Compare the Best CBD Oil for PMS in 2022

How CBD Helps With PMS

A 2019 mini-review from the Online Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine hypothesized that CBD (cannabidiol) may be viable for managing menstrual symptoms⁽¹⁾. 

CBD’s purported therapeutic benefits may help relieve inflammation, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and insomnia⁽²⁾. These symptoms frequently occur in women who experience PMS (premenstrual syndrome). 

PMS is a combination of various emotional and physical symptoms that many women go through a week or two before their period⁽³⁾. 

Meanwhile, CBD is a phytocannabinoid (plant-based cannabinoid) with antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties⁽⁴⁾. 

This essential compound found in the cannabis plant is also thought to have analgesic, anti-convulsant, and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) activities without the psychoactive effect of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)⁽⁵⁾. 

THC is the mind-altering chemical in cannabis (marijuana)⁽⁶⁾. 

Cannabidiol works by interacting with the ECS (endocannabinoid system). The ECS is present in almost all parts of the body and functions by maintaining homeostasis⁽⁷⁾. 

Homeostasis is the process where living organisms maintain stability while adapting to changing external environments⁽⁸⁾. 

The ECS consists of cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) found in cells throughout the body⁽⁹⁾. 

CB1 receptors play a critical role in pain sensation, while CB2 stimulates a response that fights inflammation⁽¹⁰⁾. 

Although cannabidiol has a low binding affinity for both cannabinoid receptors, it may antagonize them in the presence of THC. The non-psychoactive compound may also reduce the potency and efficacy of THC and regulate the perception of pain⁽¹¹⁾.

Therefore, CBD’s purported health benefits may help manage the occurrences of PMS symptoms without the psychoactive effects of THC. 

Benefits of Using CBD for PMS

  Some women may experience breast pain during their menstrual cycle. The pain may begin two weeks before their period and go away when menstruation ends⁽¹²⁾.

Other physical symptoms of PMS may include⁽¹³⁾:  

• Constipation or diarrhea
• Cramping
• Bloating 
• Headache
• Backache 
• Clumsiness
• Lower tolerance for light or noise 

A 2021 experimental human research on the effects of CBD suggested that cannabidiol may have pain-relieving effects driven by both the actions of the substance on the body and psychological placebo effects⁽¹⁴⁾.  

According to Professor Ted Kaptchuck of Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, the placebo effect is more than believing a procedure or treatment will work. It is about creating a stronger connection between the brain and body and how they work together⁽¹⁵⁾. 

Mental and emotional disturbances can be as prevalent as physical ailments when a woman has her period⁽¹⁶⁾.  

PMS symptoms vary for every woman. However, the most common emotional or mental symptoms are as follows⁽¹⁷⁾: 

• Irritability 
• Anxiety
• Mood swings
• Sleep problems
• Trouble with concentration 
• Feelings of sadness
• Changes in appetite
• Feeling tired 
• Less interest in sex  

A 2021 review from the International Journal of Molecular Sciences suggested that CBD may help with anxiety and mood disorders⁽¹⁸⁾. 

Therefore, women whose PMS symptoms include anxiety and mood swings may benefit from CBD. 

Acne can also be a symptom of PMS⁽¹⁹⁾. 

A study from the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology stated that numerous adult women have acne flare-ups that appear immediately before or during their menstruation⁽²⁰⁾. 

Research from the Journal of Clinical Investigation suggested that CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties may help with acne⁽²¹⁾. 

Hence, women who suffer from acne breakouts during their menstrual cycle may benefit from using CBD products like CBD oil. 

Although the studies about CBD’s potential health benefits may be promising, more longitudinal research is recommended to determine the compound’s effect on PMS.  

How Long Does CBD Take to Help With PMS?

Inhaling CBD using vape pens is the quickest way to benefit from the effects of the non-psychoactive compound⁽²²⁾. Nevertheless, vaping may cause damage to the lungs⁽²³⁾. 

On the other hand, the sublingual method or taking CBD under the tongue ensures prompt delivery of the chemical compound into your system⁽²⁴⁾. 

You can start to feel the effects of CBD between 15 to 30 minutes when you take it sublingually. Its effects may last from 2 to 4 hours⁽²⁵⁾. 

Most CBD oil or CBD tinctures include calibrated droppers. You may use these tools to dispense the content straight into your mouth. Typically, cannabidiol takes 15 to 30 minutes to take effect through this method⁽²⁶⁾. 

Meanwhile, topical CBD products are applied to the skin for localized relief. Even if they contain THC, which is good for pain relief, topicals do not enter the bloodstream. Hence, they should not cause impairment⁽²⁷⁾.   

The onset of topical CBD products is between 15 to 30 minutes, and the effect of CBD via the topical application may last for 2 to 4 hours⁽²⁸⁾.

How Long Will CBD Help with PMS?

Bioavailability is when a substance becomes entirely available to its intended biological destinations⁽²⁹⁾. 

A review from the Frontiers in Pharmacology journal stated that CBD’s bioavailability after smoking is 31%⁽³⁰⁾. 

Meanwhile, half-life refers to the period it takes for a drug in your system to be reduced by half⁽³¹⁾. 

The review indicated that CBD’s half-life is between 1.4 and 10.9 hours after an oromucosal spray ingestion, two to five days after constant oral administration, and 24 hours after IV (intravenous therapy)⁽³²⁾.

IV therapy is a method where a substance is administered directly into a person’s veins. 

