MIGRAINES

The prevalence of severe, chronic, debilitating pain in the form of migraine headaches in America has been high over the past 19 years according to this 2018 study. Self-reported migraine and severe headache in the US adult population affects roughly 1 out of every 6 Americans; gender-wise it affects 1 in 5 women.

Migraines, cluster headaches, and chronic headaches are common types of pain experienced by many. The question being asked is “Can medical marijuana treat pain from migraines?”

Migraine pain, often described as relentless due to the long duration of the flare, can be quite debilitating. The with migraines are often hyper-sensitive to light and sound. One treatment migraine afflicted Americans are turning to is medical marijuana. There is some promising evidence to support the use of medical marijuana for relief of migraine symptoms.

Historically, the use of marijuana for the treatment of headaches is documented from at least the 1800s. Many prominent physicians of that era advocated it as effective for both relief and preventative treatment. In the early 20th century, both British and American pharmacists routinely dispensed marijuana for headaches. In 1938, a comprehensive review was published, which argued against the Illegalization of marijuana citing medicinal reasons!

More recent modern research attempts to shed light on why medical cannabis may be an effective treatment for migraines and headaches. Some speculate that they can be caused by an endocannabinoid deficiency. The endocannabinoid system is a naturally occurring system in the human body. The body naturally produces cannabinoid-like substances during its processes. This is why cannabinoids found in cannabis or marijuana act on this system to produce their effects.

Some preliminary studies have suggested a class of migraines may have multiple and significant relationships to the body’s endocannabinoid function. For example, the compound called Anandamide (AEA) acts on at least two receptors in the endocannabinoid system. This indicates there may be a therapeutic effect for cannabis in the treatment and prevention of migraines. Other studies suggest reduced levels of AEA in certain areas of the brain could reflect an impairment of the endocannabinoid system in migraine and chronic headache patients. This could explain both the therapeutic effect of marijuana based cannabinoids as well as why migraine attacks and pain happens. Cannabinoid receptor 1 may play a role in managing migraines. Despite the promising results of these early studies, further clinical research is being conducted to verify the effects of medical marijuana in both the treatment and prevention of migraines.

Here is a recent study that had 121 adult participants who complained of migraines. They used migraine medications along with several forms of medical marijuana, including an edible and an inhaled form. Of this group of participants, 19.8% experienced a decrease in migraine frequency, 11.6% experienced improvement of acute migraine attacks, and 11.6% experienced side effects. While the research evidence thus far is positive, you should keep in mind the vast majority of the clinical evidence so far is case-based or laboratory-based research. Systematic clinical trials, with large samples and randomized control groups, are needed to further investigate these early findings.

Medical marijuana is one hopeful option for patients managing chronic migraines due to their link with the endocannabinoid system. At Medical Marijuana Recs NY, we provide our visitors with online video chats to become certified for Medical Marijuana in New York State. We have helped many with migraines to achieve the relief and can help you too! Lauraine Kanders NP and her team will get you certified with this condition and many others. Click here to see if you qualify!

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