Last reviewed by Daniel Gana, MSc, and Abraham Benavides, MD, 1/3/2024
The world of post-industrial society seems to be especially toxic to women in many ways.
Data show that women are exposed to up to 168 harmful chemicals daily from various beauty and self-care products. Although there are conflicting opinions on the accuracy of this report, the science supporting cannabis for women’s health seems clearer every day.
Why Do Women Use Cannabis?
Research conducted by Brightfield Group shows that women make up the majority of new cannabis users at 59%. Since the pandemic, women are also increasingly the fastest-growing cannabis demographic.
Today, most women 35 and over are showing interest in cannabis for:
- Anxiety
- Muscle or joint aches
- Menstrual or menopausal symptoms
- Low libido
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness or itching
- Irritability
- Sleep disturbances
- Mood
- Depression
- Brain Fog
- Skincare
- Personal enjoyment
How else can CBGa help feminine health?
CBGA can provide relief from anxiety and depression, promote hair growth, trigger the release of feel-good hormones, and play active roles in promoting internal balance. This is good news, since many of the chemical exposures in cosmetics can alter hormonal and other internal balances.
Non-impairing cannabinoids present a safe solution in a medical system that’s hitting dead ends. Mental health care and chronic disorders of oxidative and metabolic stress are notable examples of this point.
We’ll go into more detail on CBGa for feminine health below.
Anxiety and depression
According to psychological studies, women suffer more keenly from anxiety and depression. And the data agree: the majority of women cannabis users are seeking relief for emotional and physical pain. Especially related to natural, age-related changes like menopause and osteoarthritis.
CBGA interacts with cannabinoid receptors to trigger a series of reactions that help keep the mind relaxed and focused. CBGA can interact with the GABA and serotonin receptors to trigger the release of feel-good hormones.
Contrary to popular belief, prolonged use of cannabis does not predispose users to mental health disorders. A 3-year study on cannabis users shows that people who use cannabis experienced less anxiety and depression. It’s also important to note that the main psychiatric risks of cannabis lie with heavy THC use, and not those of non-impairing cannabinoids like CBGA, CBDA, and the like.
Sleep
Sleep may be the most important factor for maintaining mind-body homeostasis. It’s also a complex problem, with experts bearing conflicting views.
Data from the Sleep Foundation show that women are at up to 40% greater risk for insomnia. Therefore, cannabis may be a unique, risk-free solution for women suffering from sleep disorders.
Sleep can also be affected by peri- and postmenopausal symptoms. This is probably why insomnia is the most commonly cited reason (65.1%) for cannabis use in women over 35.
Menstrual Pain and Menopause
There’s some evidence that points to cannabis use for women in ancient Egypt. Ancient remedies included things like crushed insects, honey, and cannabis. Ancient Egyptian scrolls list the herb as a medical treatment. Other sources suggest that it may have been relegated to obstetrics and gynecology in ancient Egypt.
Another notable example: cannabis was an active part of Queen Victoria’s treatment for menstrual pain.
So using cannabis for monthly feminine health is nothing new. And today, up to 80% of women will have one or more menopausal-related symptoms.
Our ancestors were largely correct in their instinct to use cannabis for pain management. Cannabinoids like CBGA can trigger pain relief and modulate immune cells’ activities.
Cannabinoids’ therapeutic effects on vasomotor, libido, sleep, anxiety, pain, and mood symptoms of peri- and postmenopause are reported most often useful for women during these changes.
Thankfully, recent data suggest the majority of women report cannabis as helpful with menopause symptoms overall (73.5%).
Skincare
Several scientists have reported the antioxidant activity of CBGA, which is critical for optimal skin health. It can neutralize the harmful effect of free radicals, thus arresting the signs of aging, such as the appearance of wrinkles. CBGA by natural extension may also be involved in the body’s regulation of skin conditions like acne and psoriasis. Incorporating cannabis into a skincare routine can reduce the exposure of the skin to the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation by absorbing some of the UV spectrum and inducing antitumoral and anti-inflammatory effects. The skin is rich with cannabinoid receptors, so topical use of CBGA is an excellent alternative to synthetic beauty products.
There are also reports on how CBGA can possess a good antibacterial activity on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Streptococcus mutans. This may reduce the chances of contracting a staph or strep infection, with need for more clinical data at this time.
Cancer
CBG and likely its parent CBGa have anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties, which disproportionately affect women.
Research shows CBGA can inhibit the spread of cancerous cells and is shown effective in healing colorectal cancer in vitro. Data also suggest these effects are enhanced with the addition of other cannabinoids like THCA and CBD, and other whole-plant components.
CBGA also creates a balance in the immune system and gut microbiome that reduce the effects of inflammation, which may also decrease long-term risk of chronic diseases like cancer. Regular use of cannabis may prevent the appearance of cancer cells at the source, possibly reducing fatalities worldwide that we have not realized or quantified yet.
Conclusions
Full healing of mind and body is the birthright of the human race, but in the month of March we pay a special homage to the contribution of women in society. So let’s all make a permanent effort to honor our mothers, wives, and sisters this month and in the future.
Taking the time to inform each other of the health benefits of cannabinoids is an excellent start.
References:
- Bryan, L. (2018, October 18). Insomnia and Women. Sleep Foundation. sleepfoundation.org/insomnia/insomnia-women
- Calapai, F., Cardia, L., Esposito, E., Ammendolia, I., Mondello, C., Lo Giudice, R., Gangemi, S., Calapai, G., & Mannucci, C. (2022). Pharmacological Aspects and Biological Effects of Cannabigerol and Its Synthetic Derivatives. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM, 2022, 3336516. doi.org/10.1155/2022/3336516
- Choosing personal care products with fewer ingredients may reduce risks from harmful chemicals. (2018, January 4). Harvard Gazette. news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/newsplus/choosing-personal-care-products-with-fewer-ingredients-may-reduce-risks-from-harmful-chemicals/
- Danielsson, A.-K., Lundin, A., Agardh, E., Allebeck, P., & Forsell, Y. (2016). Cannabis use, depression and anxiety: A 3-year prospective population-based study. Journal of Affective Disorders, 193, 103–108. doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2015.12.045
- Dawidowicz, A. L., Olszowy-Tomczyk, M., & Typek, R. (2021). CBG, CBD, Δ9-THC, CBN, CBGA, CBDA and Δ9-THCA as antioxidant agents and their intervention abilities in antioxidant action. Fitoterapia, 152, 104915. doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2021.104915
- Mullen, C. (2021, June 30). Cannabis use is on the rise among women. Here’s how their habits differ from men’s—The Business Journals. www.bizjournals.com/bizwomen/news/latest-news/2021/06/women-turn-to-cannabis-to-manage-pandemic-anxiety.html?page=all
- Patrick, M. E., Pang, Y. C., Terry-McElrath, Y. M., & Arterberry, B. J. (2024). Historical Trends in Cannabis Use Among U.S. Adults Ages 19-55, 2013-2021. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 85(4), 477–486. doi.org/10.15288/jsad.23-00169
- Walsh, K. B., McKinney, A. E., & Holmes, A. E. (2021). Minor Cannabinoids: Biosynthesis, Molecular Pharmacology and Potential Therapeutic Uses. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12, 777804. doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.777804
