Cannabis suppositories 101
With so many fantastic new cannabis products on the market today, consumers have an incredible selection of options that make it easy to incorporate some form of the plant into everyday life. However, some, like cannabis suppositories, aren't quite so intimately understood, and here our aim is to change that by answering some of the most commonly asked questions about these unique personal care products.
What are cannabis suppositories?
Cannabis suppositories are like any other suppository, designed with comfort in mind, but these ones are filled with soothing additions like extracts or isolates combined with oil, butter, or other natural base ingredients, with a focus on THC, CBD, or some other combination of cannabinoids. This mixture is shaped into a pill-like form to make them easy to insert into the rectum or vagina; It is not recommended to use cannabis suppositories in any other way.
What are they for?
If you've never heard of these things before, then you might be thinking, wow, this sure is a strange way to get your daily dose of cannabinoids, but cannabis-infused suppositories have many clear purposes that are much different than your average cannabis product. Suppositories are often used to soothe the pain of menstrual cramps, as well as endometriosis, a condition that impacts 1 in every 10 women. They may also be inserted prior to sex to make the experience more comfortable or enjoyable, and there is also evidence to show how they may help to reduce the symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases and illnesses such as Crohn's, colitis, or cancer.
Who can use them?
The wonderful thing about suppositories is that anyone can use them, though they might be preferred by those who feel they might benefit from either topical application of cannabinoids or additional lubrication. Both men and women can benefit from using cannabis suppositories in a wide range of situations. However, beyond lubrication, many question whether or not they're helpful for recreational consumers.
Will THC suppositories get you high?
The general rule of thumb is that topical cannabis products, including suppositories, should not produce the same euphoric effects one might expect from smoking a joint full of potent THC flower or taking a THC infused edible. This is because the skin does not allow most cannabinoids to make it through to the bloodstream. However, some consumers report feeling tingly, numbed, or a heightened sense of touch after using suppositories, so they may cause felt effects; they just shouldn't be strong enough to get anyone high in a stereotypical sense.
Do they really help?
Few doctors recommend cannabis suppositories, mainly because there is still minimal evidence to show exactly how effective they may be, and there is no guidance for them to refer to where the dosage is concerned. However, there is research that suggests both THC and CBD suppositories may offer effective delivery of relief with few to no notable side effects.
Can cannabis suppositories make you fail a drug test?
Most research indicates that cannabinoids, even when applied directly to such sensitive, exposed areas, are not absorbed through the skin, but some experts and consumers disagree with this theory based on analysis or past experience. With so many legal suppository makers adding ingredients with the sole purpose of getting through that barrier, it's difficult to guarantee that THC suppositories won't show up on a drug test. However, since most drug tests search for remnants of THC specifically, CBD suppositories offer a safe and test-proof alternative.
