Cannabis as a Treatment and Prevention Strategy for Migraines

Treatment and Prevention of Migraines with Cannabis Use

In recent years, the use of cannabis as a potential treatment for chronic conditions, including migraines, has gained traction. Here's what you need to know about the benefits, risks, and considerations when it comes to cannabis and migraines.

Firstly, it's important to understand that the human body has an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that produces its own endocannabinoids, playing a crucial role in homeostasis throughout the body. Cannabis compounds, such as THC and CBD, mimic the actions of these endocannabinoids.

The 2018 Farm Bill made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3 percent THC federally legal. These products have been suggested as a potential treatment for migraines, with anecdotal evidence supporting their effectiveness. However, it's essential to note that CBD products containing more than 0.3 percent THC are still federally illegal but legal under some state laws.

CBD may be more effective for migraines than extracted THC or CBD alone. This is because certain cannabinoids can help remedy ECS dysfunction, a factor believed to be involved in migraine development. In fact, cannabis use has been shown to reduce headache and migraine severity by up to 50%, with concentrates being more effective than flower.

However, high THC cannabis may have potential risks and side effects. These include lower birth weight of babies, lower cognitive function, and a correlation with schizophrenia for those with a genetic predisposition. Other side effects of cannabis use may include intoxication, dry mouth, potential interactions with certain medications, and the possibility of developing a substance use disorder.

Cannabis treatment may pose an issue for folks with heart disease and mental health conditions. Therefore, it's recommended to work with a qualified cannabis clinician if you have heart disease, mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, or take medications with a grapefruit warning.

It's also crucial to consider that certain demographics may want to avoid CBD and hemp, including pregnant, breastfeeding, and liver disease patients.

Orally ingestible CBD products tend to be more accessible, and there are many different ways to consume cannabis, and timing can be key in preventing migraines.

It's important to note that medications are commonly prescribed to treat migraines, but alternative therapies, including cannabis, are also available. However, consulting with a doctor or therapist is recommended before trying medical cannabis for migraine prevention or treatment.

Research suggests a higher prevalence of migraines among people who are between ages 18 and 44, unemployed, living with a disability, older adults, and those with a family income of less than $35,000 per year.

Lastly, it's worth mentioning that by using cannabis therapeutically, controlling the frequency and dose, the risk of these issues is significantly minimized. The term "cannabis" is used instead of "marijuana" to avoid language that may have racist connotations. The author of the 2018 Farm Bill who set the legal definition of hemp separate from marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act was Senator Mitch McConnell.