Are you familiar with the feeling of pressure right behind your eyes or the pulsing sensation on one side of your head? It feels like your brain wants to escape your body, right? If you ever experienced a migraine, then you must be familiar with these symptoms. Around 2 billion people around the world suffer from migraines. Even though migraine is so common, there are no studies that inform us of the exact causes of this condition. So far, we know that migraines occur in the brain stems and the nervous system. Moreover, there are assumptions that migraines are triggered by a mix of biological and environmental factors.
Not long ago, the only treatment options for migraines were pharmaceutical drugs. Drugs, such as ibuprofen, not only have their side effects, which sometimes are worse than the migraine itself, they also aren’t so effective. Home remedies, such as daily exercise, yoga, and caffeine, might help with migraines. Nonetheless, they only work in the early stages of a migraine. Cannabis, on the other hand, may present an effective solution to your migraine. Studies show that cannabis can benefit your health if you consume it under medical supervision and in reasonable doses. However, the medical application and legality of cannabis is an ongoing debate in many parts of the world.
In this article, we will explore how cannabis can help treat migraines.
Studies on the Effectiveness of Cannabis
Although the history of cannabis as a migraine remedy goes back to ancient times, our knowledge about it is still limited. Currently, there are a few studies on the effect of cannabis on migraines. However, with laws becoming more progressive, we see an increase in the number of studies on medicinal cannabis.
Research published in 2016 analyzes the effect of cannabis on 121 adults suffering from migraines. According to the outcome of the research, cannabis decreased the number of migraine attacks from 10.4 to 4.6 monthly. However, the exact relationship between migraines and medicinal cannabis isn’t explored. Scientists suggest researching different strains and doses of cannabis to understand its effects fully.
Another study conducted by Italian researchers also considers cannabis as a potential method for migraine relief. The research examined 48 people who suffer from chronic migraines. Using an oral dose of 200mg of cannabis, researchers found the pain to go down by 55%, an outcome quite similar to the previous study. On average, the migraine attacks went down to 40% per month. Moreover, many patients suggest that cannabis helps decrease stomach and muscle pain.
How It Can Work
Cannabis has two main psychoactive components, tetrahydrocannabinol or THC and cannabidiol or CBD. The component that usually gains more attention is the THC, as it is the one that makes you feel high and relaxed. On the other hand, CBD may help ease your pain, and science suggests it for treating migraines. For utmost effectiveness, make sure you buy from industry leader industrial hemp farms which ensure quality and best prices.
According to Dr. Jim Polston, a Chief Science Officer at Helius Therapeutics in New Zealand, cannabis, especially the CBD, affects migraines through the endocannabinoid system. Polston states that our endocannabinoid system has the potential for reducing migraine pain if you activate it with medical cannabis. Cannabis might help with decreasing the inflammation in the dura mater tissue covering the brain, which contributes to the migraine pain.
Moreover, Poston suggests that migraines can happen when there’s a lack of anandamide in our brains. Anandamide is a natural cannabinoid created in the brain. This component helps in reducing pain during migraines. Because CBD inhibits the same enzymes, it is likely to increase the levels of anandamide in our bodies. Therefore, it can be a possible solution to migraines.
Where Can You Buy Cannabis?
2018 was an incredible year for the decriminalization of cannabis. In that exact year, Canada made history by passing the Cannabis Act, allowing adults to purchase marijuana for recreational purposes. Although Canada decriminalized medicinal cannabis in 2001, after passing its Cannabis Act, they changed the perception of the use of cannabis in the US and Europe.
In Canada, you can purchase cannabis at an authorized retailer or an online cannabis store, such as Weed Smart. You can find everything you need at weedsmart. You’re allowed to purchase up to 30 grams of dried cannabis for personal use. It is one of Canada’s most renowned online cannabis stores.
Cannabis Strains for Migraine Pain
Here are some of the cannabis strains that can be most helpful in treating migraines.
- OG KUSH — It is the most famous cannabis strain and can be easily found online and in nearby dispensaries. It contains 25% THC, which will help ease your pain by taking your mind off of it.
- ACDC — If you don’t want to get high, but only treat your migraines, the ACDC cannabis strain is your perfect choice. With a 1:20 ratio of THC /CBD, it will reduce the effects of migraines.
- Purple KUSH — If your migraine is so bad that the only solution is waiting and relaxing, Purple Kush might help you more than you think. It has a numbing sensation that will help you forget about your pain.
Although cannabis might help with your migraines, you should consume it carefully. Always consult your doctor on the dosage you might need. Moreover, you shouldn’t consume cannabis if you’re under 18 or pregnant without consulting your doctor. Last but not least, be aware of the laws regarding marijuana ownership and consumption in your country.
Written by Emma Gill
About the Author
Emma Gill is a freelance blogger writing for blogs in different verticals. Find her on Twitter.
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