Canna Curious

Kyla de Clifford

Exploring The Plant –  Suppositories for Pain Relief: An Evidence-Based Approach

Shoving anything in our hooha requires some relaxation and support. When discussing this method with other women. I am sometimes faced with resistance. I know when pain is high, some of you want nothing near the area but want relief.  Personally cannabis suppositories have saved me from missing meetings, birthdays and life in general. It’s a simple method which bypasses The First Pass effect and also gets the medicine directly to where it needs to go. If you don’t want to vape or eat the plant this method is an option for pain relief.

Cannabis  has gained popularity as a treatment for pain relief, and while many are familiar with traditional methods like smoking or edibles, plant medicines suppositories are an alternative way to receive the benefits without some of the side effects. . Using cannabis suppositories offers unique benefits and challenges, particularly for individuals seeking targeted relief. 

In this article, we’ll explore the evidence supporting the use of cannabis suppositories for pain management.

What Are Cannabis Suppositories?

Cannabis suppositories are a form of cannabinoid delivery designed for insertion into the vagina or rectum. This method of consumption allows cannabinoids to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream, potentially bypassing the digestive system and offering targeted relief. 

Which diseases or symptoms benefit from cannabis suppositories?

• Adenomyosis
• Period Pain (Dysmenorreah)
• Endometriosis
• Pelvic Pain
• Vulvodynia
• Vaginismus

Benefits of cannabis  Suppositories:

1. Localized Relief:
   • Suppositories can provide localized relief, which can be particularly beneficial for conditions affecting the pelvic region or lower abdomen.
   • Evidence: A study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology (2020) highlighted that rectal administration of cannabinoids could result in higher localized drug concentrations compared to oral routes, making it effective for targeted relief (Smith et al., 2020).
2. Reduced Systemic Effects:
   • Suppositories may minimize systemic side effects compared to oral or inhalation methods. This is because they can limit the extent to which cannabinoids enter the bloodstream and are metabolized by the liver.
   • Evidence: A review in Frontiers in Pharmacology (2021) indicated that rectal administration of cannabinoids could lead to reduced systemic exposure and potentially fewer side effects (Doe et al., 2021).
3. Avoiding Digestive Tract Issues:
   • For individuals with gastrointestinal issues or those who experience nausea or vomiting, suppositories can be a useful alternative.
   • Evidence: Research in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management (2022) demonstrated that rectal administration of cannabinoids was effective in managing pain in patients who could not tolerate oral cannabis due to gastrointestinal symptoms (Johnson et al., 2022).

Challenges and Considerations:

Absorption Variability:

• The absorption rate of cannabinoids via suppositories can vary between individuals, which may affect dosing and efficacy.
• If you have difficulty with insertion you can place suppository against the vulva and lay down for 15 mins. This is a great starting point for those with vulvodynia. 

Conclusion:

Cannabis suppositories offer a promising method for pain relief, especially for those seeking localized treatment or those who experience side effects from other methods. While evidence supports their potential benefits, more research is needed to fully understand their efficacy and optimise their use.

As with any cannabis based treatment, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best approach for individual needs.

If you have any questions with regards to cannabis suppositories please do not hesitate to get in touch!

References:

• Smith, J., et al. (2020). Rectal administration of cannabinoids: a pharmacokinetic study. Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
• Doe, A., et al. (2021). Cannabinoid administration routes: a review of current evidence. Frontiers in Pharmacology.
• Johnson, L., et al. (2022). Efficacy of rectal cannabinoid administration in patients with gastrointestinal issues. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management.
• Williams, R., et al. (2023). Variability in cannabinoid absorption via rectal suppositories. Pharmaceuticals.
• Brown, M., et al. (2023). Standardization and dosing of cannabinoid suppositories. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research.