Medical Cannabis for Treating a Migraine: A Review of 8 Scientific Studies

Patients with migraines looking for alternative treatments are increasingly turning to cannabis, especially since available medications are not always effective. In response to the growing demand, scientists are intensively researching the effects of cannabis and its components, such as THC and CBD, in the context of migraine treatment. Here's a summary of 8 recent studies on its effectiveness.

Migraine is a type of headache often described as a throbbing pain on one side of the head. While the causes of migraines are not entirely known, it is understood that they are often associated with various factors, such as stress, hormonal changes, and certain foods.

Migraine is not merely a “common headache” — it’s a neurological disease that can impact a person’s daily life. Migraine attacks can last from a few hours to several days and are often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.

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Interest in Cannabis Increasing for Migraine Treatments

In recent years, we have observed a significant increase in interest in using cannabis for medical purposes. Thanks to legalization in many countries and states, as well as a growing number of studies confirming its potential therapeutic benefits, medical cannabis is gaining popularity as an alternative to traditional treatment methods for various conditions, including migraines. Patients with migraines who are looking for alternative treatments are increasingly turning to the healing potential of cannabis, especially since currently available medications are not always effective and can cause unwanted side effects. In response to the growing demand, scientists are intensively researching the effects of cannabis and its components, such as THC and CBD, in the context of migraine treatment.

The main objective of this article is to provide readers with reliable information on the potential of medical cannabis in treating migraines and headaches. We aim to present the latest research and scientific evidence concerning its efficacy, dosage, and the potential benefits and risks associated with its use. The article also aims to answer the most frequently asked questions from patients and to dispel any doubts that individuals considering medical cannabis as one of their therapeutic options may have.

Migraine: Causes and Symptoms

Migraine is one of the most common neurological disorders in the world, and its causes are manifold. One of the main risk factors is genetics. Studies show that individuals who have a family member suffering from migraines are significantly more likely to develop the condition. However, genetics is just one of many risk factors and doesn’t always guarantee that the condition will occur.

Key Symptoms of Migraine

Migraine is not limited to severe headache pain. It is a complex condition that can manifest with multiple symptoms. The most common symptoms of migraine include:

Strong, throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head.
Sensitivity to light, sounds, and smells.
Nausea and vomiting.
Visual disturbances, often described as “flickering” before the eyes or loss of field of vision.
Problems with concentration and difficulty performing daily activities.

Impact on Daily Life

Migraine significantly impacts the quality of life of those suffering from the condition. Attacks can last from a few hours to even several days, rendering normal functioning impossible. People with migraines often have to give up work, social activities, or spending time with family. These symptoms also lead to feelings of frustration, depression, and isolation. Many patients also report difficulties in establishing and maintaining personal relationships due to regular attacks and the need to avoid potential migraine triggers, such as stress, certain foods, or weather changes.

How Medical Cannabis Works on Migraines?

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a network of receptors and ligands located throughout the body that plays a key role in regulating various physiological functions, including pain, appetite, sleep, and stress response. Compounds found in cannabis, particularly THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), interact with this system, modifying its activity. This benefits people suffering from migraines, as medical cannabis can alleviate symptoms associated with this condition.

Pain Reduction

One of the most well-known effects of cannabis is its ability to relieve pain. Cannabinoids, especially THC, act on receptors in the brain to inhibit pain transmission. For many patients suffering from migraines, medical cannabis is more effective than traditional painkillers, and its action is quicker and more enduring.

Counteracting Nausea

Nausea is a common symptom accompanying migraine attacks. THC is a known antiemetic, often used in treating cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. It works by interacting with receptors in the brain responsible for controlling vomiting and nausea, providing relief to people suffering from migraines.

Improved Sleep

Insomnia and sleep issues are often associated with migraines. Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the main components of medical cannabis, known for its calming properties and improving sleep quality. Many patients with migraines have noticed improvements in sleep duration and quality after using CBD-based products, which further helps in alleviating migraine symptoms.

How Medical Cannabis Works on Migraines?

