Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is one of the most popular extracts from cannabis, most noted for its psychedelic properties. Besides its psychoactive nature, THC also comes with numerous health benefits.
It’s essential to understand how the compound interacts with your system and how to make the most of it. That’s especially if you’re a woman who also happens to be new to marijuana. So read on as we unpack some of the hidden facts about tetrahydrocannabinol and women’s health, as well as some benefits a woman can accrue by incorporating THC into their lifestyle.
Facts About THC and Women
Medical marijuana doctors claim that using high-quality THC products from reputable kratom suppliers like maeng da kratom benefits might relieve numerous diseases. In addition, these researchers cite specific medical conditions in women that weed may help treat or prevent.
But before we delve any further into the potential health benefits of tetrahydrocannabinol for women, it’s essential to understand some basic facts about THC and women.
1. THC Can Induce Euphoria
This is probably the most important fact to know before using tetrahydrocannabinol. Consuming significant amounts of THC-containing products will get you high. Perhaps the key thing to understand is how the compound induces a ‘high.’
Like all marijuana extracts, THC enters your body through the endocannabinoid system. The ECS refers to a complex cell-signalling system in the body of all mammals. It regulates vital functions, such as maintaining homeostatic balance, pain relief, regulating circadian rhythms, and boosting overall immunity.
The endocannabinoid system contains its endocannabinoids, such as anandamide. It also has receptors known as endocannabinoid receptors and various hormones and enzymes that impact its overall functions. There are two significant types of endocannabinoid receptors, namely CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are widespread around the brain and central nervous system, whereas CB2 receptors mainly occur in the body’s peripheral tissues and organs.
Tetrahydrocannabinol binds to CB1 receptors. Since CB1 receptors are located closer to the brain, it’s clear how THC’s interactions with these receptors cause mind-altering effects. Some of the psychedelic effects triggered by THC include:
- Hallucinations
- Distorted sense of time and space
- Unreasonable feelings of self-worth
- Bloodshot eyes
2. THC May Affect Women Differently Than Men
There are more male than female cannabis users. However, sex-comparative studies have shown that women are more sensitive to the side effects of marijuana than men. That’s mainly attributable to the glaring hormonal differences between men and women, especially sex hormones like estrogen and progesterone.
Another reason women could have higher THC sensitivity than men is due to the hormonal and physiological changes that occur during a woman’s menstrual cycle. Studies have shown that blood enzymes that degrade endocannabinoids tend to fluctuate significantly during menstruation. Other studies suggest that women contain a higher number of endocannabinoids and more sensitive endocannabinoid receptors than men.
Health Benefits of THC for Women
1. THC for Premenstrual Syndrome
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a condition that affects a woman’s physical, mental, and behavioural health during specific days of the menstrual cycle. Although the real causes of premenstrual syndrome are unknown, doctors believe that the condition results from significant hormonal changes during menstruation.
Tetrahydrocannabinol, and marijuana in general, treats PMS by relieving some of its core symptoms, including mood swings, irritability, and fatigue.
THC resolves mood swings and irritability by increasing the signalling of feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. The compound is also a stimulant at low doses, making it an effective remedy for PMS-induced fatigue.
2. THC for Chronic Pain
Pain relief is another significant benefit of tetrahydrocannabinol for women. THC binds to CB1 receptors in the brain in a manner that produces near-similar effects to opioid drugs. In addition, studies have shown that the compound might treat both nociceptive and chronic pain.
THC’s analgesic properties make it effective for endometriosis, a disorder where the endometrial tissues grow outside and outside the uterus. Other chronic pain conditions in women that THC may treat or prevent include:
- Dysmenorrhea – Menstrual pain and cramps.
- Dyspareunia – Pain during sexual intercourse
- Inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Multiple sclerosis
- Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
- Migraines
- Fibromyalgia
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
3. THC for Enhanced Sexual Performance
We’ve just highlighted dyspareunia as one of the major types of pain that THC may relieve in women. Treating dyspareunia can go a long way in improving sexual performance. Another way THC may boost your sex life is by improving blood flow.
Tetrahydrocannabinol is a renowned vasodilator. The compound can dilate constricted blood vessels. That ensures more nutrients and oxygenated blood flow to your sexual organs, leading to better sexual arousal and more intense orgasms. THC can also enhance intimacy between partners, explaining why one-third of US women supplement with cannabis-infused products to boost their sexual performance.
4. THC for Skincare
There’s a growing list of studies citing marijuana for its potential for improving skin health. Indeed, the cannabis industry now teems with hundreds of THC-enriched products marketed to moisturize and rejuvenate the skin. THC contains powerful antioxidants, such as polyphenols. These antioxidants can protect the skin cells from oxidative damage, thereby keeping various skin conditions at bay. Cannabis has already shown promise in treating acne and various other skin diseases, including eczema and psoriasis.
Wrapping Up
There are numerous health benefits of THC for women. However, it’s recommended to consult your doctor before integrating cannabis into your lifestyle. That’s especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or already on other medications.
