There is currently no study on CBD as a single compound for its role in migraines. CBD studies are limited, and the available ones look at its effects on migraines when combined with THC. There is not enough evidence to prove that it might help fight migraine.
If you have had migraine in the past, you likely agree that it is not the best thing that should happen to a person. Migraines lead to intense headaches that last 4- 72 hours, during which you cannot do a thing. Besides, migraines make a person vulnerable, and even the slightest thing like moving about or being in a noisy environment worsens things. Meanwhile, the hype around CBD oil is building up every day, with many believing that it might help them with their health challenges. Can CBD be an effective natural remedy for migraines? Currently, there is not enough evidence to show that CBD can treat migraines, especially because the existing studies look at CBD in conjunction with THC and not as a single ingredient. Here is all you got to know about CBD and migraines.
The Basics About CBD and Migraines
CBD is an active compound and one of the many cannabinoids harbored by cannabis plants. Unlike THC, it is non-psychoactive, and taking it will not make you high or stoned. Rather, taking CBD makes you uplifted; so many people embrace CBD every other day. CBD occurs in three formulations; full- and broad-spectrum with have terpenes, flavonoids, and many other cannabinoids, and isolate-based CBD, which comprises pure CBD without additional cannabinoids, terpenes, or flavonoids. You can enjoy CBD in any of these formulations as edibles, tinctures, oils, vapes, topicals, and capsules.
Migraines refer to throbbing headaches that affect one side or a particular head area and last for 4- 72 hours. They are often caused by hormonal changes, some foods and drinks, exercise, and many other factors. What makes migraines unbearable is the sensitivity that accompanies them. They make the sufferer susceptible to light, noise, and sounds, and it’s no wonder that something as mundane as being in a noisy environment worsens the headache. Besides, migraines come with nausea, and a person might feel like vomiting and blot throughout the time.
Why CBD for Migraines?
Conventional medications for migraines may reduce the pain of the headache. Do not effectively end the side effects of migraines, so people are more concerned about whether CBD might help. Think CBD has been touted as safe and well-tolerated.
Can CBD Treat Migraines?
Although CBD seems like the answer to any single medical challenge, it might not be your go-for option if you are looking for something to treat your migraines. It is particularly true since most studies on CBD for migraines have looked at it in conjunction with other cannabinoids like THC. While some research may offer promising findings for migraines, they are not exclusively focused on CBD. Here are what research says about CBD for migraines.
CBD for Managing Migraines and Their Pains
Some studies suggest that CBD might help fight the pain that accompanies migraines. However, they emphasize that the results are more pronounced when CBD-THC combinations are administered instead of CBD alone. For instance, Baron (2018) noted that CBD-THC combinations promised to reduce migraine pains and the intensity of the migraines. The study also noted that CBD could effectively work as opioids, predisposing people to addiction despite helping with headaches. While these results sound promising, the study focused on CBD with THC, terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids, so there is a need for studies that exclusively focus on CBD for migraines before recommending the cannabinoid.
Other Cannabis Products and Migraines- Are There Any Relations?
CBD is just but one of the active compounds in cannabis plants, and there are many others, including terpenes, flavonoids, and many other cannabinoids. Besides, medical marijuana is a form of cannabis other than the hemp plant, cannabis from which most brands extract CBD. Can medical marijuana help with headaches? According to Rhyne et al. (2016), prophylaxis treatment of migraines with medical marijuana seemed to have positive effects. Patients registered fewer migraines whose intensity was reduced, but not without side effects. It also noted that smoking medical marijuana led to the highest side effects. As such, cannabis might help with migraines and the resulting side effects, but the biggest question remains if the side effects linked to medical marijuana are worth the sacrifice.
Should You Use CBD and Medical Marijuana for Migraines?
Ultimately, using CBD oil and medical marijuana for migraines is an individual’s. However, it is worth noting that studies are inconclusive about whether CBD oil might help with migraines. CBD studies are generally limited, and the available ones focus on CBD alongside other compounds like THC, flavonoids, terpenes, and other cannabinoids. Therefore, while CBD might promise to help with migraines, the effects could be more synergistic that being attributed to CBD alone. Besides, medical marijuana has many side effects, especially when smoked, and it might not be worth it for migraines, primarily because there are pharma-grade alternatives with minimal effects.
Speak to Your Doctor Before Trying CBD for Migraine
Have you chosen CBD for migraines? Consult your doctor. The FDA has not recommended the dosages in which you should take CBD, but speaking to your doctor might help you know the right dosages. Besides, your doctor will help you know the likely drug interactions between CBD and other drugs.
Conclusion
People take CBD oil for almost any medical challenge, including headaches. There’s not enough evidence to prove that CBD oil might treat migraines. There are studies on CBD oil for migraine, but most focus on CBD alongside THC and other compounds. If you choose to go the CBD route, consult your doctor.
References
Baron, E. P. (2018). Medicinal properties of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids in cannabis, and benefits in migraine, headache, and pain: an update on current evidence and cannabis science. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, 58(7), 1139-1186.
Rhyne, D. N., Anderson, S. L., Gedde, M., & Borgelt, L. M. (2016). Effects of medical marijuana on migraine headache frequency in an adult population. Pharmacotherapy: The Journal of Human Pharmacology and Drug Therapy, 36(5), 505-510.
Sleep specialist
Using the acquired academic and professional experience, I advise patients with various complaints about mental health - depressed mood, nervousness, lack of energy and interest, sleep disorders, panic attacks, obsessive thoughts and anxieties, difficulty concentrating, and stress. In my free time, I love to paint and go on long walks on the beach. One of my latest obsessions is sudoku – a wonderful activity to calm an unease mind.
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