Can cannabis help with menstrual cramps?
For many women, menstrual pain is more than an inconvenience. It is a recurring, often debilitating part of life that standard treatments do not always resolve. Over-the-counter painkillers, hormonal contraception, and dietary changes may help some, but others are left searching for something more effective.
Although the NHS does not currently prescribe cannabis-based medicines for menstrual pain, medical cannabis is legal in the UK through private clinics. As interest grows and more women begin to share their personal experiences, cannabis is becoming part of a wider conversation about menstrual health.
This guide looks at the difference between indica and sativa strains, how cannabis may help with menstrual cramps, and what to consider if you are thinking about a prescription in the UK.
Key Takeaways
- Indica strains may help alleviate menstrual cramps through their relaxing and pain-relieving properties.
- Sativa strains can provide uplifting effects and aid in combating fatigue associated with menstrual cramps, and also help dull the pain.
- Other non-cannabis options, such as OTC pain relievers, heat therapy, exercise, and relaxation techniques, can also be effective in managing menstrual cramps.
- Finding the right strain and dosage may require some trial and error, so it is essential to consult with a medical professional before beginning any treatment.
- The potential therapeutic benefits of cannabis for menstrual cramps are still in the early stages of research, but anecdotal evidence and initial studies show promise.
Indica vs Sativa: Understanding the Differences
Indica and Sativa cannabis strains are actually the same in terms of genetics, but they do have a few key differences. These differences are mainly based on their physical characteristics, effects offered, and chemical makeup.
- Indica strains sometimes have slightly elevated levels of CBD (although, with the huge selection of newly bred strains available, this isn’t so much the case anymore), and are more often associated with relaxing, pain-relieving, and sedating effects.
- Sativa strains, on the other hand, tend to have slightly higher levels of THC levels and are more often linked with uplifting, energising, and creative effects.
In the modern age of designer medical weed, these above points are somewhat blurred, as growers can tend to focus on the desired effects rather than whether the strain is Indica or Sativa. Hybrids now dominate the market with a balance of Indica and Sativa characteristics, offering pain relief while still allowing for day-long usage.
Indica vs Sativa: Which option is better for menstrual cramps?
| Effect | Indica | Sativa |
| Pain relief and cramps | Often used to ease pelvic pain and tension | May help, but typically less body-focused |
| Relaxation and calm | Commonly calming and physically grounding | More stimulating, not always ideal for body tension |
| Energy and mood | Can be sedating, better for winding down | Uplifting and energising during the day |
| Best time to use | Evening or before sleep | Daytime, when alertness is needed |
While this classification remains widely used (especially in the legacy market) research is gradually moving beyond the Indica/Sativa divide, focusing instead on the specific cannabinoid and terpene profiles that shape each cultivar’s effects.
Accessing medical cannabis in the UK
Although medical cannabis is legal in the UK, access through the NHS is still incredibly limited. It is typically reserved for only a handful of complex conditions, so most people seeking relief from menstrual pain explore private clinics instead.
These clinics offer consultations with experienced doctors who can prescribe strains or products suited to your needs. Because everyone’s hormonal and pain responses differ, professional support is essential to finding the right approach.
If you’re considering cannabis for cramps, mood changes, or hormonal imbalance, it’s worth learning more about medical cannabis for women’s health and how it’s being used to support different symptoms.
How cannabis may help with cramps
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a key role in regulating pain and muscle activity in the body, including within the uterus. During menstruation, the smooth muscle layer known as the myometrium contracts to help shed the uterine lining. For many, this process causes pain, pressure, and a dull ache across the lower abdomen, back, or thighs.
THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, binds to CB1 receptors found in the uterus. This can reduce the strength of those contractions and dull the intensity of pain signals. Early research suggests that this relaxing effect may offer therapeutic benefits for those with dysmenorrhea, a condition defined by painful periods.
This study from the International Journal of Molecular Sciences shines a light on the significant role of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) within uterine tissue, particularly focusing on the myometrial tissue.
Why terpenes matter in menstrual pain relief
Beyond cannabinoids like THC and CBD, cannabis also contains aromatic compounds called terpenes. These naturally occurring molecules shape the scent and flavour of each strain, but they also play a role in the overall therapeutic effect, especially when it comes to pain, tension, and relaxation.
