Migraine headaches can be debilitating. According to the best doctors for medical marijuana in Missouri, they affect more than 10% of the population and are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound. For many sufferers, relief is available in the form of prescription medications like acetaminophen or triptans. However, these medications can have side effects that may not make them appropriate for everyone. Medical marijuana has been touted as an alternative treatment for chronic pain, including migraines. But does it work? Read on to find out!
Studies On Medical Marijuana To Treat Migraines
Medical marijuana has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including chronic pain. Migraines are one type of headache caused by nerve irritation which can be treated with prescription medications like triptans or NSAIDs. However, they may have side effects that make them unsuitable for many people.
- One study found cannabis was effective in relieving migraine symptoms and significantly reduced the number of days participants experienced migraines per month.
- Another found when medical marijuana is inhaled instead of being taken orally. It’s more likely to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine headaches.
- Yet another showed patients who use medical marijuana reported less nausea than those prescribed other forms of medication, making this an attractive treatment option for those unable to tolerate other medications.
- A study by the Journal of Pain found that medical marijuana is often used to treat migraines. Cannabinoids like THC from cannabis can reduce migraine symptoms or prevent them altogether when inhaled instead of being taken orally.
The studies mentioned here show that cannabinoids may be an effective form of treatment for people who suffer from migraines and experience relief with this form of medication rather than using prescription drugs with side effects.
Best Medical Marijuana Delivery Method For Migraine Treatment
Vaping
When taken orally or consumed as a vaporized liquid-spray mister system, the THC in cannabis has been shown to reduce pain associated with chronic headaches, including migraine symptoms such as nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. This may be because topical application of cannabinoids like CBD can elevate serotonin levels which helps calm nerves that cause pain and inflammation.
However, if inhaled as opposed to ingested through oral methods, there are fewer side effects reported by patients who use this drug medicinally – making it an attractive treatment choice for those unable to tolerate other medications.
Edibles or Topicals?
For those who cannot smoke cannabis due to any medical reasons, edibles or topical applications may be a good alternative.
Research has shown that CBD helps decrease pain associated with migraines – but the dose must be low enough not to produce psychoactive effects like anxiety or paranoia.
Patients report that edibles with low doses of THC can relieve pain and nausea associated with migraines more effectively than other types of medication.
Capsules And Topicals
Patients have found that when using cannabis orally in the form of capsules or topical applications such as balms or lotions, they experience positive outcomes. One study showed improvements in pain relief from headaches like migraines with these methods after a while – but not immediately.
It’s important to note that this is a newer approach for relieving symptoms associated with migraines and that it may be a good way for those who cannot smoke cannabis to get relief.
Patches
Patches are an excellent way to get relief from migraines without smoking or eating marijuana, but they can be cost-prohibitive.
One study shows that patches containing THC may provide pain relief for those with chronic headaches, including migraines and other types of head pain associated with muscle tension.
However, this form of medication needs time to increase in effectiveness, which means it’s not the best solution for getting immediate relief.
Tinctures
Tinctures are another form of oral consumption that patients have found helpful in relieving their chronic migraines.
A tincture is a liquid extraction made from the cannabis plant, which can be taken orally or used as an ingredient for cooking and baking. Tinctures take longer to activate than other forms because cannabinoids need time to penetrate the mucous membranes where they’re absorbed into your body.
Medical professionals disagree on whether or not this should be adopted into practice due to the few inconclusive studies on cannabis for migraine treatment. However, many sufferers find it helpful in relieving their debilitating headaches without unpleasant side effects and believe that it is worth trying as a last resort before turning to prescription drugs with terrible side effects.
