It’s no new news that medical cannabis is therapeutic. It is the primary reason why patients are seeking guidance from Oklahoma medical card doctors to get started with their medical marijuana journey. But, did you know that it affects men and women differently?
Several studies and research have concluded that effects of cannabis such as munchies, fatigue and withdrawal can vary due to sex differences. For instance, while men feel an increase in appetite, women don’t.
Such difference of effects is the reason why the purpose of medical cannabis can be different for men and women.
Why Medical Card Doctors Believe Women Use and Love Cannabis
Menstrual Cycle
There’s a high percentage of women who use medical cannabis during their menstrual cycles. Every month, women have to deal with strong menstrual cramps. Generally, the basic remedy for cramps can be non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil but according to Oklahoma medical card doctors lot of women find a better solution in medical cannabis. But how does cannabis work in relieving menstrual pain?
There’s not a lot of research on this subject but some theories exist that give a convincing explanation about the benefits of using medical cannabis for cramps.
Menstrual cramps are caused by contractions and the release of a hormone-like substance called prostaglandins. Now, cannabinoids such as THC and CBD do not directly impact the release of prostaglandins, however, they can help reduce pain affecting the production of dopamine. Also, THC can help develop euphoria which helps reduce the perception of pain.
Besides menstrual cramps, medical cannabis is also effective against other symptoms of PMS such as headache, anxiety, mood swings, etc.
Endometriosis
As many as 6.5 million women in the United States suffer from a very painful condition of endometriosis. In this condition, tissues similar to the ones inside the uterus start growing outside the uterus too. It can lead to highly painful menstrual cramps and also develop other symptoms such as anxiety, lack of sleep, nausea, etc.
Medical cannabis has proven to be an effective solution for this condition. Many women have reported feeling relief from the severe pain and all the associated symptoms after using cannabis for endometriosis.
Cannabis works by interacting with the N-arachidonyl glycine receptor or GPR18 receptor to regulate the migration of endometrial cells to organs outside the uterus. Additionally, cannabis acts as a painkiller by desensitizing the TRPV1 receptor and therefore reducing pain perception.
Sexual Health
A low libido can be a concerning issue among women. But, a lot of them fight the problem with the help of medical cannabis. They find it to be a successful aphrodisiac. In a small study, 373 participants reported using cannabis before sexual activity at some point in their life. And surprisingly, women were specifically reported to have higher pleasure after using cannabis. In fact, cannabis was effective in reducing pain during sexual activity too.
There’s no concrete study to back up the effect of medical cannabis on sexual activity however, there are some theories. Cannabinoids affect the CB receptors which influence sexual function. THC in cannabis also indirectly improves pleasure during sexual activity by eliminating any pressure and discomfort.
Skincare
In 2021, you can find several beauty and skincare products in the market that include cannabis, specifically CBD, as an ingredient.
After careful experimentation of CBD as a skincare ingredient, several positive effects have come to the fore. First, it is anti-inflammatory. So, it can help with skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, etc. Acne is also a result of inflammation and CBD can help provide relief.
Cannabis also helps lower sebum production. For this reason, Oklahoma medical card doctors recommend the herb to women who suffer from oily skin, blackheads and acne.
Mental Health
Mental health problems such as depression and anxiety are more common in women than men. That’s not all. Women may also have to suffer co-occurring symptoms which greatly ruins mental health. For instance, endometriosis is often accompanied by lack of sleep and anxiety. So, how do women deal with such issues? With the help of medical cannabis.
The cannabinoids found in medical cannabis affect the endocannabinoid system, directly or indirectly, and influence major body functions. This includes emotional and mental balance. While THC can directly affect the CB receptors in the mind to calm your mind, CBD changes the way endocannabinoids are absorbed in the body which has an indirect effect on mental health. For example, CBD slows down the breakdown of anandamide therefore allowing it to improve your emotional state.
An added benefit of using medical cannabis for mental health is the fact that it has less side effects as compared to pharmaceuticals. The idea of popping pills can itself affect the mood negatively. But, in the case of cannabis, you can try different ways to consume the herb. This includes smokables, vaporizers, edibles, tinctures, etc.
Conclusion
Medical cannabis can no doubt improve the lives of men and women. But, women are more likely to choose medical cannabis over prescribed medications. And we have already discussed the reasons for this shift.
So, do you think medical cannabis is the best fit for you? There’s only one way to find out. Apply online for a consultation with Oklahoma medical card doctors to get same-day approvals for a recommendation and start using medical marijuana today.