Migraines aren’t an ordinary type of headaches that relate to allergies or stress. As a matter of fact, migraines can often last between 4 to 72 hours. Even minor activities like being around noise or moving are enough to aggravate the symptoms. 

You may try prescriptions to alleviate the issues, but the effects are only temporary and the products come with certain side effects. So what other solution can you opt for that doesn’t come with any nasty post-adverse effects? One of the answers to that might be cannabis.

Some research seems to indicate why doctors use marijuana to treat migraines or even prevent the symptoms from even occurring. Who could have predicted marijuana to treat migraines? Most studies don’t have any solid evidence and in many countries it isn’t even legal to grow, own, buy or use marijuana, not even for medical purposes. That’s why it’s important to find out about the laws of your country before you go to a store like westcoastcannabis to buy cannabis products, or even just try something that a friend has on them. 

Can Marijuana Combat Migraine?

Marijuana has active natural compounds known as cannabinoids. And when we use them, these cannabinoids enter our body and look for a network of cannabinoid receptors in our brain and other parts of her body. These receptors are little loops of protein that affect how we feel pain. When the cannabinoids enter our body, they alter the way our receptors work and try to calm the pain signals down. 

It has been documented that cannabinoids can also aid in the prevention of muscle spasms, anxiety, nausea, as well as other health issues.

One of the most significant cannabinoids that gets the most buzz is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is what causes people to feel relaxed or high. This doesn’t exactly aid in relieving migraines compared to another cannabinoid known as cannabidiol (CBD) as it doesn’t make us feel high. In fact, various states have legalized CBD, especially for medical purposes.

What Is Cannabidiol?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the many active compounds of the cannabis or hemp plant. It is specially grown as a natural medical treatment. Despite it being a component of marijuana, CBD, unlike THC, doesn’t cause people to feel “high”. In fact, the World Health Organization states, “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential… To date, there is no evidence of public health-related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”

What Does Research Say Regarding CBD?

Surprisingly, there isn’t much credible or solid scientific research on the use of CBD for migraines. Instead, there are studies involving the combined use of CBD and THC, but none that include CBD as a single ingredient for treating migraines.

The reason why this is limited is partly due to the regulations on CBD as well as legal restrictions on cannabis. 

The Combined Effects of THC and CBD

One piece of research finds that migraine patients prefer hybrid strains with low-CBD and high-THC concentrations. This is probably due to the potent anti-inflammatory, antiemetic and analgesic properties of THC. it’s also probably one of the reasons why some people prefer THC for migraines. 

How Does CBD Work for Migraines?

Believe it or not, people have been using cannabis for migraines for thousands of years before it became illegal for purchase and distribution worldwide.

Although there hasn’t been that many studies conducted on its effectiveness and safety, researchers have claimed that at least one or more substances within the cannabis plant consist of therapeutic benefits for headaches, such as migraines.

Evidence does suggest that CBD oil reduces pain and inflammation and arthritis, which may produce similar results in migraines.

According to a review of studies that were published in 2017, researchers found an effective and useful role for marijuana when it comes to treating migraines. But there are not enough studies that have been conducted solely on CBD oil for that matter. 

Still, there are some laboratory studies that suggest that CBD oil might help all forms of acute and chronic pain, like a migraine.

Some vaporizers that contain CBD have proven to provide relief from migraines. Read more about one popular type of vaporizer; the Volcano. 

How Does CBD Work?

CBD interacts with our body’s cannabinoids (CB1 and CB2) receptors. As we discussed earlier, the receptors are what affect the immune system, including our ability to feel pain.

For instance, CBD may prevent our body from metabolizing the compound anandamide which is what regulates pain. Therefore, when there are high levels of anandamide in our bloodstream, it may reduce the feelings of pain.

CBD is also believed to reduce inflammation within our body, which might also help decrease pain as well as other immune-system responses. Although, more research is required to fully understand these effects.

Evidence of CBD’s Health Benefits

CBD has been associated with treating a variety of health problems, but so far, the most well-documented scientific evidence of its effectiveness comes in treating the most severe childhood epilepsy syndromes such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) and Dravet syndrome, which normally don’t respond well to antiseizure medications.

In various studies, CBD has been documented to reduce as many seizures as possible, and sometimes even prevent them altogether. Videos that showcase the effectiveness of CBD in such a manner are already available online for viewing. This is evidenced by the FDA approving the first-ever cannabis-derived medicine, Epidiolex – which consists of CBD –, they can treat these conditions.

Best Strains for Headaches

While more research is required, here are some of the best marijuana strains for migraines that have been proven to offer the most relief:

  • Harlequin – high-end CBD, the strain is quite effective in treating ailments.
  • Blue Dream – This is a classic, ideal pain relief hybrid.
  • Green Crack – if you look past the name, you will enjoy a clear conscience and head.
  • Pineapple Express – productive as well as painless.
  • Durban Poison – gets rid of headaches as well as make you productive.