Recreational Rectal Use of Cannabis (Or, What I Did for Science)

Person holding a cannabis suppository in a hemp field

The scientific and anecdotal reports on rectal cannabis use are surprisingly conflicting. Sometimes, the best way to research something is to do it yourself. For science, for Sensi Seeds, for journalistic integrity, and for pure fun, I tried a cannabis suppository and wrote about the results.

Recreational rectal use of cannabis is not a subject I’ve ever heard discussed. Vocal proponents of every other kind of cannabis ingestion can be found everywhere, from internet forums and international hemp fairs to coffeeshops and any given living room on a Friday night. The subject of savouring a potent high by inserting suppositories, however, has not been broached (at least with me). Is rectal cannabis the last taboo of recreational use? Does it even work? There was only one way to find out.

I’d never put cannabis, nor indeed any drug, in my nether regions before. I am familiar with the concept, but I’ve never been moved to try it.

When I was a joint smoker I enjoyed the ritual of making the perfect, tasty, smooth-burning cone. I imagine there’s an element of ritual in rectal cannabis use if one does it frequently enough. However, it’s unlikely to be the sort of thing you can take 20 minutes over in a roomful of friends whilst drinking tea.

Luckily, some friends are closer than others, and I was able to enlist a lab partner for my first foray into this brave new world.

Step one: Get some suppositories for recreational rectal cannabis use

Cannabis suppositories are not a product that you can buy in a coffeeshop, nor a pharmacy, even in Amsterdam. Luckily I was able to obtain some (from a source who wishes to remain anonymous). They were made from butane-extracted whole plant concentrate in a base of coconut oil, giving them a pleasant, almost chocolatey smell, rather like spacecakes. They weighed two grams each.

Three different THC and CBD tests results

I had them tested and the results showed 16% THC and 1% CBD, which would definitely give a psychoactive effect if taken in any way that I was familiar with.

Having procured cannabis suppositories, our preparations were twofold: the classic ‘set and setting’. The former consisted of research. I found practical tips, including ‘lie on your side and bend one leg to make insertion easier’ and ‘don’t pass wind for at least 15 minutes afterwards’.

I found anecdotal reports: “For me, music starts playing in my head about 1 minute after “dosing”,”; “Within minutes I could feel a warm, pleasant sensation washing over my entire pelvic region”.

And I found science which said maybe it shouldn’t work at all.

What is the science behind using cannabis rectally?

According to Allan Frankel, MD, who has researched and written about rectal absorption of cannabis, nothing was felt by his test patients when they tried cannabis oil in cocoa butter. Analysis of their plasma revealed negligible THC and CBD levels. According to “Practical Pharmaceutics: An International Guideline for the Preparation, Care and Use of Medicinal Products”, the rectum does not absorb fats efficiently.

Any active substance in a suppository must first dissolve into the aqueous mucus that lines the rectum, and then pass into the bloodstream. It cannot be absorbed directly by the membrane without traversing the aqueous mucus layer.

Therefore active substances that are themselves lipophilic (such as cannabinoids) should not be combined with a fatty or oily carrier if they are intended for rectal use, as this will reduce their overall absorption. Since virtually every cannabis suppository I found mentioned online was in a fatty base (as was mine), this should have impaired their efficacy.

The rectal veins – superior, middle and inferior

Assuming that some of the cannabinoid content makes it through the mucus, it then circulates either via the inferior and middle rectal veins into the inferior vena cava, bypassing the liver; or via the superior rectal vein to the liver where it is ‘first pass’ metabolized.

A sketch of rectal veins

It was thought that the lack of psychoactivity resulted from THC missing the liver and therefore not metabolizing into 11 hydroxy delta-9 THC (11-OH-THC). This metabolite is more potent, and stays in the system for longer, than THC. It also crosses the blood-brain barrier more easily. Interestingly, the effect of many drugs is reduced by first pass metabolism, but not cannabis!

Large amounts of 11-OH-THC are produced when cannabis is eaten (although the unmetabolised THC has a low absorption rate), so this metabolic process determines much of the strength of the same dose when ingested in different ways. In other words, exactly the same dose of cannabis will produce different effects depending on whether you vape it, smoke it, eat it, or insert it into your rectum.

A macaque monkey sitting and eating a fruit

The most recent scientific research on the rectal absorption of THC was published in 1991, and used crab-eating macaque monkeys. (People to whom I’ve told this have said “poor monkeys!”, to which the reply is, have you seen what else they do to monkeys? These monkeys are the lucky ones.)

Results showed no rectal bioavailability of THC, but when the cannabinoid was processed to create a combination with the molecule ester hemisuccinate (THC-HS), the bioavailability shot up to 13.5% and the mean residence time of THC in the blood was 5.8 hours. THC-HS is water-soluble, which is why it dissolves into the aqueous mucus.

Back to my personal rectal cannabis experience

What all my theoretical research came down to was basically “anecdotes say something might happen, science says nothing should happen”. This being as far as I could get with ‘set’, I moved onto ‘setting’.

We put mattresses on the living room floor and made sure there were enough drinks and munchies on hand. I had music, films, and interesting picture books to stimulate us if needed. I considered lighting some candles, figuring I should make it as nice an experience as possible after subjecting my lab partner to descriptions of animal experiments and rectal aqueous mucus, but fire and altered states don’t mix so I just turned the lights down.

Person holding a cannabis suppository

To give an accurate report as possible, we had abstained from any other drugs (including the legal ones) and I set my phone to beep at half-hour intervals so I could chart the experience.

 “For science!”

We toasted each other with the large, slippery, dark green bullets. First lesson: insert them as soon after removal from the fridge as possible, because fingertip heat alone is enough to start them melting. However, this means they are basically self-lubricating, which isn’t a bad thing. We lay down, me on my back and my lab partner on his side, and waited.

After half an hour, I felt quite giggly. This could have been the beginnings of a high, or the incongruity of live-tweeting rectal cannabis use as part of my job. In response to a tweet asking me how it was going, I attempted to analyse what I was experiencing.

There was a mild tingling sensation, not unpleasant, around the ground zero area of application. I wasn’t able to say for sure if there was any psychoactive effect. My lab partner had fallen asleep, but he had travelled overnight from London to Amsterdam and arrived that morning. The data was inconclusive thus far.

One hour into the experiment: getting high

My lab partner was still fast asleep and I was explaining to people on Twitter that I didn’t have IBS or IBD, this experiment was purely for research. A feeling of deep relaxation suffused me, especially my legs and pelvic area. I believe the use of suppositories to ease menstrual cramps could be very effective, based on this. I felt extremely tranquil, but not sleepy, and decided to finally get up and go to the kitchen for a change of scenery and to see if any psychoactive effects made themselves known.

They did. Once in the kitchen, the munchies kicked in with a vengeance and I noticed that colours and patterns were enhanced. I heated up some soup; flavours were enhanced too. I giggled to myself thinking about the great Dr Lester Grinspoon’s realisation that he was having his first cannabis experience when the pizza he was eating became the best he’d ever tasted.