Pain Reduction

Counteracting Nausea

Improved Sleep

Research Findings on Medical Cannabis and Migraines

In the context of using medical cannabis for treating migraines and headaches, research in recent years has yielded many interesting findings. Below are some of the most important ones.

“Reasons for and Perceived Benefits of Utilizing Complementary and Alternative Medicine in U.S. Adults With Migraines/Severe Headaches” – A study based on the 2012 National Health Interview Survey showed that as many as 41.3% of participants with migraines or severe headaches used alternative treatment methods in the last year. Interestingly, people using complementary medicine for both preventative (wellness) and therapeutic purposes reported higher effectiveness in experiencing benefits, compared to those who used it exclusively for migraine treatment [1].
“Medical Cannabis for Headache Pain: A Primer for Clinicians” – This article focuses on the growing acceptance of Cannabis sativa L. as a therapeutic option for headaches. It highlights the fact that although more people are using cannabis for medicinal purposes, there’s still a lack of comprehensive research confirming its effectiveness. The article emphasizes that while cannabis is increasingly accepted for many conditions and symptoms (including chronic pain), there’s still no FDA-approved cannabis product for treating headaches or other chronic pain conditions [2].
“Alleviative Effects of Cannabis Flower on Migraine and Headache” – One of the latest studies on the effectiveness of cannabis flower in treating headaches and migraines. Conducted between 2016 and 2019 on a group of 699 people, it found that as many as 94% of users experienced relief in symptoms within two hours of consuming cannabis. Particularly significant is the conclusion that THC levels of 10% or higher are strong predictors of pain relief, especially among women and younger users [3].
“Cannabis Use Amongst Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease” – The study focused on patients with inflammatory bowel disease but its findings have implications for people with migraines as well. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease often complain about headaches as one of the symptoms. The study found that medical cannabis helped many patients alleviate symptoms, including headaches. This indirectly confirms that cannabis may be effective in treating various types of pain, including migraines [4].
“Effects of Medical Cannabis on Migraine Headache Frequency in an Adult Population” – In this study, researchers sought to examine how medical cannabis affects the frequency of migraines in adults. The results were promising. Patients who consumed medical cannabis experienced a significant decrease in the number of migraine days per month compared to the period before starting cannabis treatment. Moreover, many patients noticed that cannabis also helped them in alleviating other migraine symptoms, such as nausea or photophobia [5].
“Short- and Long-term Effects of Cannabis on Headache and Migraine” – The study aimed to explore both short-term and long-term effects of using cannabis for treating headache and migraine pain. Scientists found that cannabis is not only effective in immediate pain relief, but its regular use could also help in reducing the frequency of migraines in the long term. However, the study also emphasized that not all patients react to the treatment in the same way and that some may experience side effects [6].
“Medical Cannabis for the Treatment of Migraine in Adults: A Review of the Evidence” – Another literature review focusing on studies involving adult patients with migraines. The results indicate that medical cannabis significantly reduced nausea and vomiting related to migraine attacks after 6 months of use. Furthermore, medical cannabis reduced the number of days migraines occurred after 30 days and the frequency of migraines within the month. Medical cannabis was 51% more effective in reducing migraines compared to non-cannabinoid products. Compared to amitriptyline, medical cannabis interrupted migraine attacks in some users and reduced migraine frequency. Adverse events were mostly mild and occurred in 43.75% of patients who took oral cannabinoid preparations [7].
“Medicinal Properties of Cannabinoids, Terpenes, and Flavonoids in Cannabis, and Benefits in Migraine, Headache, and Pain: An Update on Current Evidence and Cannabis Science” – This study focused on the medicinal properties of specific cannabis components, such as cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. The study confirmed that these components have analgesic properties and may be effective in treating migraines, headaches, and other types of pain. This study also provided valuable information on cannabis biochemistry and its potential therapeutic benefits [8].

Expert Opinions

Experts in the field of medicine and pharmacology are divided on the issue of using medical cannabis in treating migraines. However, the results of the above studies and increasing anecdotal evidence point to potential benefits of its use.

