Have you been looking at CBD for menstrual cramps in the Baltimore area, but you are not sure where to go or how it works? Do not worry you are not alone because many are looking for alternative and holistic ways to deal with pain.

Whether you are a person that is lucky enough to have little-to-no-menstrual-cramps during your period or you are someone that experiences debilitating cramps and other symptoms, CBD for menstrual cramps can help.

Unfortunately, there are many factors that contribute to having painful menstrual cramps, such as emotional stress, poor diet and not getting enough exercise. There is also evidence to point to the fact that bad menstrual cramps are hereditary; so, you can thank your mom and grand mom if you are unable to function for a few days out of the month.

What Are Menstrual Cramps?

The medical name for menstrual cramps is dysmenorrhea. They happen due to a hormone-like substance, prostaglandins, which causes the uterus walls to contract and then shed its lining, resulting in your period. If prostaglandin levels are higher, more pain is often associated with the cramps. This varies from woman to woman, but cramps are likely to become less painful as you get older, or after childbirth.

As you know menstrual cramps can not only be painful but also disruptive to your life that is why many are looking at taking CBD for menstrual cramps. In fact, 10% of women are in so much pain during their period that they are not even able to get off the couch during their flow.

And, unfortunately, the prostaglandins that cause period cramps can also cause other problems during your menstruation. Have you experienced or heard of other women having nausea, headaches, vomiting, or diarrhea? Women experience these symptoms because prostaglandins have entered the bloodstream and in addition to cramping have caused all those other symptoms.

CBD For Menstrual Cramps As An Alternative

The good news is that CBD for menstrual cramps can work. Let us look at how this is the case. Studies have shown that women that have higher levels of prostaglandins are more likely to have higher levels of pain during their period than woman that produce lower levels of prostaglandins.

This is one of the reasons why non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be temporarily effective in relieving painful menstrual cramps. NSAIDS work by reducing the production of prostaglandins, which causes the pain and inflammation experienced during menstrual cramps. The other benefit of reducing prostaglandins is that you are not only reducing the impact of cramping, but you are also reducing some of the other symptoms you may experience during a period like headaches, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

You may be saying this is great, but what does this have to do with CBD for menstrual cramps? Well, here is the good news. Research has recently discovered that CBD, like NSAIDs, can also inhibit the production of prostaglandin. CBD acts like other anti-inflammatory medications, to relieve pain and inflammation, but its relieving benefits are not accompanied by any of the side affects you can expect when you take anti-inflammatory pills.

What Is CBD For Menstrual Cramps?

CBD, or cannabidiol as it is technically known, is one of over 100 cannabinoids inside of the hemp plant. Now you may have heard of another cannabinoid in the cannabis family before called THC. THC is the component of the marijuana plant that gives you a euphoric or “high” feeling. Unlike THC, CBD does not give you a high feeling. Instead, it has three main effects which are that it is an anti-inflammatory, anti-pain, and anti-anxiety. This means that CBD can help with pain and calm you down.

Is CBD Legal?

The good news about CBD is that it is both state and federally legal. This is the case because in 2018 the federal government legalized all hemp-based products in the 2018 Farm Bill. This means that hemp is no longer treated in the same way as marijuana. So, you can now purchase hemp-based products over the counter in CBD stores all throughout the Baltimore area.

How Do You Take CBD For Menstrual Cramps?

There are many ways you can take CBD for menstrual cramps, but the most common ways to do so are either with a CBD oil or a topical rub. Let us look at each way to figure out the differences in applications.

CBD Oil

CBD oils are taken sublingually, meaning you place drops underneath of your tongue and hold them there for 30 to 90 seconds. The CBD absorbs in the glands in your mouth and then directly enters your blood stream. Taking CBD this way has several benefits. First, because it is going into your bloodstream and able to access your nervous system and brain it has a calming or anti-anxiety effect. For someone experiencing significant pain during a period this can be helpful.

Since it is working internally and systemically it can have a strong effect not only helping with cramps but also fighting some of the other symptoms associated with your period like nausea, vomiting, and more.

CBD Topical

CBD topicals such as CBD rubs and salves are products that you apply to the skin to help with pain and discomfort in a particular area. When CBD is applied topically to the skin it penetrates both the dermal and subdermal layers of the skin.

By gently massaging a CBD salve or rub into your lower abdomen, you are helping stimulate the uterine muscles, which can ease the discomfort. Because the skin is quite thick, when you apply CBD topically, the CBD soaks into the skin and helps with pain in the immediate area but does not make it to the bloodstream. This is what separates a topical CBD product from something like a CBD oil which does make it into your circulatory system and has systemic effects.

Where To Buy CBD For Menstrual Cramps In Baltimore?

When you are looking to buy CBD for menstrual cramps or for any other reason it is always important to understand your source. A reputable CBD store in the Baltimore area should be able to provide you with several things. First, all their products should be made from organically grown, non-GMO hemp. If they do not know if their products are all-natural than you should consider going somewhere else.

In addition to selling you all-natural products, they should also be able to speak articulately with you about the products and make recommendations about what might be good for you. Any real CBD experts will be able to guide you through the entire process.

Finally, they should be able to show you labs to demonstrate that the products that they are selling are, in fact, real CBD. Unfortunately, there are places like gas stations and convenience stores selling products that are not real CBD. A reputable CBD store in Baltimore will be able to show you lab results that demonstrate that their products are CBD and that they have the correct amount of CBD in the product.

Final Thoughts

Gone are the days where you must lay on the couch, helplessly doubled over in pain. With a little research, you might find that CBD is the perfect way to naturally treat the pain of menstrual cramps.

If you are looking for a natural remedy to alleviate pain during your menstrual cycle, CBD might just be the answer.