As cannabis reform continues to march its way into the mainstream, one of the fastest growing demographics of new cannabis users is folks between the ages of 50 to 64 years old.
Among this group, women take the lead, and in most cases they aren’t terp-hunting or trying to make Family Guy funnier, but instead are seeking alternative forms of relief from the downsides of aging.
Cannabis has been used medicinally by various cultures for thousands of years, but it is really in the past decade or so that the medical community has gotten onboard with weed and has begun to lend its credibility to what has mostly been anecdotal evidence up until now.
When many people hear the term “medical marijuana” their minds tend to go to the extremes, like cancer or epilepsy treatments. Cannabis can certainly play an important role in helping to overcome such maladies, but the more we dig into the science behind the plant, the more ailments and conditions are found to be treatable with cannabis.
When women reach a certain age range, usually between 45 and 55, their body begins to undergo a series of usually less than desirable changes known as menopause.
Menopause affects over one billion women and symptoms may include problems sleeping, hot flashes, a reduction in bone density, increased irritability, decreased sex drive, and a higher risk of heart disease and breast cancer.
Traditionally, women have been told to just deal with it. It has become a stereotype for middle aged women used as an excuse or a punchline for men who cannot relate whatsoever.
In the most extreme cases, Hormone Replacement Therapy, or Estrogen Replacement Therapy can be administered, but long term use has been shown to further increase the chances of bone disease or breast cancer. Because of this, doctors usually only recommend such treatment for 24 months or less, but even that is going to elevate risk levels of life-threatening diseases.
But new light being shone upon the many benefits of medical marijuana has revealed that when it comes to menopause, kush might be a lady’s best friend.
As you may now, all humans have within them something called the Endocannabinoid System. This network consists of CB2 receptors located throughout the body that are activated by cannabis in a process called “signaling”.
As a woman’s estrogen levels naturally drop during menopause, this signaling process gets weaker and the all-encompassing endocannabinoid system begins to break down.
Whether it is in men or women, young or old, the endocannabinoid system regulates our overall well-being in a myriad of ways – from how your mood is balanced when you talk to how your weight is balanced when you walk.
So when this system suffers, the side effects can be wide ranging… like with menopause.
Since the endocannabinoid system works to regulate emotional responses, anxiety, depression, bone loss, and more, flooding those CB2 receptors with good ol’ fashioned cannabis can provide real relief.
The beneficial effects of cannabis use are found to be strongest in premenopausal women, though they can still realize substantial aid later in the process with increased intake of cannabis.
For those concerned with the potential psychoactive effects of cannabis use, alternative forms of use such as topical creams, balms, and salves can provide the healing benefits of the plant without the “high” usually associated with weed. Similarly, cannabis suppositories are also growing in popularity based on their effectiveness.
Both of these options are showing up more frequently on dispensary menu boards, but if they are not available, simple microdosing with cannabis flowers or oils can also do the trick. A little trial and error will allow menopausal women to dial in a dose that delivers the medicinal benefits without the buzz.
Additionally, cannabis use boosts natural serotonin signaling in the same receptors which can have a profoundly beneficial impact on occurrences of hot flashes and night sweats that can interrupt a healthy sleeping pattern.
This day and night relief, combined with the general sense of euphoria that cannabis tends to provide, can do wonders for the mood of a middle-aged woman, improving not only her quality of life but that of those around her.
And do we even need to tell you about sex on weed?
Let’s just say… it’s better!
The right dose of topical, edible, or even smoked or vaped cannabis about an hour before getting busy can stimulate the sex drive, increase sensitivity to the human touch, and provide a deep sense of relaxation and confidence that usually translates into spectacular sex.
For those who still opt for hormone or estrogen replacement regimens, cannabis use can help to offset the higher risks of bone disease and breast cancer.
Research conducted back in 2015 showed that the endocannabinoid system helps to build, grow, and preserve our skeletal system and that those same CB2 receptors play a crucial role in balancing bone metabolism.
So if you or someone you know is suffering from the effects of menopause, cannabis may be an all-natural remedy that can not only provide a higher quality of life, it can potentially lead to a longer life as well.
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This article is part of our ongoing educational series covering the truth surrounding the many benefits of cannabis. You can read about more topics at the links below:
CANNABIS SUPPOSITORIES: https://www.beardbrospharms.com/news/2018/9/28/why-medical-marijuana-patients-should-consider-cannabis-suppositories
CANNABIS EDIBLES: https://www.beardbrospharms.com/news/2018/9/24/facts-v-fiction-can-i-overdose-on-cannabis-edibles
CANNABIS & BREAST CANCER: https://www.beardbrospharms.com/news/2018/10/10/facts-vs-fiction-does-cannabis-cure-breast-cancer
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