Despite being a clearly recognisable cannabis high, what I was experiencing was unlike what I’ve felt when eating, smoking or vaporising it. My head felt clear and I felt peaceful yet alert; a sativa type of high without the soaring headrush or potential confusion.

It was extremely enjoyable and not at all overpowering, yet I was definitely in an altered state. The dragon trees in my living room looked fascinating. Getting back under the duvet was lovely. I felt no need for additional entertainment. There was an opiate-like quality to the contentment and relaxation, but no nausea or feelings of disassociation.

An hour and a half in: definitely high

I was still feeling the same effects, which seemed to have hit a plateau rather than fading or intensifying. My lab partner woke up and said he wasn’t sure if he was feeling anything apart from very relaxed, but he definitely felt like eating something. He just wasn’t sure what. (In retrospect, this was a total giveaway that he was experiencing the effects!) The following conversation took place:

“Is it chocolate?”

“No.”

“Is it oatcakes with vegan cream cheese?”

“No.”

“Is it… (I am having trouble remembering what else there is to eat) …is it tomatoes?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Ooh, is it pineapple soy yogurt?”

“YES. Yes, it is. Oh yes.”

“We are definitely high.”

We devoured a litre of said yogurt in under three minutes. It tasted fantastic. Then we lay back down and discussed the high. It was strong but not psychedelic, and deeply physically relaxing. The best analogy is that of lying in a warm bath that you don’t want to get out of. All muscle tension was dissolved.

Alert, talkative, and surprisingly fragrant

We felt warm and heavy but not sleepy, and the effect seemed to end at the upper neck – literally as though lying in a bath with only your head out of the water. However, it was not a ‘couchlock’ stone. We remained alert and talkative. Although the effect was powerful, it was not at all disorienting or overwhelming.

(There was one additional fact that I was not expecting. I hadn’t read about it anywhere during literally hours of research. So, dear reader, I will share it with you. After eating, the digestive system starts up. This can lead to passing wind. And if you’re experimenting with rectal use of cannabis, this causes your wind to smell like a growroom of strong sativas just before harvest. You’re welcome.)

The following day: Still high

It was also very, very long-lasting. Neither of us use cannabis regularly anymore and consequently we both have low tolerance; even so, I was not expecting to still be high the next morning. After I left for work, my lab partner had a large breakfast and went back to bed.

By the time he texted me at 15:00 to say he had just woken up and could I get some more pineapple yogurt, the effects I had felt had almost completely worn off. It took him several more hours to feel completely back to normal. This makes rectal use of cannabis by far the most economical method I’ve tried.

More research is needed on the rectal use of cannabis

Based on my research, what conclusions can be drawn? Firstly, there is no way that we were experiencing a placebo effect. I’ve used enough cannabis to know the difference. Secondly, although I had no way of measuring THC in our blood plasma, I can assure you that there was plenty sloshing around our endocannabinoid systems.

So how did it get there? It’s fairly safe to assume that at least some THC entered the superior rectal vein and achieved first pass metabolism into 11-OH-THC. I was aiming for this to happen, so I literally aimed for it (unlike medicinal users who would presumably keep the suppository lower in the rectum to avoid it).

It might be possible that the effect was so long-lasting because any THC missing the first pass when it initially entered the bloodstream via the inferior and middle rectal veins would eventually reach the liver. If this is so, a second phase of metabolism into 11-OH-THC could have taken place long after the initial dose.

However, for the THC to get to any of the rectal veins, it still needs to traverse the aqueous mucus layer. As previously stated, this shouldn’t be possible without the presence of the hemisuccinate ester. Could it be that some part of the process of making the butane-extracted concentrate creates THC-HS, or a similar enough ester or analogue to permit absorption to occur?

The experiments on the macaque monkeys used THC only, not whole plant extract. Could the presence of other cannabinoids, the ‘entourage effect’, make the crucial difference? However, Dr Frankel’s studies used full spectrum cannabis oil in cocoa butter, and that did not seem to work. The doctor himself concludes that more research is needed in order to take full advantage of this delivery method.

Benefits of rectal cannabis use

Having tried it, I can think of various benefits for both medicinal and recreational rectal cannabis use. There’s the long-lasting deep relaxation, which would definitely relieve pain and muscle tension. The extended ‘munchies’ effect would doubtless aid anyone who needed to gain weight, plus the delivery method means that there is no risk of vomiting up oral appetite stimulants. The amount needed for an effective dose is small, and the dosage is easy to control.

There is also the advantage over edibles (such as cake or sweets) of it being highly unlikely that someone will accidentally insert a cannabis suppository thinking it is a harmless treat. There are numerous tales of people eating ‘medibles’ by accident, and they seldom end well. However, in all my years of psychonautics, I have never heard of anyone casually inserting a random suppository they found lying around.

Work the following day was a little more challenging than usual, but by no means impossible. I would not have wanted to drive or operate heavy machinery, but the clarity of the high was fine for writing, interacting with colleagues, going to the shops, and cooking dinner. For people who need effective pain relief without being incapacitated, this would be ideal.

What do you think?

Have you ever tried using cannabis rectally? What was your experience like? Do you have any theories on why experience contradicts science in this area? I would especially love to hear from people who know more about biochemistry than I do! Let me know in the comments.

  • Disclaimer:
    This article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your doctor or other licensed medical professional. Do not delay seeking medical advice or disregard medical advice due to something you have read on this website.

Comments

126 thoughts on “Recreational Rectal Use of Cannabis (Or, What I Did for Science)”

  1. I am a gay male who enjoys anal sex, and my partner is significantly larger than average. I started experimenting with very small doses of water-based tincture, injected with a clean syringe about a half hour before sex, after cleaning out, and the effects have been miraculous!! It not only relaxes me, but makes the Experience far more sensual, as well as having a secondary effect of making my hips more flexible and reducing any discomfort afterwards. I tried suppositories, but felt very little effect, and water-based tinctures absorb so much better and more quickly than oil based ones. I am 70 years old, and have been at this for a very long time, and I’m having the best sex of my life!! Sorry if this is TMI for some of you. Just wanted to put my two cents in.

  2. Cannabis and blood pressure: some of the dizziness felt while walking around may be the result of hypotension. Before chemo of 4 months that started in September 2021, I vaped a mild grade of cannabis. After the start of chemo, I began checking BP and found that cannabis had a powerful effect on BP. I stopped vaping during chemo, cleaned up, and began experiments. After chemo, I found in myself that a dose of THC 10mg (Compassionate Cultivation liquid) dropped my BP by 45/25 points. There is no big pharma medicine I know that does that. Maybe its an interaction with my ACE inhibitor. After chemo, I was afforded to opportunity to intake Dronabinol 5 mg twice daily as needed. This dropped BP just like THC. Now I time my daily ingestion of cannabis, usually 5-7 mg between doses of BP meds, and still have to be careful. There is a powerful orthostatic hypotensive component (lightheaded upon standing). Stand up slowly.

    I tried rectal admin of CC liquid about two inches in. Every time my body discharges it no matter how hard I try to hold it in. I also tried the CC coconut based oil in cocoa butter suppositories and liquid never gelled that well. Expulsion happened in spite of efforts to retain it. I believe that PEG is a suppository base available, which I intend to seek out in addition to compounding my own oil.

