WHY ARE PEOPLE STICKING CBD UP THEIR BUTT?

A CBD Suppository Guide

CBD Suppositories

By Marion Law

Of the various ways to consume CBD oil, suppositories are probably the least popular method. CBD suppositories, however, are an extremely beneficial method of delivery.

Until recently, CBD suppositories were virtually unheard of. As the medical cannabis industry grows, more clinical and anecdotal evidence regarding the benefits of cannabidiol (CBD) and its multiple forms of administration are being marketed. CBD suppository, not surprisingly, is at the bottom of the list.

CBD oil suppositories are gaining notoriety as a highly efficient delivery system, whether inserted vaginally or rectally.

In this article, the focus will be mainly on products designed for anal insertion. Some CBD suppositories are not advised for use in the vagina, however, some of the products recommended here claim to be safe for both vaginal and rectal use.

Some suppositories on the market contain THC. Suppositories containing THC are often known as “cannabis” suppositories rather than CBD suppositories. The CBD suppositories mentioned in this article are made from hemp and contain little to no THC.

When using CBD oil suppositories instructions should be carefully followed.

What Are CBD Suppositories?

CBD suppositories are capsules containing CBD oil that are made to melt at body temperature after being inserted into the rectum or vagina. Once melted, the CBD oil and other active ingredients are easily absorbed into the bloodstream through the lining of the intestine.

CBD oil suppositories are available for both rectal and vaginal use. For all intents and purposes, this article will focus on CBD suppositories formulated for anal insertion. Not all rectal CBD suppositories are recommended for vaginal use. CBD suppositories made for insertion in the vagina contain carriers that are safe for vaginal use.

What Are the Benefits of Using Cannabis Suppositories?

CBD oil suppositories have certain benefits over other CBD oil products.

For starters, CBD oils made for oral use tend to have a low bioavailability as much of the CBD gets absorbed into the fatty tissues of the stomach and intestines. The CBD and other active ingredients in suppositories, on the other hand, are absorbed directly into the bloodstream via the mucosal linings of the rectum.

Another benefit of CBD suppositories is that they can be used by patients who have trouble swallowing or who can’t swallow at all due to neurodegenerative issues.

A Brief History of Suppositories

According to recorded history, suppositories have been in use for thousands of years. Suppository molds have been discovered in apothecaries that date back to the 12th century. Moreover, the use of cannabis as a healing remedy can be traced back some 5,000 years.

The word “suppository,” derived from the Latin word suppositorum, means “something placed beneath.” This term first showed up in academic literature in the late 1700s and was meant to be a substitute for enemas.

Documentation has been found that suggests that suppositories were used by Ancient Egyptians for easing gastrointestinal issues. It has also been suggested that medical specialists in the Ancient Babylonian culture gave suppositories to patients to treat hemorrhoids.

Another source claims that suppositories were invented independently by North American indigenous people, in pre-Columbus times. A small piece of wood from the dogwood tree was moistened and compressed and inserted rectally for relief of hemorrhoids.

The herbs used in the making of ancient suppositories were originally encased in soap or honey and allowed to harden. Eventually, the soap and honey were replaced with plant oils such as cocoa butter.

Discussion of suppositories and their application is still a taboo subject in many cultures. Interestingly, in spite of the delicate subject matter, suppositories are very popular in France, although the UK population tends to avoid them.

And while suppository use in the US is more widespread, discussing it with others is something some patients will avoid.

Who Can Benefit From Cannabis Suppositories

There are several medical conditions for which individuals choose to use CBD oil suppositories over oral consumption methods. CBD suppositories are commonly used by:

• Patients who are unable to swallow pills due to Parkinson’s, ALS, MS, stroke, or other neurological conditions.
• Patients who suffer from nausea and vomiting due to undergoing chemo making it impossible to keep down pills or edibles.
• Patients about to undergo surgery who cannot ingest anything solid prior to the operation.
• Patients who cannot tolerate smoking or vaping CBD products due to compromised lungs, and who for some reason do not want to use oral capsules.
• Patients who want a higher bioavailability delivery method.

How Many CBD Suppositories Should I Use?

For starters, it’s always a good idea to discuss an optimal dosage with a medical professional who is knowledgeable in the use of CBD suppositories. Additionally, following the instructions on each product page regarding the dosage is always a good idea.

Some CBD suppository products have roughly 20–25mg of CBD. The products mentioned in this article all contain 50mg of CBD per suppository. This amount may be too much for someone just beginning a CBD-based protocol. For this reason, cutting the suppository in half is sometimes recommended to assure the patient experiences no unwanted side effects such as lethargy.

The ideal dosage will vary from patient to patient. It’s prudent to begin with a smaller amount and observe the reaction. When ingesting CBD products patients should use the minimal amount that produces the desired effect. Dosages that are too small will not solve the problem and end up going to waste. Dosages that are too high might produce unwanted effects. Furthermore, CBD is a biphasic compound. That means that over a certain dosage its effects can actually diminish or change.

How to Use CBD Suppositories?

CBD suppositories are most efficient when they have a firm consistency. It is best to store them in the fridge or freezer to maintain their shape and firmness.

