Let’s get all of the jokes out of the way. Cannabis consumers have been probing the question, “Do cannabis suppositories work? Is a cannabis suppository going to get me high?” While you are inhaling THC and eating tasty edibles, kush in your tush probably doesn’t cross your mind. Cannabis suppositories do exist, are loaded with benefits, and the research is extremely convincing. It might not be your cup of THC, butt if you are curious about cannabis suppositories, you’ve popped in to the right place!
First, let’s go over precisely what cannabis suppositories are. These are small, cone-shaped capsules that have THC, CBD, or a mix of both. They are meant to be inserted into the vagina or rectum for quick absorption into the body. Your body’s natural heat helps dissolve the suppository and allow the cannabinoids to enter your bloodstream.
Cannabis suppositories are designed to enhance the muscle-relaxing and pain-relieving effects of cannabis without causing a mind-altering high.
Compared to other methods like smoking, vaping, and ingesting THC, suppositories result in less intoxication. This is because the effects are released more slowly when taken rectally or vaginally. This is super helpful for many medical marijuana patients.
Using suppositories to deliver THC offers several benefits, primarily for chemotherapy patients who experience nausea and vomiting. People who have trouble or can’t swallow, and believe it or not, many people love the medicinal benefits of cannabis without having to smoke it. For women who are faced with unbearable menstrual pain, cannabis suppositories can be a much better option than curling up in a fetal position.
When you consume THC orally, about half of the THC undergoes a conversion into a more potent form, 11-Hydroxy-Delta-9-THC. Studies have concluded that cannabis suppositories when inserted rectally, can bypass this conversion. This allows a higher amount of THC to enter the bloodstream, which results in a better bioavailability (how much your body absorbs medicine) of Delta-9 THC of 2.5 times more than oral consumption.
Our body has an endocannabinoid system that produces neurotransmitters to bond with the cannabinoids you ingest from the cannabis plant. The two cannabinoid receptors that have been extensively studied are CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are primarily found in the central nervous system, such as the brain and spinal cord, while CB2 receptors are more abundant in the peripheral nervous system, including the feet and hands.
Outside of the medicinal marijuana world, recreational users can benefit from cannabis suppositories in quite a few ways aside from the need to calm their butt down.
You might know these as enemas, the final destination for treating constipation. They’re the same concept, but they're made with healthier, all-natural ingredients. Anyone who suffers from Crohn’s Disease and stomach issues like IBS, sciatica…. Think of anything you would take a muscle relaxer for. Yeah, when those aren’t doing it, a rectal cannabis suppository will save the day.
Sorry fellas, the ladies have their own special suppository use. Now, ladies, the problems related to the female reproductive system and gastrointestinal tract are sometimes the worst nightmare. Many women are faced with dyspareunia (painful sex), and the use of vaginal cannabis suppositories has shown great results in alleviating these pains.
There are numerous options available, but here's a simple recipe for making cannabis suppositories using just five ingredients (cocoa butter, suppository molds, cannabis distillate, pipette, and metal fork) in four easy steps.
Store the rest in a glass jar in a cool, dark place.
If you want to get an in-depth guide, click here to make your own THC cannabis suppositories at home
The packaging your suppository comes in should be your first reference. A quick rundown of what you have to do:
1. Thoroughly clean your hands with soap and water.
2. Get into a comfortable position, like lying on your side with your knees brought close to your chest.
3. Carefully insert the suppository into the rectum or vagina, and use a small amount of water-based lubricant if necessary.
4. Relax and let the suppository dissolve, which usually takes 10-15 minutes.
5. Remain lying down for at least 30 minutes to ensure proper absorption.
A common suppository dose is 10mg THC. This is a great dose to reap the relaxing benefits while not experiencing a high feeling. From this common dose, you can use your own personal tolerance level to judge if you need a higher dose. Just remember that your body will absorb more THC when inserted rectally compared to swallowing or inhaling THC.
There isn’t too many crazy differences between cannabis suppositories and your store-bought suppositories. You shouldn’t be popping suppositories like candy. Each suppository is considered 1 dose. You will quickly feel relief that will last a few hours. If you are still in pain or feel like the suppository isn’t working anymore, inserting another dose is perfectly fine. Your main goal is to make sure the initial suppository is fully absorbed.
Like all suppositories, there are some downsides to consider. It's common to experience discharge because of the ingredients used, like cocoa butter, which can be messy. Cannabis suppositories can also cause irritation, abdominal pain, swelling, and loose stools.
