What is A CBD Suppository?
Suppositories are nothing new, but there’s a new option to consider—CBD suppository. This article covers the purpose of suppository and why you may want to discuss a cannabis suppository with your physician.
Please Note—CBD companies cannot provide medical advice and we cannot guarantee that CBD will effectively soothe your mind or body. The data we provide is for informational purposes. Consult with your physician for guidance on all dietary supplements.
What is a CBD suppository?
Suppositories are small round or cone-shaped dissolvable capsules that are designed to be inserted into the vagina, anus, or urethra. Many suppositories require a prescription, such as an antibiotic suppository for a vaginal infection, a vaginal hormone suppository, or a rectal suppository to ease constipation. These prescriptions are often faster and more effective than an oral prescription.
By the time many oral prescriptions pass through the digestive tract, a diluted amount of the active ingredients is absorbed into your bloodstream. This means there may not be enough active medication left to treat your vaginal, rectal, or physical health condition. With a suppository, the active ingredients go straight to the bloodstream without passing through your digestive tract. This makes suppository an excellent option for those with GI tract conditions that make it difficult to digest prescription medications for non-anal and non-vaginal health conditions.
However, some suppositories are utilized with or without a prescription for vaginal dryness during menopause or for lubrication during vaginal or anal sex. This includes CBD suppositories.
CBD suppositories can be made at home or ordered online. CBD is fat-soluble, so suppositories are often mixed with a fatty oil such as coconut oil, cocoa butter, avocado oil, or apple cider vinegar.
What do CBD suppositories do?
Some suppositories are designed only for anal use, only for vaginal use, or for both anal and vaginal use. Be sure you understand what type of product you are using, and use it as directed or prescribed.
There is a high concentration of cannabinoid receptors in the pelvic tissues. This means that using CBD anally or vaginally may allow for more targeted relief than orally ingesting supplements. It’s also a faster means of entering your bloodstream—about 20 minutes versus around 1 hour for oral products. While taking CBD oil sublingually (under your tongue) is also fast, you may not enjoy the taste.
There aren’t a lot of studies yet on the effectiveness of CBD suppository. The most common reasons to discuss them with your healthcare provider include:
- CBD suppository for hemorrhoids
- Rectal pain and inflammation
- Vaginal pain and inflammation
- Lubrication or prep for anal sex
- Lubrication or prep for vaginal sex
- Increased intimate pleasure
- To better absorb CBD for those with GI conditions
- To manage medical conditions such as endometriosis, dyspareunia/painful sex, pelvic floor dysfunction, cramps, and menopause relief
Do CBD suppositories make you high?
Most suppositories are formulated with hemp-derived CBD that has 0.3% or less THC which is not enough to get you high. If medical or recreational marijuana is legal in your state, you may be able to find THC suppositories. This is typically a product with a 1:1 ratio of THC and CBD. While there may be more than 0.3% THC, the objective isn’t to get high—but to benefit from the synergetic effects of cannabinoids. That being said, THC products may get you high.
Are CBD suppositories legal?
If hemp-derived, yes they are legal in all 50 states as of the Farm Bill of 2018. If they are THC-derived, they may only be legal with a medical marijuana prescription or if recreational marijuana is legal in your state. In other words, be mindful when crossing state lines with any cannabis products.
Even if CBD-derived, your employer, school, or extracurricular activity may prohibit the use and or possession of cannabis products. This is because cannabis products are still illegal at the federal level.
How far do you push a suppository?
Use all suppositories as directed. Many are stored in the refrigerator to slow the rate at which they begin to dissolve. Since oil-based, you don’t want them dissolving while you are trying to insert them. If your suppository is too soft, pop it in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes.
Wash your hands, then sit or lay in a comfortable position. Relax and insert it with your finger or applicator. If it’s more comfortable, add a light layer of lubrication to the capsule, applicator, or your finger before insertion. Be careful as this will make your suppository slippery.
Most brands advise inserting anal products at least 1 inch inside. Most vaginal products suggest inserting products at least 1 inch inside, or as far as it is comfortable.
The product will take about 20 minutes to melt and absorb into your bloodstream. So, unlike many suppositories, you don’t have to lay down longer than that. Expect oily underwear after use.
If using for vaginal or anal sex, wait a full 20 minutes before penetration. Set a timer and use that time for foreplay.