Two terpenes in particular may support relief from menstrual cramps:
- Myrcene is one of the most common terpenes in medical cannabis. It’s often linked with muscle relaxation and physical ease. Strains high in myrcene tend to have a calming, sedative quality that may help with uterine tension and body discomfort.
- Linalool, found in smaller amounts in some indica-leaning cultivars, is associated with calming effects and mild analgesia. It’s the same terpene found in lavender and is thought to reduce stress and pain sensitivity.
When these terpenes appear alongside THC, the combination may enhance the strain’s relaxing potential, offering a form of cannabis-based menstrual relief that goes beyond standard painkillers.
Does weed help cramps?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, but many patients report that cannabis does provide meaningful relief. The combination of THC’s muscle-soothing properties and supportive terpenes like myrcene and linalool may ease the physical intensity of period pain and help improve comfort throughout the day or night.
For fast relief, THC vapes may be your best option.
Choosing Between Indica or Sativa for Menstrual Cramps
The first thing that every prospective patient should do before starting to medicate with medical marijuana is to reach out to a UK specialist who has experience in prescribing medical marijuana for their specific health needs.
The NHS does offer prescriptions for cannabis-based products, but typically only for rare, severe forms of epilepsy, nausea and vomiting relating to chemotherapy or multiple sclerosis. For all other patients, there are a bunch of private clinics to now choose from.
Your doctor will be able to guide you towards the most suitable strain (or product) for your specific needs, and this will often be based on trial and error. It is important to remember that every individual’s body chemistry is different, so what works for one person may not necessarily work for another.
When selecting between Indica and Sativa strains, it is important to consider the following factors:
- The severity of your cramps
- Your tolerance to THC
- Your desired effect (e.g. pain relief, relaxation, or productivity)
Indica‑leaning strains (commonly prescribed for menstrual pain)
| Strain name (Brand) | THC / CBD | Dominant terpenes | Sleep-related effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAC-3 (Releaf / Glass Pharms) | 22% THC / 1% CBD | Limonene, Farnesene, Caryophyllene | Often used to promote calm in the evening and support the transition to sleep, especially for those with racing thoughts or tension. |
| Northern Lights (Adven No 9) | 19% THC / 1% CBD | Myrcene, Pinene | Provides gentle sedation that can help quiet the mind and ease the body into rest without overwhelming psychoactive effects. |
| Blackberry Balanced (Releaf / Glass Pharms) | 7% THC / 10% CBD | Myrcene, Limonene, Ocimene | Calms the nervous system and reduces nighttime anxiety, making it easier to fall asleep without heavy intoxication. |
| Granddaddy Purple (Noidecs) | 22% THC / 3% CBD | Myrcene, Linalool, Pinene | Offers strong sedative effects and is often chosen by patients who have trouble staying asleep due to anxiety or chronic pain. |
| Purple Punch (Adven No 26) | 20% THC / 1% CBD | Linalool, Myrcene, Caryophyllene | Helps both the body and mind unwind, often leading to deep relaxation and improved sleep quality. |
| Ultra Sour (4C Labs) | 21% THC / 1% CBD | Caryophyllene, Terpinolene | Typically used in the evening to reduce mental overstimulation and gently ease users into a restful state. |
| OG Kush (MedCann UK T28) | 28% THC / 1% CBD | Myrcene, Caryophyllene | Known for its calming mental effects that eventually settle into full-body heaviness, which can support more restful sleep. |
| Green Kush (Releaf / Glass Pharms) | 25% THC / 1% CBD | Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Linalool | Delivers strong physical relaxation that can help manage muscle tension and encourage sleep, particularly for those with chronic discomfort. |
Balanced or sativa-leaning strains (daytime support during menstrual symptoms)
| Strain name | Brand | THC / CBD | Dominant terpenes | Daytime or functional relief effects |
| Warlock | Grow Pharma (T8:C8) | 8% / 8% | Limonene, caryophyllene | Balanced clarity and ease, good for mild cramps without sedation |
| Strawberry Blitz | Khiron (T25 Gelato) | 25% / 1% | Myrcene, limonene | Gently energising with body calm, helps reduce fatigue while easing cramps |
| OG Kush | Khiron (T22) | 22% / <1% | Myrcene, caryophyllene | Provides calming effects without full couchlock, flexible for day-to-evening use |
| Hindu Kush | Khiron (T20) | 20% / <1% | Myrcene, humulene | Grounding with manageable sedation, may suit early evening pain support |
| Blue Zushi | Glass Pharms (ZUS T20) | 20% / <1% | Limonene, caryophyllene | Balanced uplift and light body ease, supports mood and tension relief without strong sedation |
Other non-cannabis options for menstrual cramp relief
While medical cannabis is becoming more common as a treatment for period pain, many people still rely on traditional and natural remedies. These options can be used alone or alongside prescribed therapies to help manage symptoms.