How to Choose the Right CBD for PMS

You must choose high-quality CBD products if you want to maximize the benefits of CBD. When selecting the best CBD oil for PMS, below are a few things you need to consider:

1. Always check the ingredients list. The CBD extracts can be categorized as full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolates. 

Note that a CBD oil product is called full-spectrum CBD oil if all extracts of the cannabis plant, such as cannabidiol, essential oils, flavonoids, terpenes, and other cannabinoids are used, and the THC concentration is less than 0.3%⁽³³⁾. 

On the other hand, broad-spectrum is similar to full spectrum. However, it is nearly THC-free. Lastly, CBD isolates, generally harvested from Cannabis sativa, contain pure CBD⁽³⁴⁾. 

2. Check for any disclaimers, test results from third-party laboratories, and certificates of analysis (CoAs). 

Remember that products must be tested to determine the accuracy of their components and potency. It is also necessary to check if there are harmful contaminants, such as pesticides and residual solvents. 

3. Consider organic CBD products. Organic hemp extract is produced without preservatives or chemical fertilizers. Most CBD brands also offer non-GMO and gluten-free products. 

4. Research the CBD brand to determine whether it comes from a reputable company that offers only high-quality cannabidiol products. Visit its official website and check its social media accounts. 

Reading customer reviews can also give you an idea of whether you are dealing with a reputable seller or not. 

Remember that an extensive range of CBD products is being sold on the market, primarily online. Thus, verifying whether a particular company is authorized to sell or manufacture CBD-derived products is necessary.

5. Make sure to find out about the extraction method used. There are various extraction processes utilized to obtain hemp extract. 

The techniques make use of the following compounds to extract CBD:

• Ethanol
• Natural solvents
• Steam (distillation)
• Carbon dioxide (CO2)

One of the most frequently utilized CBD extraction methods is CO2 extraction. In this technique, compressed carbon dioxide is used as the extraction solvent⁽³⁵⁾. 

Meanwhile, hexane or butane extraction processes may leave harmful residues⁽³⁶⁾.  

CBD Dosage for PMS

Due to a lack of regulation from the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), there is no standard CBD dosage for PMS. 

Nonetheless, a review published from Current Drug Safety reported that chronic use and high doses of CBD up to 1,500mg per day are well tolerated in humans⁽³⁷⁾.  

Still, if you are considering using CBD, the general rule is to start low and slow and then gradually increase the dosage when no adverse reaction occurs. 

Micro doses are a low level of medication, ranging from 0.5mg to 20mg CBD per dose daily. They may be effective for headaches, mood disorders, sleep, nausea, and stress⁽³⁸⁾.  

Meanwhile, standard doses are the mid-range, between 10mg to 100mg of CBD daily. They may be effective for pain and inflammation⁽³⁹⁾. 

Headache, mood swings, and sleep disturbances are common symptoms of PMS⁽⁴⁰⁾.  

How to Take CBD for PMS

CBD products are available in the following formats and formulations:

• Vapes
• Suppositories
• Edibles like gummies
• Tinctures
• Topicals like lotions 

Note that inhaling CBD using vape pens may provide instant relief⁽⁴¹⁾. However, make sure to use it with caution because vaping may damage your lungs⁽⁴²⁾. 

Possible Side Effects and Risks of Utilizing CBD for PMS

There is no specific study regarding CBD’s risks and side effects when used for PMS. 

Generally, CBD is well tolerated with a good safety profile⁽⁴³⁾. Still, cannabidiol may have a few minor side effects, including⁽⁴⁴⁾: 

• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Reduced appetite
• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea 

Legality of CBD

The 2018 Farm Bill authorized the commercial use of industrial hemp products on a federal level⁽⁴⁵⁾. According to the bill, Cannabis sativa L. and its derivatives with not more than 0.3% THC are legal in the U.S. 

Still, you must familiarize yourself with different state laws regarding the use of CBD, especially when you travel. 

Different states may impose various regulations about CBD usage. Hence, it is recommended that you read and understand state laws to avoid possible legal consequences.

In Colorado, for instance, the local government legalized the use of marijuana in adults in November 2012⁽⁴⁶⁾. 

However, even if you have a valid medical marijuana card, officers in the Centennial State can still arrest you for driving impaired.

If law enforcers within Colorado detect that you have 5 nanograms of THC per milliliter of whole blood while driving, you can face litigation for DUI (driving under the influence)⁽⁴⁷⁾. 

Furthermore, when you travel, make sure to keep cannabis products within Colorado. Bringing cannabis products to Denver International Airport is prohibited. 

Colorado also allows its citizens to grow marijuana in their homes for personal use⁽⁴⁸⁾. 

Locals can grow up to six plants, with as many as three plants flowering at one time. Nevertheless, these individuals must be over the age of 21. 

In addition, marijuana plants must be kept in a locked area. Hence, residents cannot grow them outside. If you wish to grow marijuana and live with individuals under 21, the plants should also be in a separate space so minors cannot access them.

Marijuana products or homegrown marijuana cannot be sold to anyone. Only licensed marijuana businesses can sell such products⁽⁴⁹⁾.  

Meanwhile, in South Dakota, the local government does not allow the possession of any CBD products, including CBD or hemp oil⁽⁵⁰⁾. Owning any CBD-derived products is deemed a violation of state law.    

In California, the California Industrial Hemp Farming Act was signed into law to permit the commercial production of industrial hemp in the Golden State. It became effective on January 1, 2017⁽⁵¹⁾.