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People use cannabidiol (CBD) for a bunch of reasons, including pain relief. And while research is still ongoing into the pain-relieving effects of CBD, what we know so far is promising.

Because CBD might help reduce inflammation and chronic pain, it might also help reduce menstrual cramps and other period-related symptoms, like headaches, lower back pain, and sore breasts.

But because there are many CBD products on the market, it can be challenging to sift through products and find high quality CBD. Below, in addition to exploring how CBD can help with menstrual cramps, we also list several high quality products that we’ve extensively vetted.

Sure, you can take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen to relieve cramping and other uncomfortable menstrual symptoms. But these can sometimes produce unwanted effects like stomach issues. And if you have severe cramping, they might not work for you.

Some people swear by CBD as a natural alternative for dealing with period cramps. But does it work?

One 2020 review concluded that there’s not enough evidence to give solo credit to CBD for pain relief, especially since many studies involve products that also contain THC.

A 2021 survey-based study found that out of 113 women respondents, 23% said they used cannabis. Almost all of those who reported using cannabis said it helped improve symptoms like cramping. But it’s impossible to say whether CBD alone did the trick. Plus, the sample size for the survey was small.

According to research from 2019, women with endometriosis self-rated cannabis or CBD oil as the most effective at relieving pain, compared with physical interventions, such as yoga, stretching, and other remedies. But the survey didn’t evaluate whether cannabis or CBD oil was more effective than the other.

When it comes to CBD specifically, there’s currently limited research on the effects of CBD on menstrual cramping.

One small recent study involving 63 participants looked at the effects of CBD-infused tampons on period cramping over three menstruations. Researchers found that using this type of tampon significantly reduced pain. That said, we don’t recommend putting CBD products — tampons included — into your vagina since the research on this is still in the preliminary stages.

Some evidence suggests that CBD alone might have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. A 2016 study on rats, for example, found that applying CBD gel reduced joint inflammation and pain with no adverse effects.

These properties may help reduce painful period-related cramping and other uncomfortable symptoms during your period, including headaches.

A more recent 2023 study in mice also suggests that CBD may help limit inflammation.

That said, research suggests that THC and CBD work best together, so if you’re looking for a CBD product to help with menstrual pain, consider opting for a full-spectrum one.

Ultimately, to better understand CBD’s potential role in pain management, more studies are needed, especially in humans.

Here’s what to consider when choosing a CBD product for menstrual cramps:

CBD type

Research suggests that CBD may work better when paired with THC. When combined, they produce the entourage effect. That means if you’re looking for a product to help with cramping, a full-spectrum option may be the best option.

For menstrual pain, you’ll likely want full-body effects, so opt for a capsule, gummy, or tincture. A topical gel or cream can provide targeted relief for things like back or muscle pain.

Third-party testing

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate CBD products — at least, not exactly. They can issue warning letters to companies that make deceptive, unfounded claims. However, it’s still pretty easy for companies to misrepresent their products.

How can you be sure you’re buying a high quality product? Look for an up-to-date certificate of analysis (COA), and check that the info on it matches what’s on the product label. If you can’t find evidence of third-party testing? That’s a red flag.

Ingredients

Transparency doesn’t just involve making COAs readily available. Reputable companies will also be open about where they source their ingredients.

Look for CBD made with U.S.-grown hemp — ideally, organic.

If you’re shopping specifically for pain relief, some topical products contain added ingredients meant to relieve pain, like arnica. Arnica also has warming properties that may help with period-related abdominal discomfort.

We used standards for safety, quality, and transparency to make our selections. Each product selected:

  • is made by a company that provides third-party testing by an ISO 17025-compliant lab
  • plainly provides evidence of this testing
  • is made with hemp grown in the United States
  • contains no more than 0.3% THC, according to the COA
  • is free of heavy metals, pesticides, and molds, according to the COA

Additionally, we considered these factors when selecting the best CBD products for joint pain:

  • CBD potency, or concentration
  • CBD type
  • overall ingredients list, including ingredients that may support pain relief
  • company certifications and manufacturing processes
  • brand reputation, including:

Best calming CBD oil for cramps

CBDfx Calming Tincture

  • Price: $69.99
  • CBD type: full spectrum
  • CBD potency: 500 mg
  • COA: available on product page

CBDfx’s calming tincture contains a mix of CBD and CBN. This tincture is available in several strengths, up to 4,000 mg. The full-spectrum blend is both vegan and gluten-free.

