When it comes to treating uncomfortable and painful headaches, many people turn to over-the-counter medications for relief. But what if there were a more natural and potentially safer option? In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at how marijuana may provide relief from headaches, and the benefits and risks associated with its use. We’ll explore recent research on the topic and discuss the potential for marijuana to be a viable natural remedy for headaches.
Are there any side effects associated with using marijuana to treat headaches?
Yes, there are some side effects associated with using marijuana to treat headaches. These side effects may include dry mouth, dizziness, increased heart rate, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping. It is important to consult a doctor before using marijuana to treat a headache as it may interact with other medications or cause other serious health issues.
Does using CBD help reduce headache pain?
Yes, using CBD can help reduce headache pain. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound found in marijuana that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce headache pain. Additionally, CBD can help reduce stress which can be a trigger for headaches.
How does marijuana affect headaches?
Marijuana has been used to treat headaches for centuries, but the scientific evidence on its effectiveness is inconclusive. Some studies have found that marijuana can be an effective treatment for headaches, while others have found that it may not have any effect at all. The effects of marijuana on headaches vary from person to person, and it is important to talk to a doctor before using it. Potential side effects of marijuana use include dry mouth, increased heart rate, anxiety, and dizziness.
Does the amount of THC in marijuana influence its effectiveness in treating headaches?
Yes, the amount of THC in marijuana can influence its effectiveness in treating headaches. Higher concentrations of THC can be more effective at relieving pain, but it can also lead to more side effects like dizziness, dry mouth, and fatigue. A lower THC concentration may be more appropriate for some patients.
Does the strain of marijuana used for treating headaches matter?
Yes, the strain of marijuana used for treating headaches does matter. Different marijuana strains contain different levels of cannabinoids, which can have different effects when it comes to treating headaches. Some strains are more effective for treating headaches than others. When selecting a strain to use for treating headaches, it is important to do research and discuss your options with a healthcare professional to determine the best strain for your needs.
Before a series of xenophobic , anti-marijuana laws came into force in the U. Even the personal physician to Queen Victoria supported cannabis as a treatment for headache conditions an endorsement founded on an established history. Ancient Greeks and Persians recommended using cannabis to treat ailments relating to the head, and the earliest known document of Arabic pharmacology documents the use of cannabis for headaches. The criminalization of cannabis stalled research into its medicinal potential and therapeutic application, but this did not stop people from using the psychotropic plant in an attempt to alleviate pain. Conversations about embracing cannabis for migraines abound online, with some people sharing that while the migraines may not stop it makes the pain manageable. In a survey of 1, self-identified medicinal cannabis users, 36 percent reported using it specifically for migraines and headaches. But the question is Does cannabis actually combat migraines in some people? And if so, why? We still have a long way to go. For now, research reliant on self-reported results suggest inhaled cannabis can reduce migraine severity by 50 percent but its effectiveness is dulled by how frequently its used, possibly because of developed tolerance. Preclinical research on animals suggests the benefits people say they are experiencing might be linked to how the endocannabinoid system ECS interacts and modulates neural pathways related to migraines. The ECS is a network of chemical signals and cellular receptors throughout the body and brain when a person uses cannabis, the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol THC binds to receptors that are a part of this network. Schuster and colleagues are currently conducting the first randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial examining cannabis as a potential treatment for acute migraines. So far, they have 75 participants in the study and anticipate completing enrollment by the end of this summer at the latest. These will be administered via a vaporizer vaporized cannabis might be more effective for people with migraine-related nausea or stomach issues. Participation in the trial requires the individuals not to be regular cannabis users or use opioids. The pain-relieving category involves some common drugs such as Advil and Motrin IB and drugs more tailored to migraines. While these treatments can help, the issue with migraine treatment generally is that none work for everyone, Schuster explains. This has inspired a commitment to studying alternative routes some of which have proven promising. For example, research suggests cutting down on alcohol and caffeine use can help, as can diets saturated with omega-3 fatty acids. Relaxation exercising, biofeedback, and migraine-focused cognitive behavioral therapy can also reduce migraine frequency. Early research also suggests mindfulness can help manage migraines and reduce the recurrence of migraine-related disability. Exercise and regular sleep can also reduce migraine frequency, says Ailani. This means moderate daily exercise and sticking to a regular sleep schedule. Sarah Sloat. Workers at a legal cannabis farm in Washington state. Related Tags Health Drugs. Mind and Body. Amplifying Our Voices.
Migraine patients who used cannabis were more likely to develop rebound or medication overuse headaches than those who didnt use cannabis, a single-center chart review suggested. In an analysis of patients with chronic migraines, current cannabis use predicted cases of medication overuse headache OR 5. Medication overuse headache is a result of frequent use of pain medications for headaches. Recent research from Washington State University in Pullman showed that inhaled cannabis reduced self-reported migraine severity by That study found no evidence of cannabis leading to overuse headache, but researchers noticed patients using larger doses of cannabis over time, indicating possible tolerance to the drug. Zhang and Woldeamanuel used the Stanford Research Repository cohort discovery tool between to to evaluate adults who had chronic migraines for at least 1 year. Chronic migraine was defined as 15 or more headache days per month. Of patients in the study, were using cannabis. From each patients chart, the researchers extracted data about age, sex, migraine frequency, current chronic migraine duration, current cannabis use duration, overused acute migraine medications, and duration of current medication overuse headache. They used logistic regression to identify variables predicting overuse headache while controlling for the remaining predictors. Overall, patients had medication overuse headache and did not. Significant associations were seen between current cannabis use, opioid use, and overuse headache. A bi-directional relationship between cannabis and opioid use also emerged.