Be mindful that the oil can degrade the integrity of latex condoms. So, use condoms made of nitrile, polyurethane, or animal skin. If STDs are not of concern, utilize other approved birth control methods.
Can you use suppositories on your period?
Yes, you can! Vaginal suppositories can be inserted when you are menstruating. The only difference is that you should not insert a tampon or menstrual cup for at least 20 minutes. Your physician may advise you to use a pad or period panties when using vaginal CBD.
Since your body is naturally shedding its monthly uterine lining, lay down for 20 minutes after inserting your CBD.
How long does a CBD suppository last?
How long CBD lasts depends on a variety of factors including:
- Age
- Weight
- Gender
- Metabolism
- Individual health
So, take your suppository as directed or prescribed. For most adults, this means taking it as needed such as before intercourse, daily every 8 hours for vaginal dryness, or as a proactive or reactive approach to your symptoms.
Do CBD suppositories really work?
CBD suppositories are a popular, yet somewhat controversial, CBD product. CBD suppositories are designed to be inserted vaginally or rectally, where they dissolve and release CBD into the body. CBD suppositories are said to offer a more direct, and therefore more effective, method of CBD delivery than other CBD products such as oils and tinctures. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support these claims. Until more research is conducted, it is difficult to say for sure whether CBD suppositories are truly effective. Nevertheless, many people report feeling relief after using CBD suppositories, making them worth trying for those who are curious.
What are CBD suppositories side effects?
Prescription or ready-made CBD suppositories are naturally formulated with vaginal or anal-safe ingredients. If you decide to make your own suppositories, you must be mindful of the ingredients. We advise using USDA-Certified Organic CBD Oil with zero added ingredients. For example, you may enjoy a flavored oral CBD—but there should be zero synthetic ingredients in your DIY suppository. Synthetic ingredients may cause a variety of side effects, including rash, inflammation, pain, and more.
While there are zero reports of a CBD overdose, almost anything we consume, apply topically, or insert into our bodies can have a side effect. So, pay close attention to how you feel once you begin using CBD products, when using new CBD products, or when trying new methods of use.
While extremely rare, and most often when taken in high doses, of 20,000 milligrams or more per serving, side effects include:
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Low-blood pressure
- Reduced appetite
- Negative interaction with prescription medications
Where to buy CBD suppositories?
A quick online search is all you need to find brands that sell vaginal and anal CBD suppositories. Most brands process their suppositories in certified pharmacies. You can also check your local CBD retailers and health and wellness stores that sell CBD products. This may include wellness practitioners that make and sell their own suppositories.
If medical and/or recreational marijuana is legal in your state, you can also purchase THC suppositories from dispensaries.
How to make CBD suppositories?
The best CBD suppositories are made from organic ingredients. If you prefer to make your own, follow the recipe below. Some online recipes suggest adding herbs or herb-infused oils to personalize your suppository. The more ingredients you add, the greater the risk for irritation or allergic reaction.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup organic cocoa butter
- 1/4 cup organic and unrefined coconut oil
- Holmes Organics CBD oil tincture
- Suppository mold
- Dropper or plastic syringe
- Small saucepan
- Wooden spoon
Directions
- Add your coconut oil and cocoa butter to a saucepan. Melt over medium heat. Stir once melted and turn off the heat. Do not simmer or boil, just melt.
- Stir in your desired amount of CBD per suppository. This will vary depending on how many suppositories your mold has and how many milligrams of CBD you would like per serving. Holmes Organics CBD oil is available in either 15 milligrams or 30 milligrams per dropper. So, if you would like 15 milligrams of CBD per suppository and your mold has 8 slots, stir in 8 droppers of CBD.
- Once mixed, pour into the syringe or use the dropper to fill the suppository molds.
- Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
- Transfer to an airtight brown glass container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 90 days.
Why Holmes Organics CBD?
You have a variety of CBD brands to choose from. We invite you to consider Holmes Organics due to our unparalleled commitment to quality.
Our CBD products are:
- USDA-Certified Organic
- Third-Party lab tested
- Have an online third-party certificate of analysis
- Processed from US-grown hemp flowers
- Pure with no toxic additives or fillers
- Have clearly stated milligrams per serving
We are also a black-owned CBD brand, which empowers you to shop your values!