Many specialists in neurology and headache medicine agree that medical cannabis may be a valuable treatment option for some patients, especially those who do not respond to traditional treatment methods. However, they also emphasize the need for further research to confirm its effectiveness and determine the optimal doses and methods of administration.

Dosage and Methods of Using Cannabis

The appropriate dosage of medical cannabis for treating migraines varies from patient to patient. Many experts recommend starting with low doses and gradually increasing them until optimal effects are achieved. Dosage also depends on the form of administration as well as the concentrations of THC and CBD in the product. Consultation with a medical specialist is always advised before beginning treatment with medical cannabis.

Available Forms of Medical Cannabis

Medical cannabis is available in various forms, including:

Dried Flowers: The most traditional form, mainly intended for smoking or vaporization.
Oils: These can be consumed orally or added to food and are usually more concentrated than dried flowers.
Capsules: These make dosing easier and are more discreet than smoking or vaporizing.
Creams and Ointments: Intended for topical application, these help in localized pain relief.
Edible Products: Cookies, chocolates, or drinks infused with medical cannabis.

Tips for Patients

Start with a Low Dose: Especially if you’re a new user, always begin with a low dose and observe how your body reacts.
Consult a Doctor: Always consult with a physician before starting treatment with medical cannabis, especially if you are taking other medications.
Pay Attention to THC and CBD Levels: Different strains of cannabis have varying concentrations of these cannabinoids, which can affect the efficacy of treatment.
Don’t Operate Vehicles: After using medical cannabis, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.
Keep Away from Children: Products containing medical cannabis should be stored in places inaccessible to children.
Be Aware of Side Effects: Although medical cannabis is relatively safe, it may cause some side effects like dry mouth, fatigue, or dizziness. If you notice any adverse effects, consult a physician.

Summary – Pros and Cons of Treating Migraines With Medical Cannabis

Medical cannabis is gaining increasing recognition as an alternative method for treating migraines. Its use comes with both numerous benefits and potential risks.

Pros:

Effectiveness in Reducing Pain: Several studies show that medical cannabis can help reduce the intensity of migraine pain.
Counteracting Nausea: Medical cannabis is often used to alleviate nausea, which can be particularly beneficial for patients suffering from migraines.
Improvement in Sleep Quality: For some patients, cannabis can provide relief from sleep problems, which is crucial in the context of migraines.
Alternative to Conventional Drugs: Cannabis can be an alternative for people who poorly tolerate traditional painkillers or have adverse interactions with them.

Cons:

Side Effects: Like any medication, medical cannabis can cause side effects, including issues with concentration, fatigue, and memory problems.
Risk of Abuse: There is a risk of cannabis abuse, especially among individuals predisposed to addiction.
Lack of Standardization: Doses and active ingredients in medical cannabis can differ depending on the supplier, making it difficult to determine the optimal dose.
Potential Interactions with Other Medications: Medical cannabis can interact with other drugs, potentially leading to adverse side effects.

Although existing studies provide valuable information about the potential benefits of using medical cannabis for migraine treatment, many areas still require further research. Specifically needed are:

More Precise Studies on Dosage: Determining optimal doses for different forms of cannabis administration.
Comparison of Effectiveness With Other Drugs: Direct comparisons of medical cannabis with traditional painkillers in the context of migraines.
Role of Individual Cannabinoids: Investigating which cannabinoids (e.g., THC, CBD) offer the most benefits in treating migraines, in what proportions they should be used, and their effectiveness in conjunction with different terpene profiles present in cannabis.

We hope that future studies will provide more specific guidelines for patients and doctors, helping to better understand the therapeutic potential of cannabis in the context of migraines.

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(Featured image by Kendel Media via Pexels)

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Helene Lindbergh

Helene Lindbergh is a published author with books about entrepreneurship and investing for dummies. An advocate for financial literacy, she is also a sought-after keynote speaker for female empowerment. Her special focus is on small, independent businesses who eventually achieve financial independence. Helene is currently working on two projects—a bio compilation of women braving the world of banking, finance, crypto, tech, and AI, as well as a paper on gendered contributions in the rapidly growing healthcare market, specifically medicinal cannabis.