Migraines can be difficult to treat. If your pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light or sound don't improve with over-the-counter or even prescription medications, is there another option?
Light cannabis may be an over-the-counter remedy for migraine relief. Some research suggests it can help alleviate migraine symptoms or even prevent them from occurring.
How does CBD relieve pain?
CBD is another name for cannabis, a plant used to make paper, rope and other products, particularly for the construction and cosmetics industries.
The human body and brain have a network of cannabinoid receptors. These are endocrine receptors that affect how you experience pain.
CBD marijuana contains natural compounds called cannabinoids. When you use it, these cannabinoids enter your body and seek out receptors. They alter the way the receptors function and can soothe pain signals.
Cannabinoids can also relieve nausea, anxiety, muscle spasms, or other health problems.
THC is the cannabinoid in marijuana that gets the most attention. It's what gets you high. But another cannabis product called cannabidiol (CBD) doesn't have these unwanted effects and can help relieve pain. Several countries have legalized the use of CBD.
Does CBD work for migraines?
There isn't much research on this topic. In one recent study, people who suffer from regular migraines used CBD marijuana daily to prevent attacks. About 40 to 43% of them reported that the number of migraines they experienced each month was reduced by half.
There are different ways to consume CBD; inhalation is the most effective way to relieve migraines and stop the pain. Edibles did not seem to work as well.
What are the risks of CBD?
If you smoke or ingest CBD, you may feel dizzy or even drowsy. And smoking it regularly could harm your heart and lung health over time, especially if it's mixed with tobacco.
Studies are underway on the subject, and a priori, unlike THC cannabis, CBD marijuana would not have any proven health risks, quite the contrary.