Many women report smoking weed helps with the painful symptoms associated with their menstrual cycle, but what about the girls who aren’t down with smoking cannabis?

Well, now you can get cannabis tampons, a revolutionary approach to keeping those cramps at bay. Cannabis tampons aren’t designed to absorb blood like regular tampons.

Instead, they can be thought of as suppositories that “melt” down from your internal heat and are absorbed into the bloodstream. Infused with a 6:1 THC/CBD ratio, these cannabis tampons won’t get you high. What they will do is provide you with some sweet relief from those debilitating cramps.

What Are Cannabis Tampons?

Cannabis tampons are exactly what they sound like. They are used just like a normal tampon and go to work to relieve the painful discomfort of cramps that can range from mild to excruciating. Cannabis tampons were created by Foria, a company well-known for their cannabis lube and sexual enhancement products.

These cannabis tampons, which are referred to as cannabis suppositories, are specially formulated with 60mg THC/10mg CBD to offer targeted relief from menstrual discomfort. To use cannabis tampons, simply insert into the vagina and allow them to do their thing. Effects typically take around 20 minutes to notice but can vary in different women. After inserting the cannabis tampon, simply wait a few minutes, then insert a regular tampon to absorb period blood.

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Rofia Reflief is a suppository for menstrual relief, cannabis tampons

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How Do Cannabis Tampons Work?

Cannabis tampons are inserted vaginally, and the THC/CBD is absorbed into a woman’s bloodstream through the vaginal walls. And while there are scant studies into the effects of cannabis on period cramps, both THC and CBD are known to be excellent for relieving pain.

Pain relief from cannabis all comes down to the endocannabinoid system and the way various cannabinoids interact with the brain. THC directly activates the CB1 receptors, whose primary role is to inhibit neurotransmitter release. Cannabis helps relieve pain by literally changing the way nerves function. When THC activates CB1 receptors, pain is modulated by sending signals to the brain and spinal cord.

CBD on the other hand, has no affinity for CB1 receptors. It helps to modulate pain, however, by increasing levels of anandamide, a cannabinoid neurotransmitter that is part of the endocannabinoid system. One of the primary functions of anandamide is believed to be pain modulation and is one of the body’s natural pain-relieving compounds.

Aside from relieving pain, cannabis is also known to be a powerful muscle relaxant, which is why it’s shown to be so beneficial with individuals who suffer from multiple sclerosis. And while more studies are needed to prove the effects of cannabis on period pain, there is countless anecdotal evidence and clinical studies that show its effectiveness on pain.

What Causes Menstrual Cramps?

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Each month, the lining of a woman’s uterus builds up to be shed again during her menstrual cycle when she has her period. In order to shed the lining, the muscles of the uterus contract and release, which helps the lining of the uterus to detach and flow out of the body through the cervix along with the blood periods are associated with.

Sometimes the muscle contractions in the uterus go unnoticed. Other times they are felt as a mild discomfort. These contractions can also be excruciating, however. Like “I want to rip my uterus out” excruciating. Some women experience debilitating period pain each month, and it’s not always just in the belly. A woman’s monthly cycle can also cause severe lower back pain and pain in the backs of the legs as well.

It’s estimated that 10 in 100 women experience period pain so bad that they can’t carry on with their regular activities for 1-3 days during that time of the month. If you’re one of them, cannabis tampons could offer the relief you desperately need.z

Are Cannabis Tampons Safe?

Cannabis tampons have not been approved by the FDA. They do contain cannabis, after all, which is still considered a Schedule I Substance in the US. That being said, there haven’t been any tests to prove the overall safety of these cannabis suppositories. On the other hand, reviews of cannabis tampons have been extremely positive.

Take the following 5-star review of one Foria customer, for example:

"I have severe dysmenorrhea, Hemorrhagic ovarian cysts, fibroid tumors, and endometriosis...so my periods are hell, and I have daily pain and discomfort. Foria products have given me so much relief from my suffering and opened me up to the perspective and lifestyle of using Cannabis for medicine & healing. I used to have to take so many painkillers and hot compress to barely minimize my pain, so I was AMAZED when Foria Relief took away all my pain in my abdomen and lower back. I put mine in the fridge a few minutes before using to firm it up, and cut it in half for the first use, because I have a very low THC tolerance. But Wow! I was so amazed all my pain melted away, I will definitely be using these during my periods. I really recommend all the Foria products, especially if you have menstrual disorders or pain! I've been suffering for years without relief to my symptoms and pain; wishing and hoping for something that would help me. Thank you so much Foria for making such amazing and ground-breaking products and providing much needed relief from my pain."

Final Thoughts on Cannabis Tampons

If you’re a woman who experiences chronic cramping each month with her menstrual cycle, cannabis tampons could be something to check out. Foria is the only company yet to make them…something that will undoubtedly change as more women find comfort in what these tampons have to offer.

Rather than popping an ibuprofen (or something stronger) the next time your period pain rears its ugly head, think about checking out cannabis tampons for natural relief without any side effects. Queen Victoria used cannabis during her menstrual cycle, as do countless women of today. Cannabis tampons take things a step further than smoking, allowing for helpful period pain relief without the high.