Here’s How Cannabis Suppositories Treat Pain in Ohio

Here’s How Cannabis Suppositories Treat Pain

Among the many ways to consume or use cannabis, many are learning about cannabis suppositories. Growing in popularity, this method of administration is still new enough that not many clinical studies have been done about it. Yet with so many medicines delivered to patients in this fashion, it seems a logical and safer alternative to smoking marijuana. In this article, we discuss the potential benefits and reasons for using cannabis suppositories.

If you’re wondering if an Ohio marijuana card is right for you, schedule an exam with one of our Ohio Medical Marijuana Doctors. Completing our eligibility survey takes only 5 minutes. Find out if you pre-qualify for a recommendation today!

How Does the Body Process Cannabis Suppositories?

Much debate exists regarding whether cannabis suppositories promote absorption, cause intoxication, or alleviate pain symptoms. Clinical research to date is limited, having been carried out mainly on animals rather than humans. Still, positive reviews from patients continue with the consensus that cannabis suppositories do not cause them to feel intoxicated. Some do not enjoy the typical high feeling that occurs when smoking or ingesting cannabis products rich in THC, so prefer the suppositories. Commensurate with current research, suppositories are not processed systematically and instead absorb locally, similar to topicals [1].

There are many nerves in the vagina and rectum that extend up the spine and down the legs. The colon, in particular, houses cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 which are responsible for carrying out the many positive effects of THC. Suppositories are made by mixing cannabis-infused oils with carrier oils that are melted once coming in contact with body heat. With much debate about whether suppositories allow for cannabis to enter the bloodstream, there is some solid evidence to show suppositories are highly effective in treating local conditions such as inflammation and hemorrhoids. Even if only effective locally, suppositories are a good alternative for patients who are unable to take prescriptions by mouth [1].

Cannabis Suppositories for Pain Treatment in Women

Content director Ben Odell at cannabis producer Foria Wellness has said, “Everyone is debating and discussing rectal absorption of THC, and whether [cannabis oil extracts] and other formulations are absorbed into the bloodstream or not. But we’re not interested in getting people high” [1]. Foria has successfully created products which alleviate pain and discomfort in the lower areas of the body. Along with rectal suppositories, Foria produces both high-CBD and high-THC suppositories for vaginal application with patients preferring the latter. Not surprisingly, Foria has recently partnered with Harvard neuroscientist Dr. Staci Gruber to study and track the effectiveness of CBD suppositories in women [1]. 

Melanie Bone, a 30-year obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN) with a practice in Florida, points out that suppositories are used frequently in gynecology. She specializes in geriatrics and treating uterine pain. For an article in Weedmaps, she reported, “It’s true we use suppositories kind of frequently in gynecology. . .The vagina has a mucosal surface with an immense ability to absorb. I take care of a lot of patients who have disease entities that would be helped by cannabinoids. I think it’s a good delivery system. You can deliver estrogen that way. I thought, if you can deliver all of those things that way, then why can’t you deliver cannabis? Especially for targeting uterine pain, what better way to get your product closer to its target than putting it near there” [2]? 

Suppositories for Pelvic Pain, Sciatica, & More

Since the rectum is a part of the digestive tract and close to the spine (which controls the lower torso), rectal suppositories mainly benefit patients with issues that affect lower portions of the body. Cannabis suppositories have long been used to treat cancer patients unable to ingest medication due to chemotherapy-induced nausea. According to Foria, patients who use suppositories rectally report they have found success in treating: period cramps, hemorrhoid inflammation, lower back pain, sciatica, irritable bowels, and clitoral/penile arousal issues [3]. 

Finding the right way to take cannabis requires experimentation and depends on what symptoms a patient has. People also respond differently to variances in dosage, terpenes, and strains. So why try suppositories? Some patients cannot smoke cannabis due to issues in the lungs, some find that ingesting oils causes IBS or acid reflux or prefer not to use tinctures based in alcohol. Perhaps the more common methods of administration do not relieve pain well for certain symptoms like sciatica and endometriosis. In many cases, suppositories offer pain relief where other methods do not [4].

Is Medical Marijuana Right for Me?

Whether medical marijuana will help your condition depends on many factors best evaluated by a medical doctor. If you feel you may benefit from medical marijuana, the first step is to take our eligibility survey. In just 5 minutes, you could pre-qualify for an Ohio medical marijuana recommendation. An Ohio Medical Marijuana Doctor can then determine if you qualify during an in-person exam. For more information, visit https://docmj.com/ohio/.

1. https://www.projectcbd.org/medicine/do-cannabis-suppositories-work
2. https://news.weedmaps.com/2019/07/cannabis-suppositories-what-do-the-doctors-say/
3. https://www.foriawellness.com/blogs/learn/cbd-suppositories-pelvic-pain-relief-sciatica-rectal-absorption
4. https://strainprint.ca/community/how-and-why-to-make-cannabis-suppositories/#

Image taken from Strainprint.

Dr. Jack Rothman

Dr. Rothman is a diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.  He has received multiple special awards and recognitions, including Physician of the Year, from the Pinellas County Medical Association (2014 – 2015) and the President’s Service Award from the Pinellas County Medical Society.

He attended medical school at State University of New York Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, New York, where he also completed his Obstetrics and Gynecology residency. In addition to practicing medicine, Dr. Rothman’s professional career includes being an Assistant Professor at the University of South Florida and Clinical Instructor at the University of Tampa’s College of Nursing.

Dr. Rothman received his Florida Medical Marijuana Physicians Certification in 2016 and was one of the first recommending physicians through DocMJ in the state and is loved by many of those early patients today.