Our cultural inclination for modesty explains why suppository medicine is seldom discussed in public or private. The very mention of rectal or vaginal suppositories will invariably lead to blushes and embarrassed giggles rather than a robust conversation. Nevertheless, the suppository method for delivering cannabis medicine, both rectal and vaginal, has been in practice for thousands of years. Recipes recorded on Egyptian papyrus dating from 3000 BC recommend both rectal and vaginal use of cannabis suppositories for a variety of complaints, from hemorrhoidal discomfort (rectal use) to uterine pain (vaginal use).

Suppository use is often preferred when ingestion or inhalation are problematic, this might be a result of an inability to swallow, digestive issues, nausea, compromised lungs or a desire to eliminate the psychoactive side effects of eating or smoking cannabis. Absorption of cannabinoids through both the rectum and the vagina bypasses the digestive system and the liver and thus THC is not given the metabolic opportunity for activation. This means that higher doses of THC-rich cannabis, indicated for chronic pain and cancer sufferers, can be taken without psychoactive side effects. In 1996 a clinical trial revealed the bioavailability of rectally administered THC-rich medication can exceed that of medication taken orally, exceptional and unexpected news!

Suppositories are often prescribed for the treatment of localized pelvic pain in male patients, hemorrhoids, fissures, enlarged prostate, Crohn's Disease and post-operative discomfort, all respond positively to the medication.

Suppositories are also prescribed for a range of women’s reproductive health issues, period cramps, vaginal dryness and endometriosis as well as issues with painful sex. There are significant clusters of CB1 receptors in the vagina and vaginal suppositories have a conditioning effect on the entire vulva. Anecdotally, suppository use for interior dryness and irritation of both the vulva and vagina comes highly recommended. Dosage varies with each unique case, for menstruation pain an ‘as needed’ prescription will be effective. For pernicious dryness of the vulva daily application until symptoms abate will yield the best results.

So what exactly is a cannabis suppository? Essentially, a small cone shaped parcel made of cannabis infused oil, kept refrigerated until use, the suppository enters the body in solid form and then dissolves inside the body allowing the cannabis extract to be absorbed with the carrier oil.

Synergy Wellness has been making suppositories for over a decade and has developed a formula designed for effectiveness, comfort and purity. Synergy suppositories typically contain a 1:1 blend of CBD/THC extract (CBD to alleviate inflammation and THC to combat pain.) The cannabinoids are suspended in pure organic shea and cocoa butter, both easily absorbed through the soft tissues of the rectum or the vagina.

In his consultancy role, our founder Leonard Leinow has found that the high dosage recommended for shrinking tumors, cancer remediation and extreme pain can be achieved without the psychoactive effects that some clients would rather not explore by using suppositories rather than oral forms of treatment. Since the medicine travels through the lymphatic system, and not the blood, it reaches all parts of the body without the sometimes undesired psychoactive effects.

Synergy offers a range of suppositories in varying strengths; 200mg, 100mg and 50mg. Leonard recommends dosage based on the individual case, the greater the discomfort the larger the dose. Cancer sufferers are often advised to take the largest dose to ameliorate pain levels and to allow the constituent cannabinoids to work on the malignancy itself: THC shrinks tumor mass, while CBD inhibits the growth of new cancer cells. The synergistic effect of THC, CBD and the trace element CBG has been shown to encourage the apoptosis (death) of cancer cells while preserving healthy cells. We have many anecdotal cases of suppository treatment for various types of cancer; breast, lung, even brain cancers, most with very positive results: from our records we see that a three month course of daily 200mg suppositories yields very significant tumor shrinkage.

Our cultural reticence around suppository use is changing and Synergy members are finding that this delivery method has many advantages. Issues with the actual application invariably resolve quickly, insertion is easy and painless and detailed application instructions come with the medication.

This coming month Synergy Wellness has a special offer for members interested to experiment with this delivery method. The “Suppository Starter Pack’’ containing five suppositories of 50g, 100g or 200mg can be purchased until August 31st, 2022.