CRx MAGAZINE

Summer 2021

From the Editor: Women and Cannabis

Women are a force in all aspects of the cannabis industry, from cultivation to marketing, advocacy to legislation. They’re at the forefront of cannabis medicine as doctors, nurses, and pharmacists. They’re researching, formulating, marketing, dispensing, and advising.

Women, similarly, are powerful drivers of the medical cannabis industry. Often more willing than men to explore holistic and alternative options, they make up a significant portion of the population turning to cannabis therapeutics. And the industry is meeting their needs in many ways. A number of articles in this issue of CRx highlight the particular benefits cannabis may bring to women.

Contributor Jennifer Lutz reports on the role cannabis may play in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain. Research suggests cannabis medicine may bring relief to those suffering from cramps, severe dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, other types of pelvic pain, and premenstrual syndrome. Cannabinoids, particularly CBD, may be effective against these conditions, the root cause of which is believed to be inflammation.

Thyroid disease is five to eight times more common in women than in men, affecting 1 in 8 women, and complications and consequences can be serious, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. While research indicates that cannabis use does not contribute to the development of thyroid disease, and it’s too soon to say whether it will play a significant role in treatment, Emily Kyle reports that some evidence suggests that it may lower thyroid-stimulating hormone and, thus, be beneficial for those with hypothyroidism.

Kyle also writes in this issue about delta-3-carene, a relatively little-known terpene that’s being studied, among other reasons, for its ability to support bone health—research of great interest to women.

As research elucidates the benefits and risks of cannabis, women will continue to lead the way in the industry.

— Kate Jackson

CRXeditor@gvpub.com

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