How Do You Make CBD Suppositories? 2022

How To Make CBD Suppositories

CBD Suppositories - all your questions answered

Clinical research suggests that CBD oil can be highly beneficial to your health. 

Anecdotal evidence backs up CBD’s potency to help with different conditions, including epilepsy, stress, and even reducing menstrual cramps

There are various methods of consuming cannabis oil, including gummies, topicals, capsules, and more.

Each method has its pros and cons. 

As technology evolves, entrepreneurs are discovering new, great ways to consume cannabis and enjoy its effects.

Of course, the best consumption method depends on personal preference and the effects you’re looking for. 

CBD suppositories are another consumption method that has grown in popularity. 

According to manufacturers, anal and vaginal suppositories are an alternative delivery method that is fast-acting and highly effective. 

So, What Are CBD Suppositories?

A suppository is a narrow, bullet-shaped solid form of medication that is inserted into the vagina or rectum. 

They are designed to dissolve/melt at body temperature to exert medicinal effects. Simply put, CBD suppositories are small-sized suppositories infused with CBD oil. 

The theory is that the medication in suppository form reaches the bloodstream faster and provides highly potent effects than the traditional dosing methods like CBD capsules and liquids. 

When a CBD suppository dissolves, the CBD oil melts in the mucous membrane, releasing its active ingredients.

The ingredients are absorbed directly into the bloodstream via the vagina’s vascular walls. 

The resulting therapeutic benefits provide relief from severe pain without intoxicating a user. 

In the same breath, you can consume a high dose of cannabinoids, including THC, without getting intoxicated. 

Please note that some suppositories are available for use in either the vagina or rectum.

However, some rectal suppositories are strictly not recommended for use in the vagina and vice versa! 

Hence, it’s important to read the product labeling before using your suppositories. 

CBD and The Endocannabinoid System

Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) is non-intoxicating and will not give you a euphoric high. 

CBD is well tolerated by the body, and like THC, it delivers its potential effects by interacting with our endocannabinoid system (ECS). 

The ECS is a complex biological system responsible for maintaining physiological, emotional, and cognitive stability in our bodies.

Although discovered recently in 1988, research shows that the ECS plays a vital role in the human body for our survival. 

It regulates important functions such as pain sensation, sleep, appetite, mood, memory, fertility, and more. 

The ECS comprises 3 core components:

3 Core Components Of The ECS

1. Endocannabinoids

Endocannabinoids are very similar to cannabis cannabinoids.

The only difference is that endocannabinoids are produced naturally by our bodies.

They are responsible for keeping internal organs running smoothly.

2. Cannabinoid receptors

Cannabinoid receptors are expressed throughout our bodies.

Endocannabinoids bind to them, communicating signals when the endocannabinoid system needs to take action.

While the CB1 receptors are prominent in the central nervous system, the CB2 receptors are mainly expressed in the peripheral nervous system.  

3. Enzymes

These are responsible for breaking down endocannabinoids once they’ve carried out their function.

CBD is well tolerated by the body, and like THC, it delivers its potential effects by interacting with our endocannabinoid system (ECS). 

CB1 and CB2 receptors

The CB1 and CB2 receptors respond to CBD and THC very differently. 

For instance, THC has a very high binding affinity for the CB1 receptors.

The interaction between THC and the CB1 receptors mediates psychoactive effects, causing a high feeling. 

Comparably, CBD has less binding affinity for both CB1 and CB2 receptors.

Comparably, CBD has less binding affinity for both CB1 and CB2 receptors.

However, it influences the parts of our bodies that reduce inflammation. 

This means that, unlike THC, which influences our mood and consciousness, you can consume high doses of CBD and still function as usual. 

Many people report that CBD can make you a bit relaxed while providing pain relief.

How Do CBD Suppositories Work?

Scientific research into CBD itself is still very limited.

Therefore, it’s not surprising that there is a distinct lack of clinical research into cannabis suppositories. 