The company offers a 60-day guarantee and has a team of medical advisers on staff.

This product has more than 800 positive reviews, and customers say the taste takes some getting used to, but the product works wonders.

Best CBD bath bomb for cramps

Joy Organics CBD Bath Bombs

  • Price: $15.96
  • CBD type: broad spectrum
  • CBD potency: 25 mg per bath bomb
  • COA: available on product page

A regular warm bath can provide some relief from mild to moderate cramping. Add a CBD bath bomb to the mix for an extra dose of calm and relaxation.

Joy Organics’ bath bombs contain 25 mg of broad-spectrum CBD per bomb and feature a pleasant sleep-inducing lavender aroma. They’re also made with few ingredients to reduce the risk of skin irritation. Each box comes with four bath bombs.

The company also offers a generous 90-day guarantee.

This product has more than 60 positive reviews, and customers say the bath bombs are soothing and help with stress relief.

Best CBD gummies for cramps

Aspen Green Bliss Organic Full-Spectrum Gummies

  • Price: $89.99
  • CBD type: full spectrum
  • CBD potency: 100 mg per gummy
  • COA: available on product page

Craving something sweet during your period? Satisfy your sweet tooth and potentially kick your cramps to the curb with the help of these tasty, tropical-flavored CBD gummies from Aspen Green.

Each gummy contains a whopping 100 mg of CBD and 5 mg of THC, delivering a potent entourage effect. The gummies are certified organic, vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO.

The company offers a discount if you buy in bulk, so you can stock up on gummies for periods to come. Aspen Green also has a 60-day return period.

Of the product’s 40 reviews, 35 give the gummies 5 out of 5 stars. Customers say they taste great and work well.

Unlike THC, CBD is unlikely to cause side effects. Even if you do experience adverse effects, they’ll likely be mild. Possible side effects may include:

  • diarrhea
  • appetite and weight changes
  • fatigue

Be careful when using topical products, especially if you have sensitive skin. Read the ingredient list and do a patch test before using topical CBD products.

Talk with your healthcare professional before using CBD products, especially if you’re taking any drugs or supplements, as drug interactions are possible.

To use a topical CBD product, rub it directly on the area that’s causing you grief. If you don’t get any relief, you can use more after a few hours.

For ingestible products, check the product label for dosing guidelines. Generally, it’s a good idea to start with a low dose and work your way up. It can take time for CBD to take effect, though, so wait a few hours before taking an additional dose.

Can I take CBD with other pain relievers?

It’s a good idea to consult with a medical professional if you’re planning to mix CBD with other medications, including over-the-counter (OTC) products. CBD can interact with certain medications, including acetaminophen, according to a 2021 review.

Is it safe to take CBD for menstrual cramps?

There’s limited research on the effects of CBD on menstrual cramping, but some research suggests that it has anti-inflammatory effects, which may help with menstruation-related pain.

While research into CBD shows that it’s generally safe to use. It may be a good idea to talk with a healthcare professional if you’re having major cramping issues during your period.

How can I get instant relief from menstrual cramps?

Unfortunately, there’s no instant cure for period cramps. Applying heat to your lower abdomen using a heating pad may provide some rapid relief. You might also find that applying topical CBD with warming ingredients like arnica helps.

CBD oils, creams, sprays, gummies, and capsules are not guaranteed to get rid of your menstrual cramps. But there’s little risk involved in trying them.

More research is needed to determine the relationship between CBD and pain relief. Although some evidence suggests CBD may help with pain — particularly anecdotal evidence — there are no specific studies that look into the potential benefits of CBD for cramps.

Before you try CBD for period cramps, talk with your healthcare professional. If you’re experiencing severe cramping, you may have an underlying condition that requires treatment.

Steph Coelho is a freelance writer with chronic migraine who has a particular interest in health and wellness. When she’s not click-clacking away on her keyboard, she’s probably nose-deep in a good book.