in neurotransmitter firing. Unlike many brain chemicals, endocannabinoids are often sent backwards across the synaptic cleft, which gives neurons the ability to use them to govern incoming signals from molecules such as GABA (the major inhibitory neurotransmitter) and glutamate (the major excitatory neurotransmitter).

Much like endocannabinoids, plant-derived “phytocannabinoids” are able to influence brain chemistry by binding to these ECS receptor sites, among others. For example, after latching onto the CB1 receptor, THC is believed to cause an acute surge in dopamine—a neurotransmitter involved in pleasure and reward.

Other cannabis constituents, outside of the cannabinoid class, might also impact mood. Ongoing studies are exploring β-pinene (a terpene that lends a refreshing piney scent to certain cultivars) and linalool (a citrusy terpene) for their antidepressant potential[9].

  • Headaches

Bad headaches are a particularly severe symptom of PMS that can impact daily life. Can smoking a joint or eating an edible really reduce the discomfort? We don’t know for sure, but early research suggests that the ECS plays a role in certain types of headaches; low levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide[10] are likely to blame.

Early research also suggests that using phytocannabinoids to modulate the ECS could reduce headache severity. A study[11] published in The Journal of Pain collected data from a medical cannabis app to analise self-reported scores in patients after using the herb. Ratings for both headache and migraine reduced by around 50% in many patients using cannabis. However, men reported larger reductions in headaches than women.

Cannabis and PMS Symptoms: What the Research Says

How Does CBD Affect PMS?

What about CBD? This cannabinoid has gained plenty of popularity in recent years, partly because it doesn’t cause a high. Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t bind very strongly to either the CB1 or CB2 receptor. However, the cannabinoid does interrupt ECS enzyme activity, and early research suggests it could raise anandamide levels[12] (low circulating levels of the endocannabinoid are implicated in migraine).

CBD also binds to serotonin receptors in the brain and modulates serotonergic transmission[13]. Serotonin itself works as a mood stabiliser, and low levels can adversely impact mood and behaviour. Ongoing animal studies suggest that CBD could exert beneficial effects through this mechanism.

Currently, CBD in isolation is not approved as a pharmaceutical treatment for pain. However, the cannabinoid makes up a key part of the cannabis-based medicine Sativex (nabiximols), which contains a 1:1 ratio of CBD and THC. So far, this formula has been utilised in research dedicated to the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain[14]. More research is needed to see if it impacts pain generated by spasms and cramping.

How to Use Cannabis for PMS

As a versatile plant, there are many different ways to use cannabis, the most common of which are outlined below.

Inhalation Smoking and vaping offer a quick onset of effects and allow users to experiment with different materials, such as raw flower, waxes, and oils. However, both of these methods pose varying degrees of respiratory risks.
Oral This type of cannabis comes in many forms, from infused food and drink to capsules and edible oils. Oral cannabis takes longer to kick in but offers longer-lasting effects. The potential downsides to these products include a powerful psychoactive effect when consuming THC-infused edibles, and low bioavailability.
Topical Cannabis preparations designed to target the skin include balms, lotions, patches, creams, and salves. While most of these products only have a local effect on the skin, transdermal patches manage to deliver cannabinoids into systemic circulation.
Sublingual Applying drops of cannabis oil under the tongue allows cannabinoids to diffuse into the bloodstream rapidly. This method offers a quick onset and improved bioavailability compared to edibles, while eliminating the respiratory risks of smoking and vaping.

What Are the Risks of Cannabis and PMS?

Because the relationship between cannabis and PMS remains unclear, the associated risks are mostly unknown. However, women looking to use marijuana for their condition should consult a medical professional. Research shows that cannabis can alter female reproductive hormones[15], which can reduce the chances of conception. Furthermore, more severe psychological PMS symptoms are aggravated by mental health issues in some women, and cannabis increases the risk of mental health problems[16] in certain individuals.

The Future of Cannabis for PMS

It’s too early to say if cannabis can help to quell the symptoms of PMS. However, the ECS plays an important role in the function of the female reproductive system, and phytocannabinoids provide a means of modulating this system. Early research also shows that cannabinoids like THC and CBD might help to address some of the sensations and processes associated with PMS symptoms, but large-scale human studies are needed to confirm these findings. As cannabis research continues to ramp up, it’s likely we’ll see high-quality studies assessing the effect of cannabis on PMS sooner rather than later.

External Resources:
  1. Premenstrual Syndrome https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. Using marijuana to cope with the pain and other symptoms of medical abortions and menstrual periods https://www.contraceptionjournal.org
  3. Traditional uses of Cannabis: An analysis of the CANNUSE database https://www.sciencedirect.com
  4. EDITORIAL https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. The role of the endocannabinoid system in female reproductive tissues https://ovarianresearch.biomedcentral.com
  6. The role of the endocannabinoid system in pain https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  7. Endocannabinoid System Components: Overview and Tissue Distribution https://link.springer.com
  8. Cannabinoids, the endocannabinoid system, and pain: a review of preclinical studies https://journals.lww.com
  9. The “Entourage Effect”: Terpenes Coupled with Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Mood Disorders and Anxiety Disorders https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  10. Endocannabinoid System and Migraine Pain: An Update https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  11. Short- and Long-Term Effects of Cannabis on Headache and Migraine https://www.jpain.org
  12. Cannabidiol enhances anandamide signaling and alleviates psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  13. Cannabidiol modulates serotonergic transmission and reverses both allodynia and anxiety-like behavior in a model of neuropathic pain https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  14. A Review of Scientific Evidence for THC:CBD Oromucosal Spray (Nabiximols) in the Management of Chronic Pain https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  15. NIH study suggests using cannabis while trying to conceive may reduce pregnancy chances https://www.nih.gov
  16. Cannabis users at 'much higher' risk of developing poor mental health https://www.birmingham.ac.uk
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.

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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: