Suppositories are a unique way to use cannabis, falling into the “mucosal” category of consumption methods — but unlike tinctures that are absorbed by the oral mucosa, suppositories are absorbed by the mucosa in either the vagina or rectum.
We know what you’re thinking… you want me to put cannabis there??
But before you write it off, let us explain why suppositories may be exactly what you need for that lower back, hip or pelvic discomfort, menstrual aches, dryness, or other irritation in this sensitive area — all without the side effect of feeling “high.”
How Suppositories Work
Researchers haven’t been able to explain exactly why yet, but it’s clear that suppositories are absorbed by our bodies differently than other forms of consumption, like edibles or even inhalation.
Studies suggest that when absorbed through the tissues in the rectum or vagina, the THC isn’t entering the bloodstream to be circulated throughout the entire body — instead, it takes effect just in that area, kind of like a topical would…but on the inside!
One potential explanation for this is that because cannabinoids are a relatively large molecule that dissolves in fat rather than water, they are more likely to absorb into the surrounding fatty tissues rather than pass into the bloodstream and affect the entire body, or make their way to the brain.
Even if a little bit of THC does make it into the bloodstream, it will bypass a process called first-pass metabolism that transforms the THC into something even more powerful: 11-hydroxy-THC — which is the process that makes edibles so much “stronger” than other methods of consumption.
Our pelvic region has a ton of nerves and important muscles that connect down the legs and up the spine, so this is a great area to target!
Getting Started with Suppositories
Now, it is important to note that a handful of people have reported experiencing “full-body highs” from suppositories, but most people find that they can use much higher doses of THC without feeling intoxicated, making them a great option for patients who need more support but don’t want to feel high, as well as severely ill patients who can’t take their medicine orally.
When it comes to getting started with suppositories, know that a single suppository may have anywhere from 20-80mg of THC, which is a much higher dose than anyone should ever start with when ingesting THC orally.
Though cerebral intoxication is not expected with suppositories, even in high doses, you should always start low and go slow, just like when using THC in any form. You can cut a suppository into pieces to get a starting dose that you are comfortable with based on your own experience, then slowly increase from there. If you are completely new to THC, a 10mg suppository is a great place to begin. Since cannabis affects everyone differently, we recommend experimenting in a safe, supportive environment just in case you experience any new sensations.
For maximum effectiveness, try to find a suppository that also has some CBD since it partners well with THC to provide even deeper relief.
In addition to
- helping directly relieve menopausal, bowel, pelvic, lower back, and hip discomfort, plus
- fighting inflammation associated with conditions such as hemorrhoids and Crohn’s, as well as
- soothing muscles and menstrual aches,
your body can actually absorb about 2.5 times more cannabinoids when used in suppository rather than edible form — allowing your body to get 70-80% of the THC you invested in.
All in all, if you’re serious about using cannabis as medicine, suppositories are at least worth a try!
Don’t have access to THC in your area? Try these trusted CBD suppositories from Kiskanu!
For more tips on how to not get high with cannabis, be sure to check out more from this video series here. And if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@myfeelstate.com