    Get a BP cuff and use it as your “lab device” to determine if cannabinoids have entered your system. Careful if you’re an older heart patient like me.

    What do I know about suppositories? I compounded LSD suppositories in cocoa butter borrowed from lab while in professional college over 40 years ago. A beloved partner and I had a wonderful Saturday together.

    1. Mark Smith - Sensi Seeds

      Good morning Rymyn,

      Thanks for sharing your experiences with cannabis and blood pressure, as well as your experiments with suppositories.
      I’m sure this will be of great use to our readers! Thanks again, and I hope you continue to enjoy the blog,

      Mark

  3. Hi,

    I like to use butt plugs (sex toys) and I use a Delta-8 full spectrum CBD 1000 mg butter with coconut butter, coconut oil, shea butter and lavender essential oil. First I lube the outside of the anal area including the exterior of the sphincter. After waiting about 30 minutes for absorption, I insert a b-Vibe butt plug well coated with the same and turn on a vibration setting. Standing, wobbly legged, sitting, pelvic sensation of total relaxation and euphoria, lying down on side, back or stomach, complete bliss.
    I’m not sure why the Delta 8 affects me like a indica high but rather than a couchlock, I too have the same head clarity and ability to concentrate. I have a different experience all-together wen vaped or eaten. I also vape delta -9 products concentrated to 55-60 % THC and 25-35% full spectrum CBD. I have a high tolerance so I try to space out my fun to 2-4 days a week. On the biochemistry side of things, sorry I can’t help. Good luck with the suppositories.

  4. Thanks for your post. The suppositories were 2 g with 16% THC content, meaning 320 g THC per suppository? How much do you think was absorbed? You would probably feel the effects if it was just 10%, maybe even 5%. Agree?

    This is for my son who has brain cancer. I got suppositories from a friend that are in a proprietary formulation that I think is water based and contain about 600 mg THC. We give it before bedtime and he’s reporting no psychoactive effects. Maybe a little more energy and a better mood, but it’s subtle and too early to know. Previously we gave him an oral formulation at up to 30 mg per night and he didn’t feel anything there, so maybe his “tolerance” is high.

    1. Mark - Sensi Seeds

      Good morning Phil,

      Thanks for your sharing your experiences with suppositories,
      Unfortunately, I’m not sure how much THC was absorbed. I can imagine with 5% you would feel the effects, however, the experience with cannabis is very subjective both on a physical and mental level.
      The reaction that we each have to the same strain or dose can be very different. It is our endocannabinoid system and our own genetics determine each individual’s specific response to cannabis.
      I’m sorry I cannot give you anymore information. You might also be interested in our article on The Neuroprotective Effects of Cannabis.

      Thanks again, and the best of luck!

      Mark

  5. As I haven’t read all the posts, the just of it is for anal preferences ,4 consuming cannabis . For about a year I have being injecting cannabis infused olive oil. This is felt within 3 minutes or so. And usually last until I go to sleep at night. The amount I use is one millilitre infused oil which is homemade of high-potency. You won’t need suppositories just a plastic syringe without a needle or one designed for that use. I am very impressed by this discovery and it’s so easy it takes only a couple minutes about the time it takes to roll a j.. of course clean up with good soap and water the syringe is reusable.

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi Garry,

      Thanks so much for your comment and sharing this tip! It’s a really good one, as making suppositories at home can be tricky, and inserting them before they start melting isn’t the easiest thing either. I’m going to add a recommendation for cleaning the syringe with either medical alcohol or the specialist spray designed for sex toys, once you’ve given it a good wash with soap and water, just to be on the safe side.

      Please do share any other tips or discoveries, and in the meantime, I hope you continue to enjoy the blog.

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

    2. Hi. My friend is making me oil, mixing it with coconut oil. Then im doing 5ml at night. But no effect at all. Im taking it rectally. I have metastatic triple negative breast cancer so im trying to help
      My situation but im wondering am I wasting my time. Can u offer any pearls of wisdom. Im in the uk. Thank u

  6. Hi there,

    Is it possible to vomit when using the suppositories? My mom has cancer and shes been nauseas and sick for about a week and a half now and she has just taken a suppository and about 45 mins later she vomited, is it from the suppository or is it just cause she was feeling sick before?

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi Sheldon,

      Thank you for your comment. We are sorry to hear about your situation. As Sensi Seeds is not a medical agency or practitioner, we cannot give any kind of medical advice other than to consult your registered healthcare professional.

      You may also find it helpful to contact a support group for medicinal cannabis patients. In the UK there is the United Patients Alliance, and throughout much of the rest of the world there is NORML, who should be able to put you in touch with a group in your area (search United Patients Alliance or NORML followed by your area name).

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

  7. It definitely works
    I take a controlled drug liquid mix of 10mg thc & 10mg cbd per 1ml
    My condition is severe chronic pain which opioids and ketamine infusion didn’t touch.
    I also have other health conditions that make oral admin difficult-I’m anaphylactic to about half the worlds foods and cannabis had always given me an unpleasant upper oesophagus sphincter spasm when I tried it in my late teens.
    My pain is only reduced for about 3 hours so every 4 hours I lie on my side with one leg up and very easily slide a skinny 1ml applicator up my rear passage 4cm/1.5 inches and then dose .3ml every 4 hours 5 times a day @6am 10am 2pm 6pm and 10pm. I’ve read other literature that says 4cm/1.5” in will make sure it’s absorbed well and will pass the pelvic vessels.
    It’s laborious but it takes the edge off the pain I got from inguinal hernia mesh repair and then later failed Denervation surgery.
    I get no oesophagus discomfort and just a fuzzy high, nothing too intense. Although illegal in Australia, I feel like I could drive and operate machinery administering rectally. Definitely not orally. The analgesic effects are almost immediate and start wearing off around the 3 hour mark. My sleeps still not great but I think it’s prudent to give my body, brain and poor rear passage an 8 hour break every 24 hours. Haha

  8. Cannabis suppositories do wonders for menstrual cramps, pelvic pain, endometriosis, etc. Especially high THC, but high CBD also help if used more continuously – as opposed to when the pain kicks in. There are a few brands out there like Foria, Endoca, Sava and CDB Alive, but hey people in the cannabis business: you should definitely get on making them ASAP! There is a huge market for feminine sexual wellness and the suppositories are game changers!

  9. What are your thoughts on adding an emulsifier like Sunflower lechithin to bind the cannbinoids. Would that help in your opinion?

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi Jon,

      I don’t really know enough about this to say. The cannabinoids would bond with the fat, but if the lecithin is liquid at room temperature it would seriously compromise the structural integrity of the pessaries, and they’re already pretty tricky to handle when they’re made with coconut oil and kept in the fridge. Let me know what happens if you decide to experiment though!

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

  10. Being frustrated with the inconsistency of dosing THC orally (super stoned one day, almost no effect the next), I’m wondering if an oral tincture could be turned into an anal tincture. The tincture I have is Cold pressed hemp seed oil, thc distillate, CBD isolate and terpenes. Is there any reason to believe it couldn’t have similar effects as the magic bullet you took? Dosing orally every day for asperger’s syndrome is incredibly expensive. Here in my state it’s $70 for a 30ml bottle containing roughly 800mg of thc. I don’t feel anything orally unless I take between 30-60 mg. It’d be nice if my bum could squeeze a little more of out of my meds.

