CBD for Women

Last modified on February 4, 2020

CBD seems to be everywhere these days. In the media, at events, and as a topic of discussion in living rooms across the country. As more and more consumers discover the properties of this non-intoxicating cannabinoid, it is starting to appeal to many different groups of people – especially women.

Since the legalization of recreational cannabis in Canada in October 2018, we have seen the industry blossom into a diverse, innovative and dynamic space that caters to a broad range of consumers. With products ranging from high-THC bud to high-CBD cannabis oil sprays, there seems to be something for everyone. Females represent a major consumer segment for CBD products, as a recent study revealed that “55% of... CBD users were women.”

What is CBD?

By now, you’ve probably heard of cannabidiol (CBD). The cannabinoid – one of over 120 found in the cannabis plant¹ – is beginning to generate interest among people who may have never considered consuming cannabis before, as it doesn’t produce a psychoactive effect² yet may have possible therapeutic applications. Although the only legal forms of CBD are currently dried bud and oil, the next phase of legalization is quickly approaching, and we will likely see products such as CBD-infused topical creams and edibles hitting the shelves in the near future. Zenabis plans to launch CBD kombucha as regulations permit.

CBD for Women – Why might women choose CBD?

As CBD rises in popularity, it has generated interest particularly among women in their 20s to 30s. Just as a busy mother might have previously enjoyed a glass of wine in the evening, now they might unwind with a couple drops of CBD oil. Celebrities are even getting on board, with Kim Kardashian making headlines for throwing a CBD-themed baby shower.

As CBD for women takes off, some people wonder what all the hype is about. Could there be a connection between CBD and women’s health? As this article will explain, there is some initial research that indicates why CBD for women might be a match made in heaven.

CBD for Cramps

We all know that hormonal imbalances around a woman’s time of the month can cause an array of unpleasant effects – including mood swings, abdominal cramping, headaches and general discomfort. While there isn’t enough evidence to say with certainty that CBD can help with any of these ailments, some studies show some interesting results.

To understand how CBD could potentially be beneficial for period-related ailments, it is first necessary to discuss what exactly PMS is. As a recent study showed, a major cause of the symptoms associated with PMS is inflammation. This could explain why painkillers with anti-inflammatory properties have long been a popular choice for women seeking to relieve the discomfort associated with their period. Could CBD be a natural treatment option for symptoms related to PMS? Well, one study found that “CBD displays anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions.”³ Although not CBD-specific, another study discovered “patients who were treated with cannabis or cannabinoids are more likely to experience a clinically significant reduction in pain symptoms.”⁴ These studies may shed some light on why some women choose to use CBD during their period.

CBD as a Beauty Product

Chances are, you’ve seen or purchased skincare products that contain hemp oil at your local drugstore. The possible benefits of hemp oil for skin are numerous, but we are only just beginning to understand the effects CBD (extracted from hemp or cannabis) can have on skin. CBD-infused topical creams and ointments aren’t available yet in Canada, but they are expected to be legalized later this year. Excitement is building around this new category of products, partly because of recent scientific findings in a European study. It “identifies BACH1 as a molecular target for CBD in keratinocytes and sets the basis for the use of topical CBD for the treatment of different skin diseases including atopic dermatitis and keratin disorders.”⁵

Much like other areas of cannabis research, more studies are required to determine the precise therapeutic applications of CBD. In the meantime, we suggest talking to your doctor before trying CBD or any other cannabis product.

References

Morales P, Hurst DP, Reggio PH. Molecular Targets of the Phytocannabinoids: A Complex Picture. Progress in the Chemistry of Organic Natural Products Phytocannabinoids. 2017;:103–31.
Rosenberg EC, Tsien RW, Whalley BJ, Devinsky O. Cannabinoids and Epilepsy. Neurotherapeutics. 2015;12(4):747–68.
Peres FF, Lima AC, Hallak JEC, Crippa JA, Silva RH, Abílio VC. Cannabidiol as a Promising Strategy to Treat and Prevent Movement Disorders? Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2018Nov;9.
The health effects of cannabis and cannabinoids: the current state of evidence and recommendations for research. Washington, DC: the National Academies Press; 2017.
Casares L, García V, Garrido-Rodríguez M, Millán E, Collado JA, García-Martín A, et al. Cannabidiol induces antioxidant pathways in keratinocytes by targeting BACH1. Redox Biology. 2020;28:101321.