Suppositories don’t get the attention they truly deserve. This form of ingestion is extremely effective for treating pain and a number of medical conditions. While some may be squeamish when discussing this method of cannabis ingestion, we celebrate its incredible benefits. And no, medical cannabis suppositories are not just “weed tampons” … We’ll put that myth to rest once and for all.
So, what is a suppository?
We are glad you asked. A suppository is a small, cylindrical dosage of medicine either vaginally or rectally inserted. They often have a cocoa or shea butter base, acting as a carrier for the medicine. The suppository melts after insertion, allowing the medicine to enter your system.
As more patients discovered cannabis extracts, cannabis suppositories were developed to address certain needs. Some people localized benefits of the potent cannabis extract, without the psychoactivity. These patients may have been experiencing severe, deep pain. Or perhaps they had medical conditions that may benefit from this localized approach. Whatever the intention, suppositories promise relief for many medical patients today.
How do suppositories work?
After insertion, the surrounding tissue quickly absorbs the medicine in the suppository and the cannabis enters your vascular system. In about 15-20 minutes, the pain-relief, muscle relaxation and supremely calming effects of the suppository are apparent.
Suppositories provide superior bioavailability, meaning they deliver more THC and CBD (around 80%) than other methods of ingestion (smoking delivers around 15% and edibles deliver 35%). This product is ideal for the patient who wants all the medicinal benefits of THC and CBD, without the psychoactivity. Even though suppositories deliver a potent dose of cannabis medicine, patients will not feel a “head high.”
Paula-Noel Macfie, and indigenous science researcher and cannabis patient, began using cannabis suppositories to help with symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis, anxiety, depression, PTSD and a front-lobe brain injury.
“[Supposotories provide] maximum medicine with maximum relief and no known side-effects,” says Macfie, in an interview with Merry Jane. “Within 10 to 15 minutes, I notice I feel uplifted and better, simply because I am not focusing on my pain and discomfort.”
This lack of psychoactive effects is because cannabis ingestion via suppository bypasses the liver. The liver is the necessary organ for any sort of head change when medicating. This makes suppositories the ideal product for anyone looking for dependable, strong medicine that still allows them to accomplish everyday tasks.
Who can use a suppository?
Anyone and everyone can use a suppository, but it may be particularly effective for patients with severe pain and don’t want to feel “high.” It can also be nice for people who want to avoid inhaling cannabis or don’t want to use edibles. This method of ingestion, because of its location within the body, has proven to be particularly helpful for gastrointestinal conditions. These conditions may include Crohn’s Disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, or cancer. In addition, vaginal suppositories may assist in reproductive system woes, from menstruation to endometriosis.
According to one user’s experience with vaginal suppositories to treat severe menstrual cramps: “All of the muscles that had been cramped and clenched so tight gradually released and my body relaxed. Where I had been painfully aware of every inch of my midsection, suddenly it felt as though I had no midsection at all. From my waist down to my thighs, it was almost as if my groin had simply dissolved and was floating in some galaxy far, far away.”
KAYA Suppositories
Suppositories are quickly becoming more popular in the medical cannabis community for these reasons. We are proud to announce the arrival of KAYA suppositories, made with cannabis oil and fair-trade, natural shea butter. Our cannabis oil is always derived from all-natural cannabis flower. These suppositories will be available at High Mountain Health and a few select dispensaries across Arizona.
KAYA Suppositories will be available in two varieties, 60mg (30mg THC:30mg CBD) and 120mg (60mg THC:60 mg CBD), both with a 1:1 ratio of THC to CBD and sold in packs of either five or ten. We recommend consulting a medical professional in determining what dosage to administer.
If you feel like suppositories are the perfect option for meeting your medical needs, don’t hesitate to ask about this product during your next visit to High Mountain Health.