OTC medicines
Over-the-counter pain relievers are a typical first step in managing menstrual cramps. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), or paracetamol (Tylenol) can help reduce pain and inflammation. They tend to work best when taken early in your cycle, but their effectiveness varies from person to person.
Heat and lifestyle remedies
Applying heat to your lower abdomen using a heating pad, hot water bottle, or warm bath can help relax the muscles and ease cramping.
Gentle exercise such as walking, yoga, or stretching may improve circulation and reduce the intensity of pain. Some people also find comfort in stress-reducing practices like meditation, massage, or acupuncture during their cycle.
Supplements and herbal options
Several vitamins, minerals, and herbal remedies show promise for easing menstrual pain. Ginger is one of the more well-researched options and may offer similar relief to NSAIDs in mild cases.
Vitamin D and vitamin E have also been studied for their potential roles in reducing inflammation. Herbal remedies such as chamomile, fennel, cinnamon, and chasteberry are commonly used to reduce bloating, discomfort, or irritability.
Common questions about cannabis and period pain
Can you use cannabis for period cramps in the UK?
Yes, cannabis can be prescribed privately in the UK to manage chronic or recurring pain, including menstrual cramps. While NHS access is limited to a few severe conditions, many women now explore legal treatment through private clinics after finding that traditional methods don’t provide enough relief.
What’s stronger for pain: indica or sativa?
Indica strains are often preferred for body-centred pain like cramps, due to their relaxing and muscle-soothing effects. Sativa strains may help if fatigue or low mood is a bigger concern. The best option depends on the individual, and trial and error with professional guidance is usually the most reliable way to find what works.
What time of day should I use cannabis for menstrual pain?
For intense pain or nighttime discomfort, indica strains are often used in the evening to support rest. During the day, some patients choose sativa or balanced strains to relieve cramps without feeling too sedated. Timing depends on the type of product, your daily schedule, and how your body responds.
Can I use CBD oil for menstrual cramps?
Yes, CBD oil is legal in the UK and can be purchased without a prescription. However, it is important to note that CBD oil and medical cannabis are not the same thing.
CBD oil does not contain enough THC to produce psychoactive effects, but it may still have some therapeutic benefits for menstrual cramps. THC has proven pain killing properties, so while CBD may help to reduce inflammation and discomfort, it may not be as effective as a product that contains both CBD and THC.
We suggest consulting with a doctor or trying different forms of CBD to see what works best for you.
What is the recommended dosage for cannabis-based medical options for menstrual pain?
There is no one-size-fits-all recommended dosage for medical cannabis, as it varies based on your body chemistry, tolerance, and desired effects.
It is important to start with a low dosage and gradually increase until you find the right amount that provides relief.
Final Thoughts About Indica Vs Sativa For Menstrual Cramps
Choosing between Indica and Sativa for menstrual cramps largely comes down to your individual preference and which strain ends up responding best to your body chemistry. If you want an option for evening and nighttime menstrual pain issues, Indica-dominant cannabis strains may be the way to go. Sativa-dominant strains might be the better option if you want something more uplifting for daytime use.
Always consult with a medical professional who has experience with medical marijuana before beginning any treatment. Remember that finding the right strain and dosage may take some time and a little trial and error.
Looking for the best UK medical cannabis clinic for your needs?
You’ve come to the right place here at Cannabis Access Clinics. You’ll find detailed reviews of the top UK medical cannabis clinics to help you make the most informed decision about your care.