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi Greg,

      Speaking as an amateur enthusiast who is in no way a medical professional, I think it would be worth a try. My advice would be to try to blend your mixture with coconut oil and put it in the freezer, preferably in suppository moulds (you can buy regular suppositories and carefully re-use the plastic casing) to try making it solid enough to easily insert. I don’t think your mixture is a tincture, as tinctures are alcohol-based; if it has got alcohol in it, I don’t know if you would be able to get it to solidify.

      I hope it works for you, please do let me know how you get on with it if you feel like sharing that info.

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

  11. Hi Scarlet

    I’ve just started using these to treat cancer and I’ve just discovered the theory that they may not work rectally. Damn, nothing is ever simple is it? I’m taking about 1/6g of rso building up to 1/3 three times a day. Ingest orally at night before bed but with two kids under 8 I sadly can’t really be high all day. Decisions. Going to try and put it a bit further up there this evening instead of my oral dose and see if I feel any difference. Its important I’m able to.pivk my boys up from school but I could do that with a body high – had to give up smoking after 15 years because I couldn’t handle the paranoia of the head high any longer

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi Graeme,

      Thanks for your comment and sharing your experience. I hope that ‘putting it up a bit further’ worked for you!

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

  12. She used “THC-Hemisuccinate”. Patented (ran out) by University of Mississippi in 1991. THC molecules are bonded with a a salt molecule which makes it water soluble. THC is an oil. Oils are not absorbed in the colon.

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi Dale,

      If by ‘she’ you mean me (the author of this piece), I didn’t use hemisuccinate THC as I couldn’t get hold of any (unfortunately!).

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

    2. This is something I’ve been curious about. There was a company marketing a powdered cannabis product (in pre-measured packets) that was water soluble and intended to be added to food or drink (drawing a blank on the company or product name). I suspected that it could be mixed with water and used as a retention enema but I have no way of getting any as cannabis isn’t legal where I live.

      The mad scientist in me said there was probably a way to cobble something up, but no one I talked with had any idea how it was done. This gives me a starting point.

    3. Hey, I have cancerous leisons on my liver and I have THC oil. Will taking the THC rectally not make any difference to my liver if it is not absorbed in the colon?

  13. Cannabis oil dosage for cancer treatment is important but yet often … When you insert a suppository in the upper rectum (deeper), it is … As this method causes an intense high, people usually use it for recreational use.

  14. Scott E Minnis

    One more thing, taking the oil orally does not last as long and at this stage after 2-3 hours I feel tightness in my chest and an over all panicky feeling like an attack is coming on, taking it rectaly seems to last twice as long so you know thats what Im gonna do😁

  15. Scott E Minnis

    PS I forgot to mention that I also have bone on bone arthritis in both wrist that caused me to have to find another line of work that did not require that kind of wear on my wrist…super painful, now the pain is non existant😃 all inflammation….gone.
    Go figure

  16. Hi Scarlet,
    Well, no one here is taking this for copd that I have read in this thread, I am reading everything I can find online about Rick Simpson and his creation of the canna full spectrum oil there have been peeps getting cures and I’m stoked…
    I have suffered with asthma and now emphysema and copd since age 11, 59 now.
    I am on Symbacort, Spiriva and albuterol at stage 2 copd,.
    Things are getting worse by the year, I have never been able to run at all since age 11 without a crippling attack.
    They say its an uncurable terminal disease so I decided to get serious verses suffering and packing an oxygen bottle, it does not sound like fun at all.
    I found one big write up on a guy that was at the end game and came back from oral canna oil.
    My wife and I went full plant base diet 2 months ago and I started working up to the 2ml dose, I am at about .5ml every 2 to 3 hours but damn I get pretty stoned by the end of the day.
    The strain Im using was made by Ringo from the Humbolt seed collective back in the earlier days, its Sour Tsunami thc 2% cbd 13%cbd .
    When I take it sublingually it takes about 10 minutes to feel relief from an attack but I do get high from the low thc content consuming so much, I tried another strain the other day called canna tsu that has more thc and I ended up in a ball on the couch taking the same dose.
    I stumbled across the canna up the butt thing and grabbed a gel cap from a vitamin I had and popped the top dumped it out and put the oil in and up it went.
    1 week in my pharma meds are cut in half…wow the withdrawls SUCK!!! pretty creepy feeling for sure.
    So far I am super hopeful, combined with my new lifestyle plant diet and the up the butt, I feel pretty optimistic because I CAN BREATH and that is huge after exhausting other methods only to be left out of breath and hopeless.
    The medical industry claims there is no cure for COPD but I say bullshit.
    From what I see the THC opens the airways and the cbd helps the body heal itself
    so going up the…with more THC like a 50/50 since the gastro is bad doing it orally and I dont want to get locked every time I have to medicate.
    I really believe that healing things with cannabis is awesome but first, what caused the thing we are trying to treat? Dont yall think maybe we should look at the other stuff we are putting in our bodies and is that why we are so sick? http://www.whatthehealthfilm.com
    Thank you Scarlet for this,
    Scott

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi Scott!

      Thanks so much for taking the time to share your story with us. I’m very glad to hear that the rectal use is helping you! Also the plant-based diet. I wrote a couple of articles that you may find interesting: this one is about hemp seeds as a fantastic protein source, and this one about how I accidentally alleviated my arthritis by eating hempseed.

      Please do check in again and let us know how you’re doing.

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

  17. In my bum right now.. a small capsule of rso n coconut oil. I’ve heard if u go beyond one knuckle in it gets u stoned lol. 😬

  18. I use RSO this way. The size of a grain of rice is perfect dose and I put it in an empty capsule. Use a little cocunut oil for insertion.

    It’s so Much better than smoking for me and doesn’t give me couch lock like edibles. I’d have to agree about the sativa comparison.

    These studies that show rectal administration doesn’t work, were they Paid for by Big Pharma by chance? I would not doubt it.

  19. Anthony McElroy

    I’ve been wondering if this method would work. Thanks. If it should be waterbased ,then would a small cannabis enema work? I’m looking forward to my bootie Doobie.

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi Anthony,

      That’s a really good question! Based on my research and experiences, I think that a cannabis enema would work if you had water-soluble cannabinoids; liquids with cannabinoids in them, such as bhang lassi, are usually quite fatty precisely because the cannabinoids need to be able to bond with fats. However, there’s no harm in giving it a try – please do let us know how you get on if you decide to try it! Also, top marks for the phrase ‘bootie doobie’.

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

  20. Thank you for this write-up, it definitely alleviated a lot of the perceptions I’d had around this kind of stuff. And it gave me the confidence to give it a go myself 😉

    The great greens have been legal in Canada for a while now, so I’ve been experimenting with different methods of ingestion through oils, dried flower, sublingual, gelcaps, cooking with decarbed green, etc. So, since I already had oil-filled gelcaps on hand, I used those. They’re a relatively low dose though (less than 5mg of THC and CBD) because of a heart condition.

