Could
cannabis ease period pains? New drug-infused vaginal capsules 'deliver pain
relief without the high. A new cannabis-infused vaginal suppository has gone on sale
in the US, claiming to ease the agony of period pains.
The tampon-shaped capsule is said to harness the pain
relieving properties of marijuana 'without a psychotropic (high) effect'. Menstrual cramps, or dysmenorrhea, are throbbing or cramping
pains in the lower abdomen.
During a woman's menstrual period, the uterus contracts. Hormone-like substances, known as prostaglandins, involved
in pain and inflammation trigger the uterine muscle contractions.
The higher the level of prostaglandins, the more severe a
woman's cramps will be, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Severe contractions can constrict the blood vessels serving
the uterus, which interrupts the blood supply to the womb and triggers the
pain.
Now, women in California and Colorado - where cannabis is
legal - are able to purchase packs of four FORIA Relief capsules for $44 (£30).
But, while the product is available on sale, it has not yet been
evaluated or approved by the US Food and Drug Adminstration, which regulates
medications.
A statement on the Foria website, says: 'Our intention is to
share the powerful medicinal properties of this plant while utilizing modern
extraction techniques to standardize purity and potency, thereby ensuring a
safe and accessible experience for all women.'
The suppositories contain 60mg of THC,or
tetrahydrocannabinol, the chemical responsible for most of marijuana's
psychological effects.
In addition the product contains 10mg of cannabidiol,
another active ingredient in the drug, and cocoa butter.
The manufacturers claim THC helps to block pain while the
cannabidiol works with the immune system to reduce inflammation.
'Through the use of a suppository theses antispasmodic and
pain relieving properties go directly to the area in need of relief,' the Foria
website adds.
'The plant medicine works with your body to gently, yet
profoundly, shift your unique experience in a holistic and natural way.'
But does the product actually help relieve the monthly pain
endured by millions of women?
One woman, who reviewed the product for Broadly, said:
'Within 20 minutes, my cramps totally disappeared.'
Meanwhile a testimonial on the Foria website, by Megan C,
35, said: 'Normally, pain is unbearable.
'I was able to use this and have it prevent the worsening
pain and cramping and piercing pains in my vaginal canal.'
And Stephanie P, 41, added: 'This product was more effecting
than taking modern, over the counter drugs.
'I can confidently say, my symptoms went away entirely.' However, experts have moved to urge caution. Dr Helen Webberley, of the Oxford Online Pharmacy, told the Huffington Post, she is very concerned about
women using the product, given it has not been approved by the FDA.
She said: This capsule has not even been studied yet. The
assumption is that, as cannabis can cause muscle relaxation, it may help to
ease period pains.
'I would be very worried about women using this product
before it has been fully evaluated
0 comments:
Post a Comment
Please insert your comments here