Most of the available data is gathered from animal experiments rather than people. 

However, there are numerous positive anecdotal reports from patients. 

Enthusiasts claim that CBD suppositories have a fast absorption rate, taking between 15-20 minutes to melt completely and be absorbed into the body.

CBD Suppositories And THC

There is a massive variety of suppositories, some containing THC. 

THC is the psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis plants and is illegal in many states. 

Marijuana suppositories, also known as cannabis suppositories, won’t necessarily get you high.

However, if you can’t tolerate THC, the best thing to do is stick to effective CBD products.

Do Cannabis Suppositories Really Work? The Research

As noted earlier, research into cannabis suppositories is still limited.

However, basic scientific evidence suggests that these products can help with menstrual cramps. 

At the same time, suppositories also provide the benefits offered by other CBD or THC-rich cannabis products. 

There is considerable anecdotal evidence to support the efficacy of consuming CBD or THC via the rectum or vagina. 

In 1889,  Dr. J.W. Farlow penned a treatise on the use of cannabis suppositories, describing it as having ‘few equals in its power over nervous headaches’. 

Farlow was referring to rectal suppositories, which he also recommended for unmarried women suffering from period pain.

Below we take a closer look at the available, but limited research into weed suppositories.

Bioavailability of CBD

Another important factor to consider when using CBD suppositories is the bioavailability rate. 

As you know, the bioavailability of CBD when ingested is somewhere between 13-19%. 

On the other hand, vaporized CBD has a 30-60% bioavailability, while oral CBD provides less than a 20% rate. 

Comparably, when you insert a suppository, the hemp extract quickly spreads to the nearby organs before it is swiftly absorbed into the bloodstream and brain via the cell walls. 

According to medical experts, marijuana suppositories do not cause a high, unlike ingesting weed.

Cannabinoids consumed in a suppository bypass the liver, which is the key organ to getting high.

Rectal Cannabis Suppositories

The first and most important thing you should understand is that both the colon and pelvic regions contain the CB1 and CB2 receptors. 

As noted earlier, THC and CBD deliver their effects by interacting with these receptors. 

A 2013 Canadian report states that using rectal cannabis suppositories has a major impact on THC absorption in the body.

According to the report, 50% of THC consumed orally is transformed into a more potent and more psychoactive form 11-Hydroxy-delta-9-THC.   

When administered via the rectum, THC bypasses this effect. This allows a higher amount of the THC compound to be absorbed into the blood vessels

Hence, most of the compound is fully utilized to help with various symptoms.

In addition, rectal suppositories have a higher bioavailability (52-61%) than oral THC.

And because the THC is not converted into 11-Hydroxy-delta-9-THC, rectal administration does not cause an intoxicating high.

Instead, a lot of people report general body relaxation and relief. 

Rectal use has also shown promise in helping with inflammation and symptoms of hemorrhoids.

Vaginal Cannabis Suppositories

So, can inserting CBD or THC suppositories into your vagina help with period-related symptoms?

Unfortunately, there’s very little research into the bioavailability of vaginal cannabis suppositories. 

Currently, more is known about consuming cannabis through the rectum than the vagina.

However, companies providing suppositories for vaginal use liken their effects to those provided by cannabis topicals.

Topicals such as balms and creams are applied directly to the skin to provide localized effects without a ‘head high’.

Innumerable endocannabinoid receptors are found within the female reproductive tract. 

And though they are denser in the uterus, they are also expressed in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina, and vulva. 

Therefore, it’s accurate to say that THC can interact with these receptors and make its way into the bloodstream.

Consuming cannabis via the vaginal canal is touted to offer

  • Pain Relief
  • Localized Muscle Relaxation
  • Reduced Inflammation

For people who experience genital or pelvic pain during intercourse, marijuana suppositories can increase blood flow in the area and alleviate such pain. 

However, it’s important to note that more research is still needed in this area.