    It took about an hour before I began to feel the fuzzy effects of the gelcaps I’d inserted into each of my feminine holes (I put one in each). I felt great and definitely pain-free, but not blissed out like I get when I vape. I did find it difficult to stay asleep, but I’ll have to repeat this experiment to rule out other things.

    All in all I enjoyed the experience. I started at 9-ish last night and it’s now 12:30pm the next day and I’m still feeling the fuzz…but it’s decent enough that I’ve spoken to my parents and didn’t have the “can they tell?” thoughts in the back of my head lol.

    Thank you for being brave enough to share your experiences, and for giving me the courage to do the same. ~A

  21. Really LOVED this article Scarlet!!! Mhm…next rectal-party may I ?!?! LOOOOOOOOOL 😀
    Keep up, love reading ya!
    Cheers!

    KinkyStona

  22. JANICE CYRE

    I use and make suppositories as part of my cannabis protocol I use FECO and coconut oil and cocoa butter. I use it for sciatica and terrible arthritic feet. I call it my happy feet medicine. It turns the volume down on the pain and puts it over on the horizon for a while so I can walk. As anecdotal experience with suppositories if applied correctly far enough into the rectum they certainly work for me. Sometimes I do find I can get a few unwanted cramping but it passes. Please if you have any updates on findings of this delivery system I would love to hear. I do research for a little education course I offer for people wanting to know more about the plant, dosing and delivery systems

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi Janice,

      Thank you for your comment and sharing your experiences. I’m glad that you are finding relief! I hope to write a follow-up piece to this one sometime this year.

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

    2. Janice, I’d love to hear from you to talk this matter further…Do ya know an app called: TOK ? Ya’ll find it on the PlayStore. My ID on TOK is this one: B22E7A18776C3CA25762FA9AAEDA8E1C414EB04A26A0561E0511F26F6BF5174C4D23A98FE017

      I look forward to hear from you Janyce!
      Thanks Bye!
      webwiller

      Great interesting original and well written article Scarlet!!!! Thanks for your experiment! Hoffmann went the same way thought!!! 😀

  23. Well I live in the United States. In California where RSO is legal and it come in a syringe already activated. I just discovered RSO 2 weeks ago and started taking it orally and it was amazing. I suffer Sciatica as well as several other painful conditions. Some one suggested to me I try boofing it. At first I was reluctant to try it but I gave in and did. It was a whole other world. Within a minute I had an amazing body high and totally pain free. I was also never so stoned in my life or for as long. One drop the size of a grain of rice and I was stoned for almost 3 days.. I dont know why anyone would waste the time or deal with the mess of a suppository. I just take the small syringe and stick the tip up my ass. Its small painless and not messy at all. If you do a little extra like 3 drops its almost like mushroom high without the sickness or panic.

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi Richie,

      Thank you for your comment and for sharing your experience! And also for “boofing”, a word I am now happily adding to my vocabulary 😀

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

  24. Tried it. Did nothing for me. Added 10ml of flora. Still felt nothing. In contrast to 5mg orally which does well.

  25. After reading enough of this , I thought I’d throw my 2 cents in. I have used various doses of recreational cannabis rectally a couple of times (100mg THC/100mg CBD , 200mg THC). I can’t stand to smoke , so I’ve been ingesting THC over the last few years to enhance my evenings and have some great sleep. After reading that taking it in the bunghole had a higher absorption than any other method of taking it, I HAD to try it out. Here are my findings

    1. Prep – Keep them in the freezer for 30 min before insertion . If you don’t , it’ll start to dissolve in your hand as you’re trying to find the bulls-eye .

    2. Insertion – The bullets have a musty/earthy aroma (I’m guessing everyone will smell something different). There are two sphincters at the entrance of your rectal opening, the outer and inner. The suppository should be inserted just after the inner sphincter . If you push it too far, there’s a chance that your liver can get involved with the process and you can get a head high. Web sites on this topic suggest 1-1.5 inches past the inner scphincter.

    3. Effects – 10-15min to start feeling its effects. First a nice warm numb feeling in the body and on the face. Then a nice mellowing buzz with just a touch of a head high (but without the psychoactive properties). Although I stayed alert and clear headed, I did get a bit of paranoia and nervousness mid way through the drugs duration .

    4. Duration – 6-8 hours. Its an awesome way to spend the day at home or out and about. You stay clear headed and productive, but make sure you have a ride if going out, I don’t suggest driving anywhere. I had the genius idea to take one of these before work one day (I hated my job back then) and had to drive to a site 30 miles away. Those lane lines were messing with my head… was always paranoid that they were too close to the car.

    All in all it was a great day. Time flew, had fun at work in a job I absolutely despised and I will definitely be ordering in some more of these little dark green bullets.

    I know some may think “There’s no way i’m shoving something in my butt!” or they think its dirty or nasty but there is something to think about. When you’re older or maybe even now, you’ll be in a home or have a care taker that will likely be doing this exact thing for other reasons… do you really want to pass an opportunity to experience something this pleasant due to being reluctant to try it? Life is about trying new experiences… take the plunge!

    I’m no writer, but every once in awhile put the effort into things I truly believe in. Hope my reply provides the information readers stayed to read the comments for.

    Have a great day everyone!

    J.

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi Josh!

      Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience here (including your very good point about not being put off just because we’ve been told ‘butt stuff’ is not ok!). Once again, the more anecdotal experience is shared, the more we (butt) psychonauts have to draw upon, pending the day that we have more science to refer to!

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

  26. Awesome article..
    I am new to Medical cannabis and i am trying stuff
    I now have gel cap, i wonder if that is as safe as suppository. .
    I get little gel cap with 4mg of thc and 4mg cbd in each..
    what are your thoughts?

    Paul

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi Paul,

      Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Regarding your question, firstly I need to tell you that we cannot give any medicinal advice as we are not a medical practitioner. Next, I would check whether or not your gel cap is going to actually dissolve if you use it as a suppository – I really have no idea, and it would not be ideal to have it just hanging around in there. I guess it would depend on what the shell of the gel cap is made from; you could try putting it in warm (37 degrees) water and see what happens, or if you don’t want to waste one, you could just google whether or not they are soluble in water. The amounts of cannabinoids in your capsules are quite low, so the effect will probably be quite mild, but again, I’m just guessing.

      I hope this is useful to you, and please do check back and let us know how it went if you decide to try it!

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

      1. Hi Scarlet

        Yes the Gel Cap disolved and quite fast and I tried one.. and it was only a few min and i could feel it… I have a low resistance to THC has i really have not taken any in 35 years since i was a kid. This Medical thing is just new to me, i can get gelcaps with more THC if needed so i can adjust. I will try a couple there next time and see how it goes. 😀

        Paul

      2. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

        Hi Paul,

        Thanks for your reply and your report! Yes, the medicinal use of cannabis is still something we’re only beginning to scratch the surface of in terms of all the potential it has. More research is definitely needed, and not just by we amateurs!