To insert a rectal CBD suppository, a patient should lie down sideways and pull their knees up to their chest. Insert the suppository into the rectum with the index finger, with the pointed end inserted first. The suppository should be inserted 2.5cm to 4cm in order to reach behind the inner anal sphincter. Patients should be sure to wash their hands after insertion.

In order to avoid the suppository slipping out of the anal cavity, the muscles of the buttocks should be clenched together, while flexing the inner muscles of the anus for approximately 3–4 seconds.

It’s important to stay lying down sideways for at least 2–3 minutes. Keep in mind, that fluid may leak mildly from the rectum for a couple of hours.

Because of this, the best time to use a cannabis suppository is before bed or when the patient has time to lay down and take it easy.

Vaginal CBD Suppositories

Not all suppositories are safe for vaginal use. The products mentioned in this article are labeled for both rectal and vaginal usage.

It is imperative to read instructions on the packaging, as some CBD suppositories are for RECTAL use ONLY. Some compounds in rectal suppositories may cause an unpleasant reaction if used vaginally. Be sure to read all instructions on the packaging to determine if the product is safe for vaginal insertion.

Using a finger or tampon applicator, insert the CBD suppository into the vagina as deeply as possible. To help the CBD oil come in contact with cervical and uterine tissue, place a cushion under the buttocks and remain in the position for around 5 minutes.

How Long Does a CBD Suppository Take to Work?

CBD oil suppositories generally take up to 30 minutes to begin taking effect. Some individuals may feel the effects after 15 minutes.

When using a homemade CBD suppository, remember that the base will melt rapidly after contact with the skin.

How to Make Suppositories?

CBD oil suppositories can be made at home. However extreme care should be used to keep all the ingredients clean. Hands and utensils used in making CBD suppositories at home should be thoroughly washed beforehand.

To make rectal CBD oil suppositories at home, follow these instructions:

INGREDIENTS

• CBD Oil
• Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

WHAT ELSE YOU’LL NEED

• Ice tray with pop-out cubes, ideally circular
• Spoon
• Stir stick

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Melt the coconut oil if necessary by placing a container of oil in a pot of hot water.
2. Fill the bottoms of the ice tray reservoirs with approximately 1/8 inch of oil.
3. Add the desired amount of CBD oil into each reservoir using a measured dropper and stir gently.
4. Place ice tray into the freezer for 1 to 2 hours.
5. Keep homemade suppositories in the freezer.
6. When administered, they can be cut into smaller sizes/doses.

Note: that because homemade suppositories melt very quickly, it’s best to use them while laying down for an extended period of time.

CBD Legality

Hemp, the cannabis crop from which over-the-counter CBD oil is extracted was legalized by the federal government at the end of 2018. Along with hemp, the production of hemp extracts such as full-spectrum CBD oil and CBD isolate were also made legal for production and sale.

Under the 2018 Farm Bill, the regulation of hemp and CBD was put into the hands of the states. Each state has its own plan which must be approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Although certain products may not be produced or sold in certain states, such as smokable flower, pretty much all hemp-derived products, including CBD oil suppositories, can easily be purchased online.

Furthermore, purchasing a product that may not be produced or sold in the state does not put the buyer at risk of breaking cannabis possession laws. The responsibility is on local CBD shops to know which products they can and cannot sell.

CBD products produced from marijuana that contain more than 0.3% THC may only be sold at state-licensed dispensaries.

Hemp crops and any products produced from hemp are required to contain less than 0.3% THC under Federal law.

CBD Safety and Side Effects

CBD oil is among the safest of natural herbal remedies. CBD is completely non-toxic, non-habit forming, and non-intoxicating. Studies have shown that humans are able to easily tolerate high doses of CBD without any severe or lasting side effects.

Mild side effects of CBD oil might include drowsiness and lethargy, dry mouth, or diarrhea (usually attributable to the quality and contents of the product).

Regardless of its safety, it’s best to begin using CBD in small doses of 5 to 10 milligrams depending on the patient’s size. This dosage can be ramped up over the course of a few days or a week until a dosage is reached that produces the desired effects.

The idea is to use the minimum amount of CBD for optimum relief. In most cases, there is a limit over which no additional benefits are experienced and over which higher doses just waste the patient’s money.

Another reason to start with a small dosage is that many CBD products have additional ingredients, some of which might not be well tolerated by the patient. For example, some patients have allergic reactions to certain terpenes.

Are CBD Suppositories Right for You?

When pondering the best delivery method for CBD, it’s wise to explore all options. Cannabis suppositories may be the solution for certain individuals.

For example, some elderly people can no longer manage to swallow their medications in pill form. Other individuals suffering from cancer may be going through chemo and experiencing chronic nausea and vomiting making it impossible to keep anything down, or perhaps they are about to undergo surgery and can’t ingest any solids.

Suppositories may seem like an incredibly awkward way of ingesting CBD, due to the many taboos surrounding this delicate part of the anatomy. This method has many benefits that should be considered before negating it. CBD suppositories are one of the most efficient ways to experience CBD’s healing properties.

Best CBD Suppositories

Check out the original article published on cbdschool.com for a review of four suppositories we recommend checking out.