The Benefits of Cannabis Suppositories

People use cannabis suppositories for different reasons, including enhancing pleasurable sex, reducing menopause symptoms, and relieving endometriosis pain.

Keep in mind that most of these benefits are anecdotal due to the lack of clinical studies.

Nevertheless, proponents support the use of cannabis suppositories to help with the following symptoms: 

  • Painful sex and vaginal dryness 
  • Abdominal pain and pelvic discomfort 
  • Dysmenorrhea and menstrual cramps 
  • Inflammation, sciatica, and pelvic pain

3 Steps To Using CBD or THC Suppositories

The best CBD suppositories have a firm consistency and are typically the most efficient. 

Manufacturers recommend storing your suppository in a cool place like the freezer to maintain its firmness and shape before using it. 

It’s also important that you’re familiar with your rectum or vagina before insertion.

Step 1

Generally, when inserting a cannabis suppository into your rectum, it’s a good idea that you lie down sideways and pull your knees upwards towards your chest.

Step 2

Using your index finger, gently insert the suppository while making sure that the pointed end goes in first.

Insert it at least 2.5-4cm to reach the inner anal sphincter.

Step 3

Clench your buttock muscles together while flexing the inner muscles of your anus to avoid spillages. 

Do this for at least 3-4 seconds and remain lying sideways for approximately 3 minutes.

Note

The suppository liquid may leak mildly from your rectum for up to a few hours.

Hence, the best time to insert a cannabis suppository is just before bedtime or nap time. 

How often you use cannabis suppositories typically depends on your needs. 

For instance, if you’re using it to relieve period pain, you may only need to insert it when pain occurs. 

Comparably, someone using suppositories to help with menopause symptoms may need to use ONE every day.

Are CBD Suppositories Safe - What Are The Side Effects?

Whether consumed orally, annually, or vaginally, CBD is safe and well-tolerated by the body, without causing adverse effects

However, because the vagina is a very delicate area and any alterations in its PH can result in many issues, you’re strongly advised to strictly use suppositories containing high-quality CBD and carrier oil. 

It’s also critical that you avoid douching and only use mild unscented soaps.

This way, the suppository will only act as a neutral film without causing chemical interactions or changes in PH. 

Potential CBD suppository negative side effects:

  • Changes in appetite
  • Fatigue
  • Drowsiness 
  • Diarrhea

How Do You Make CBD Suppositories at Home

Making CBD suppositories at home is a relatively simple process, but you want to maintain maximum cleanliness!

Most CBD brands make suppositories containing 25mg-100mg of CBD.

Since CBD suppositories are a bit pricey, you can make yours at home using the simple suppository recipe below:

Ingredients

  • High-quality CBD oil 
  • A base such as organic virgin coconut oil

Equipment

  • A suppository mold
  • Spoon 
  • Stirring stick

Instructions

  • Put a container over hot water and add your coconut oil into the container to melt.
  • Add the CBD oil and stir to mix thoroughly.
  • Place a very small amount of oil in the bottom of each mold.
  • Using a dropper, place a measured amount of the mixture into the molds and freeze for at least 1-2 hours before using. 
  • Note that homemade suppositories tend to melt faster. Therefore, you should keep them in the freezer until you’re ready to use them.

How To Make CBD Suppositories - The Bottom Line

Cannabis suppositories are not a new consumption method; they have been around for centuries. 

Research into the efficacy of consuming cannabis extracts vaginally and annually is still very limited.

However, there’s loads of anecdotal evidence in its favor. 

Cannabis suppositories are a great option for people looking to relieve pain in the reproductive and pelvic regions.

Even so, the cannabis market is largely unregulated. 

Therefore, it’s important that you only purchase from transparent brands that are committed to providing safe, pure, and high-quality CBD suppositories. 

While rectal cannabis suppositories provide a faster onset of effects (within 15 minutes), vaginal suppositories tend to offer a delayed onset of effects, at least 30 minutes after insertion.