        With best wishes,

        Scarlet

  27. I have been rectal ROS with cocao buter for over a month now. I have been at 1 gram/day now for 2 weeks. Even though I truely believe in it, I have symptoms that say it isn’t working.
    1. I am not high but lethargic
    2. i have stage 4 breast cancer that has broken through the skin. the visible tumor is about the size of a plumb. There is more under the surface.
    3. the tumor has grown since starting the treatment
    4. I have episodes of pain that are unbearable so must use pain meds
    5. I am now discharging mucous, recently blood tinged.
    Any comments from anyone?

    1. Marilee, I have seen time lapsed videos using RSO topically. I really hope it helps. I would also go to Rick Simpson’s website Phoenix Tears.

    2. Hormonel needs 3-1 cbd to thc , check the research on this. This is an opinion only, I am not a doctor.

  28. How about cannabis oral oil injected with a syringe rectally. What would the medical benifit be. I thought oils were not absorbed through the rectum?

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi Allan,

      As I’m not a medical practitioner, I can’t answer what the medicinal benefit would be, but as oral oil and oil used in suppositories are likely to be pretty much the same thing (see article for the cbd:thc ratios of my experiment) it is likely that if you replicated my experiment, it would have the effects I described. As for oil not being absorbed through the rectum, please also see the article and other comments above for discussion of this – in short, science says it shouldn’t work, experience says it does. Please do check back and let us know how you get on, if you decide to try it!

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

  29. This was a GREAT read. I appreciate how open and direct you’ve been. I do really struggle with how the rectum processes something that isn’t water soluble, but after this article I might I just give it a try 🙂

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi Mike,

      Thanks for your comment, I’m glad you enjoyed the article 🙂 Please do let me know how you get on, if you do decide to try it!

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

  30. I’ve been using cannabis oil suppositorys for a while now to treat lung cancer, I make my own using gelatine capsules and pure cannabis oil, no added cocoa butter or anything else, I Insert capsule about 1.1/2 – 2 inches into my rectum.
    I do this just before i go to bed around 11:00pm. I generally wake around 6:30am most days and feel just a little groggy for an hour or so, a nice cup of tea and a slice of toast normally sorts me out!
    I have tried taking the oil in many different ways but this works the best for me, I’m able to lead a ‘normal’ life while taking the medication. I take twice a day, 10 grains before bed and 5 grains around 11:00am again with no effect.
    I understand much more of the medication reaches the bloodstream using this method. The key for me was not inserting the capsule too far into my bum. I think some folk are nervous using cannabis this way but as i say, i’ve found it to be the most effective, just buy a tin of Vaseline and give it a go………
    P.S beware of the morning fart, its a killer……..

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi Bazz,

      Thank you for your comment and for sharing your experiences – and yes, that warm wind of weed is quite something, isn’t it?!

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

    2. Hi bazz.. I’ve just read that your taking capsules to treat your lung cancer I’m sorry to hear this My partner has also just been diagnosed and wants to try the oil but doesn’t want to get high.. I’ve made some rso and put some in a capsule but I’m wondering if it needs a carrier oil ? My oil also went solid whilst putting it in the capsule..will this be ok do you know? .. I’m new to all this but desperate as there is no cure on the NHS for him..

    3. Hey
      Any idea if this will work for liver leisons? I hear that inserting THC rectally means that it will bypass the liver, does this mean that it will not work on the liver?

      Stephen

  31. I use them for fibromyalgia they work really well I would recommend them what you reported is so true

  32. Hi Scarlet, I really enjoyed reading your suppository experience. I did a beta test of a few that I made last weekend and I have to say that my experience was somewhat similar to yours. Though my formula was somewhat coconut oil heavy, I used a water extracted sativa oil that I’ve used many times before. It was pleasant, not really super psychoactive, but I was definitely more relaxed, alert and giddy. I could even taste it once it reached higher up near my chest. The amount of THC oil that I used, I would probably say was about 5mg. I’m going to cut back the oil and try 10mg. After doing a lot of research, I wished that I had something like this when I went through treatment for cancer. This was a much more pleasant experience instead of being totally blotto from vaping.

    Best,
    Marianne

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi Marianne,

      Thank you so much, I’m really glad you enjoyed it! I’m very curious about the water extracted sativa oil; if you feel like it and have time, would you please send me a quick email (scarlet@sensiseeds.com) explaining what it is? I maybe know it under another name but it’s not ringing bells. I’m also trying to remember if I had any sensation of taste, as this is not something I have seen mentioned anywhere, and I’m wondering what the science behind it could be. If I decide to do this again (strictly for science, of course) I’ll watch out for it. In the meantime, I hope you have continued success with your suppository adventures and look forward to more of your comments on them 🙂

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

      1. While the subject of rectal cannabis is relatively new to me, I am aware that other things administered rectally can often be “tasted”. For example a really strong coffee enema (apparently not everyone does, but I’ve personally experienced this one). I’ve also read that chloral hydrate added to an enema (this was common many decades ago) can be tasted. I’m really not sure why but I know it happens, at least with some people and some substances.

      2. Mark - Sensi Seeds

        Good afternoon Robert,

        Thanks for your comment and your feedback.

        I’ve currently taken over the comments section from Scarlet.

        I wasn’t aware that suppositories can often be tasted. I will continue to do some research!

        Please do share any other tips or discoveries!

        Thanks again, and I hope you continue to enjoy the blog.

        With best wishes,

        Mark

    2. Linda Wright

      Ms. Marianne, as Ms. Scarlett I too am very interested in the watercextracted sativa oil/suppository delivery method for my friend’s Mom who has non-small cell lung cancer with metastases to her liver. If you would, please email me with info on your resource. Thank you so very much.

  33. Very much enjoyed the article, humor and informative descriptions. I guess I’m just lucky as I sometimes take bho thc oil in capsules, insert and wait. And it works better and longer than sublingually, swallowed etc. I guess my case goes against a lot of research. And like good football tight ends, I go deep for the touchdown. Still works fine, head and body. Whilst I use these caps medically, I rarely fail to enjoy the recreational parts of each dose. Guess my case one day will go down in the annals of cannabis history.

    Stay well,

    Mark

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi Mark,

      Thank you so much! I really enjoyed your comment 🙂 and I’m glad to hear that you are enjoying the medicinal and recreational aspects of this method of consumption. You do indeed deserve to go down in the annals of cannabis history!

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

      PS You might also enjoy some of my other personal articles – this is the first one I wrote, and it also takes a more lighthearted approach.

  34. used non thc oil for back and sciatic pain i get from running and disc injury. other than the lack of a high, you and other science articles described it accurately. more effective. quicker acting. less mental reaction…such as groggy effect…more body effect vs in the head…meaning more relaxing and much more pain reducing.

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi Alex,

      The answer to that question is quite a long and complicated one, which I may write a separate blog post about in the future! In the meantime, googling ‘how to make suppositories’ should give you a good starting point. Good luck, and do let us know how you get on!

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

  35. Taun Jameson

    I’m a Colorado cannabonoid caregiver. All of my clients administer this way. I have seen incredible health benifits for my clients, such as Stage 4, terminal cancer to Cancer free. If you have a serious health issue, this is the only way to go! TJ

    1. Linda Wright

      Ms. Jameson, please email me in regards to your treatment plan/resources for my friend’s Mom has non small cell lung cancervvwith metastases to her liver. Would greatly appreciate any info you can provide. Thank you in health.

