When the average person thinks about ingesting medical cannabis, few imagine using it rectally (via cannabis suppositories). But if you’re really sick or dealing with a serious illness, that’s exactly what you should do.

Unfortunately, some people get put off because of issues they run into, but troubleshooting how to properly use rectal cannabis suppositories is worth it. At the end of the day, the most important thing is quality of life and suppositories can make all the difference in that regard.

If you don’t use cannabis suppositories due to application issues or side effects, this article is meant for you. Here are some solutions to help you help you deal with rectal cannabis suppository related problems.

You don’t know where to get cannabis suppositories

Cannabis suppositories are not available anywhere in the legal market. They are a medical product, thus, can’t be found in provincial retail stores. Despite all the benefits they offer, cannabis suppositories are not regulated or acknowledged by the government. As a result, they are not available through medically licensed producers. If you need or want them, you have a few options:

Find a compassion club – Despite active enforcement from the Provincial Community Safety Unit, there are a few compassion clubs still operating in Canada, and many offer mail order services. Because of their grey market status, you might need to prove you have a condition before being able to buy anything. But in terms of consistent dosing and safe product access, this is the best and easiest way to access cannabis suppositories. 

Make your own – If you are physically able and have the environment, making your own cannabis suppositories is not very hard to do. The trickiest part will be finding or making your molds. Dosing will also take trial and error. Obviously, this method is not ideal but with a bit of patience and a sense of adventure, it can be done.

Try using a cannabis capsule – Depending on the materials, cannabis capsules can sometimes be used as rectal suppositories. However, if you are going to go this route, you need to be aware of a few things so that you can be prepared. Normally, suppositories slowly release their contents as soon as they are inserted but a capsule has to dissolve first. Be aware that if you use a capsule as a suppository, the sudden release of cannabinoids might hit harder than other methods. 

Cannabis suppositories make you feel high and it’s uncomfortable

The effect you feel from a cannabis suppository is often a direct result of where you place it. Basically, the higher you go, the higher you get. In order to get high from THC, it has to pass through our liver. If a suppository is placed just past the sphincter, it is absorbed by the inferior rectal artery and ultimately bypasses this. 

cannabis suppositories solution

But, if you go up roughly two inches higher, the suppository can be absorbed by the superior rectal artery and this will get metabolized by the liver. Because there is nothing like stomach acids or fire to break the cannabinoids down, you absorb like 70-85% and get super wrecked. If getting too high from suppositories is a factor keeping you from using them, then here are some solutions to this cannabis suppository problem:

Take CBD at the same time – CBD can bring down the psychoactive effects of THC. For more information, click here

Cut the dose in half – Using a sharp knife, cut the suppository in half lengthwise and try using half the dose. It’s a sure way to reduce the effect and with less volume melting in the colon, it’s easier to be consistent with placement. If you use cannabis capsules as suppositories, freeze it first for twenty-four hours and then cut it. Keep the remaining frozen half in a small container in the freezer.

Discomfort and leakage during flatulence

It goes without saying that there are less invasive methods of ingesting cannabis, but, few compare in terms of health benefits. If you are not using suppositories because of the application itself, there are some solutions for this cannabis suppository problem that you can opt for to make it easier. 

Use leak protection – Accidents happen to the best of us so be prepared just in case. Extra protection equals peace of mind because an easy cleanup is priceless. Farts can be embarrassing enough on their own so cover your butt.

Rest after insertion – After rectally inserting a cannabis suppository, it’s important is rest in a comfortable position; especially when leakage is an issue. Cannabis suppositories are made to melt and absorb into the colon, but keep in mind, a bit of material will be expelled. After 15 to 20 minutes of lying or sitting down, the majority of the product should be absorbed, dramatically reducing discomfort and/or the possibility of leakage.

Reduce the size – Cut the suppository in half with a sharp knife and keep the other half in the fridge. To harden the suppository before you insert it, run it under cold water. The goal is comfort and if this works to achieve that, get a higher dose suppository and cut it to the right dose for you.

cannabis suppositories

Have you ever used cannabis suppositories? What effects do you notice? If you feel comfortable, please share your experience in the comments. This topic may seem taboo but remember, we all have butts, and talking about this might save some of them. 

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