    2. I am at a gram of RSO a day right now… trying to slow the spread of metastatic breast cancer that has set up residence in my bones and my liver. Not sure if it will help, but on the chemo treatment, my tumor markers over doubled, in 30 days, so maybe this is what I need to slow the progress…??? I’m willing to try anyway.
      What can you tell me about your success stories? Any stage 4 metastatic breast cancer that you have seen improvement with? I would love to see my teenagers grow up, get married, and have my grand babies!!!

  36. Scarlett, you told us what time the effects ended for you, but not what time you dosed. How long did the whole experience last, from “entry” to 15:00 the next day?

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi Nikolas,

      Good point, I will amend this article shortly to include this information. It was about 20:00 I think; I’ve just been back through my twitter account to find the livetweeting session I did, but the time-stamps on the tweets don’t make sense, they’re saying 12:30 AM but that’s for sure not right. It was definitely early evening.

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

  37. Hi all.
    This is really interesting.
    I’ve been experimenting with this for a couple of years, and am about to ramp the process up big time (excuse the pun)!
    From my experience of cocoa butter infused with high grade full spectrum cannabis oil / paste, I have had similar experiences to Scarlet.
    Dr. Frankel seems a fair reporter. And I admit I don’t know the THC / THC-HS difference (I’m about to google and educate myself, but any posts helping my to understand that appreciated!). But I certainly have felt effects.
    Scarlet – I wonder if plugging the suppository up high to reach the superior rectal vein made the difference? Perhaps only by giving the rectal membrane tissues more time to absorb the oils? Perhaps the monkeys didn’t stay stil long enough!?
    Yes, there’s a lot of anecdotal evidence that says don’t plug too far up, as that would mean superior vein absorption which is a problem of you don’t want to get high. I’ve experienced a ‘body buzz’ with higher insertions.
    My ongoing experiments will concern just CBD oil / paste (I’m UK based, it’s relatively inexpensive, and I’m not interested in getting high) – my aim is to find a cure for both chronic and acute insomnia. I’ve had inconclusive results with just CBD oil / paste suppositories. The experiments ongoing will include introducing the introduction of ‘sleepy’ terpenes (also legal here).
    I’ll keep posting, but please do stay in touch here.

    Sleep well all,
    Will.

  38. Good article until you made the leap of faith jump that since you felt high, there must be THC in your bloodstream. Frankel’s conclusions are based on data. Why not hold yourself to the same standard? Get a blood test.

    1. DaViD William LeWis

      I was under the impression that the hole ( excuse the pun ) reason to takeThC in this method was for the thc molecule did not to affect the brain in a sense of getting high

      1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

        Hi David,

        Thanks for your comment (and pun).

        In this case, I was interested in exploring the recreational potential of rectal cannabis use, rather than the medicinal. I do not have any medical conditions that could benefit from it so there would not really have been any point for me to perform an experiment where I would not (potentially) feel the effects of the THC. I hope this answers your question.

        With best wishes,

        Scarlet

    2. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi Gary,

      I wouldn’t describe it as a leap of faith but as an educated guess. THC is still the only known psychoactive cannabinoid. There was nothing else that I or my companion had ingested that would produce a psychoactive experience. I am confident that it was not a placebo effect. The state I was in the following morning was completely unexpected; it’s definitely not common to wake up still really high if all you’ve been using is cannabis.

      Frankel’s conclusions are based on data collected using a laboratory and a group of test patients which he has because he’s a medical doctor with access to blood plasma analysis equipment and a licence to practice medicine and prescribe cannabis suppositories.

      My conclusions are based on data collected using my best judgement of a subjective experience, which I have because I’m a writer with access to illegal cannabis suppositories, my living room, and a close friend who was good enough to answer “yes” to the question “hey, want to come over and see what happens if we put this in our butts?”.

      I would love to have more research into this topic, and would be absolutely willing to repeat the experiment in a scientific setting. However, please understand that I can’t just walk into an Amsterdam hospital when I’m outrageously high and ask for a blood plasma analysis for cannabinoids because I stuck cannabis suppositories up my bottom a couple of hours ago and I’m writing an article about it.

      Apart from anything else, my health insurance definitely does not cover this.

      Despite this, I hope you continue to enjoy the blog.

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

  39. I decided to try this 10 minutes ago. I put 0.5 ml of potent homemade THC infused coconut oil (~20mg/ml) in my anus and I’m already high. Definitely feeling it in my head, behind my eyes. I’m a daily marijuana concentrate user and I will definitely use this method again. I love edibles but I don’t like how long they take to feel (~2 hours for me). The high is definitely different than smoking; I usually feel like writing rambling posts like this but don’t. I’ll check back in in a couple hours or so.

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi Joe,

      Thanks for your comment, please do let me know how it goes! (I’m guessing you may already be asleep, or too relaxed to write more just now?)

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

  40. I tried the suppository method and was dosing twice a day over the course of 6 weeks. I made my own suppositories allowing me to gradually increase the amount in a THC/CBD mix from 340mg/0mg to 420mg/180mg at week 6. The suppository was made with cocao butter. I very rarely felt any high, sometimes a very mild buzz. I thought that maybe the CBD was counter-acting the THC but, now that I have looked into more and read the studies and Dr Frankel’s experience with bioavailibilty, I feel that it just wasn’t being absorbed. Wish I’d found this bioavailibilty information earlier.
    My goal in taking the THC/CBD was to see if it would affect the growth of CRC tumours in my lungs, the results were negative.
    I felt that the suppository route was by far the most effective but, in my case, it didn’t work. I am still going to pursue the treatment but thru ingestables or smoking.
    Have you come across a water soluble delivery agent that would substitute for cocao butter and is readily available for diy.

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi John,

      Thank you for your comment, I’m very sorry to hear about your situation. During the course of researching this article, I didn’t find any kind of water soluble delivery agent which would effectively combine with cannabinoids, which I agree would be ideal for suppositories. I did discover a little about water soluble THC and CBD crystals which could potentially be combined with a water-based carrier and therefore cross the rectal mucus barrier, but as yet, I haven’t found any research or anecdotal reports of these being tried rectally.

      I wish you all the best with your treatment, and if I write another article on rectal use or water soluble cannabinoids, I’ll drop another comment here with a link.

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

      1. Taun Jameson

        Sorry guys, but I don’t agree with the Dr on this one. I’ve worked with many clients who have had fantastic results. That said, I use only a “pharmaceutical grade” base as the carrier, and I can assure you it is extreamly effective. TJ

      2. Take one drop of DMSO on your finger and hold your finger a few seconds in your anus and then the cannabinoids.
        The DMSO allows to absorb deeper areas in your rectum.

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi Joel,

      Excellent! Do let us know how you get on 🙂

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

  41. Katie Garlick

    Hello
    Please could you lead me in the right direction to obtain THC-HS it’s for my mum she has terminal lung cancer. I am currently making rso and making into suppositorys but I know it’s not very bio available.
    I have searched and searched and read and read and if I could just find someone that is willing to sell me some or give me the recipie I know I could save her
    Please help x
    Katie

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Dear Katie

      Thank you for your comment. I’m so sorry to hear about your situation. Unfortunately, as Sensi Seeds is not a medical practice, we are not able to provide any advice relating to medical situations other than to consult your doctor or other licensed medical professional. You could also try to contact local medicinal cannabis support groups, if you have not already done so. In the UK, there is the United Patients Alliance (you can find them on Facebook) and in the US and EU there are many branches of NORML (google NORML followed by your area name). We hope this is helpful.

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

    2. Taun Jameson

      I’m a certified cannabinoid caregiver in Colorado, USA. It’s all about the carrier base that you use. Do a search for Pharmaceutical suppository base. TJ

      1. Nina Ursitti

        I have been researching this subject (suppository base to use for Rick Simpson type oil that would result in best bio-availability). However I see so much contradiction from one source to the other. Have you located a reputable scientific source that provides this specific info. ?

    3. Do u really think there is a difference between the rectal mucus membrane and the oral mucus membrane? The rectums special function is to remove moisture from the stool. Dont believe everything u read ppl. Use ur gut feelings to know whether something is legit or not. Use ur imagination and tell urself that it IS going to work. The act of believeing is powerful. Stop letting science define u. Know Thyself!

  42. Sourab Agarwal

    Its a very good and innovative idea. Let me know if you can share the recipe with me. We can manufacture it commercially in India and also conduct clinical trials.

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hello Sourab,

      Thank you for commenting, I’m glad you like the article. Unfortunately I cannot share the recipe with you as I did not make the suppositories myself! However I can tell you (as stated in the article) that they were made using whole plant extract in a base of coconut oil, weighed 2 grams each and contained 2% CBD and 16% THC. Good luck with your enterprise!

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

      1. U may have just saved my daughters life…no western medicine has been able to increase her appetite….she cant have smokable sativa cuz of head issues. Thank you in the name of compassion, not science.

      2. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

        Hi Kat,

        Thank you so much for your comment, it means a lot to me. I wish you and your daughter all health and strength.

        With best wishes,

        Scarlet

  43. Great idea!
    You must do it 🙂 for clinical-salus uses I think it’s very helpful .
    Xo

  44. I started taking suppositories about 3 weeks ago as did my partner. I chose to make suppositories to avoid the high. My experience is that I have no effect when taking it rectally. I don’t drink nor smoke and quite sensitive when under the influence. My partner says that she feels relaxed and calm but not sure if she has a high. She is very sensitive to drink also. I am taking cannabis for the treatment of Arthritis and I can honestly say that I didn’t feel any pain relief when taking the oil rectally so just in the evening around 9.00pm I’ve started ingesting it and within 90 minutes I am wobbling my way to the bedroom, the room is somewhat spinning and I have a hangover for half the next day. I do however feel significant improvement in my joint pain while ingesting the oil (home made RSO diluted with coconut oil as a suppository). I’m taking a half grain of rice size each dose regardless of where it goes. My conclusion is that suppositories don’t give me the medicinal benefits (possibly due to the oils) or a high whereas ingesting the oil give both medicinal benefits and an unwanted high. They say your body becomes accustomed but i’m still waiting:)

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hello Kid,

      Thank you for your comment and sharing your story. The more anecdotal reports I collect, the more conflicting evidence I find! I think if you are taking half a grain of rice sized oil doses rectally then perhaps this is too little to feel any effect? I am not suggesting you up the dosage though. One of the problems with the oil is that because there is no completely standard way of making it, and the plants used for it are different according to strain, batch, maker etc, there is no standard strength and no way of telling how weak or strong it is. We definitely need more research!

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

      1. If ya don’t I will then, up up up the dosage!!! half grain of rice wouldn’t nor stone neither cure, not even your cat! Ever heard of a relation between weight/dose?! What ya’r saying sounds like 0,05gr …that’ll be ok as a mild sleep aid for a 4year-old! (Not that I’d give it to a kid, neh! Just to say…)
        Enjoy a good suppp, if it’s made with a medical grade ganja, like 1:1 THC:CBD it’ll give ya heaven on a silver plate. Enjoy!

  45. Sounds a great idea I have damaged nerve in back which affects nerve s around bladder, bowel bum cheeks, down legs, an spine rite up to my neck. Tablets make me sick that I get prescribed , it would be great not to feel that tingling an annoying pain. Needs a patient I am here ?

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hello Fen,

      Thank you for commenting, I hope you manage to find some relief 🙂

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

  46. Prosím jak se čípek z konopí vyrábí. Potřebovala bych jej od bolest. Zkusila bych domácí výrobu. Mast jsem se naučila a je perfektní .
    Děkuji

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Ahoj Irena,

      Díky za váš komentář. Bohužel, vysoký THC konopný olej obsažený v čípků jsem se snažil je ještě nezákonné ve většině zemí, takže se obávám Nemohu vám dát nějakou radu na toto téma, je mi líto.

      S přáním všeho nejlepšího,

      Scarlet

  47. Your article was well written and very descriptive! I’m not sure I’m ready to try a suppository but I believe in edibles and other methods of medical cannibus for different ailments. I look forward to reading more about further progress of your research.

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi Diane,

      Thank you for your comment! I’m glad you enjoyed the article.

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi Susan,

      Thanks for your comment. Unfortunately, the high THC cannabis oil contained in the suppositories I tried is still illegal in most countries, so I’m afraid I can’t give you any advice on this, sorry.

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

      1. Peg L Arnett

        Make your own. I buy the supplies on Amazon and make canabis coconut oil

      2. Why not make your own infusion – control the process from end-to-end (literally).

        Decarb –> infuse –> put in suppository mold (or mineral oil enema). All things in moderation.

  48. Sounds like a bummer man! Haa only joking . Sounds like a perfectly plausible way of consuming this amazing natural medicine.

  49. Great writing, thanks for sharing! Regarding the method, can’t say it’d ever crossed my mind before, but now am certainly curious to try it out.

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi Aliza,

      Thanks for commenting, I’m glad you enjoyed the article!

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

  50. i am hoping to try this method as well. Ive been considering it for years.just need the recipe. i believe it will help pain

  51. I’m ready to try it! I think it would greatly help hip and back pain! Thanks! Blessings!?????

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi Arlene,

      Thanks for commenting! Good luck and I hope it helps.

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

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Author and reviewer

  • scarlet-palmer-profile-picture

    Scarlet Palmer

    A lifelong interest in altered states has led Scarlet through many career experiences, including artist, writer, environmental activist, Muppeteer, and professional cannabis dealer. Scarlet believes that spreading factual information about drugs empowers people to make informed and sensible decisions on drug use, reducing harm caused by ignorance.
    More about this author
  • Sanjai_Sinha

    Sanjai Sinha

    Dr Sanjai Sinha is an academic faculty member at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York. He spends his time seeing patients, teaching residents and medical students, and doing health services research. He enjoys patient education and practicing evidence-based medicine. His strong interest in medical review comes from these passions.
    More about this reviewer
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