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Is Medical Cannabis for Migraine really helpful? Migraines vary in severity from person to person. For some, they are merely an irritation, but for others, they cause visual abnormalities, confusion, and significant discomfort. Many people with the condition employ nutrition and exercise as preventative measures, and when things go wrong, they turn to solid pain relievers and anti-sickness medication.

Some patients, however, opt to avoid standard medications because they do nothing to reduce the symptoms of resistant and refractory migraines. As a result, some people try to relieve their stress by smoking, vaping, or eating cannabis. Numerous anecdotes back up this claim, and continuing research looks at if and how the plant can aid. So, does Medical Cannabis for Migraine Patients helpful? Continue reading to find out.

What are Migraines

A migraine is a recurring throbbing headache that usually affects only one side of the brain. Migraines are far more intense and debilitating than typical headaches. The Neurological Ailment is also the most common headache disorder, affecting around 10% of the population in any given year.

Unfortunately, the medical system does not provide much assistance to most people, as only one-third of patients obtain effective care.

Medical Cannabis for Migraine

These hypotheses sound interesting, but does cannabis assist in relieving migraine attacks? Many people will tell you that smoking a joint or hitting a bowl relieves the throbbing agony and nausea. While encouraging, tales do not present a whole picture of reality. Repeated and vigorous scientific investigations contain the answers to the herb’s potency. But unfortunately, controlled human trials do not now exist.

Is Medical Cannabis for Migraine Effective?

It depends on your definition of medical marijuana. To the naked eye, these resinous blossoms appear simple, but they contain hundreds of phytochemicals, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids; each of these compounds has a distinct effect on the human body.

There are thousands of cultivars, each with a unique combination of these compounds. As you might expect, it isn’t easy to measure what’s happening at the cellular level. However, most ongoing research focuses on high-THC medicinal marijuana strains for migraine attacks.

Where CBD Fits into this Frame

This non-psychotropic cannabinoid has a low affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors. The compound, however, interferes with the action of the enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase FAAH. CBD increases the circulation of anandamide by blocking FAAH. This is a beneficial mechanism in the context of endocannabinoid deficit. Preclinical studies are now being conducted to investigate the efficacy of FAAH inhibitors as a migraine treatment.

There are presently no human trials examining CBD’s effects on migraines. So we’ll have to wait for research to get to this point before we can determine CBD’s actual efficacy for the illness.

Dronabinol and Migraines

Dronabinol, a synthetic form of THC, was licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1985 to treat chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. In addition, researchers are taking place to determine the medication’s efficacy in treating persistent migraine headaches and refractory cluster headaches.

THC and dronabinol bind to the receptor locations. Patients can only obtain the medication in oral capsules. This type of delivery causes the molecule to be converted into the potent 11-hydroxy-THC, resulting in intoxication effects. The FDA has not approved dronabinol for migraine treatment. Headache is listed as an adverse effect of the medicine on their prescribing information page.

Cannabis to Reduce Pain in Migraine Attacks

Cannabis plant chemical components act on many neurological pathways in the brain, nervous system, nerves outside the brain, and spinal cord. Cannabinoids engage the same circuits and brain receptors as migraine medications in some of these routes.

THC and other cannabinoids have been shown to protect the brainstem from pain stimuli. The brainstem is crucial in the development of a migraine attack and the transmission of pain.

How to use Medical Cannabis for Migraines

Cannabis has been used in alternative medicine for over 3,000 years, per the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Among these applications is the management of migraines. When it comes to utilising cannabis to treat migraines, several choices exist. Most of the research focuses on cannabis which can be inhaled for medical purposes, while others prefer edibles.

Who to use Medical Cannabis for Migraines

Vaping
Ingestion
Topical Application

Because oral CBD is less likely to induce side effects than vaping or smoking, some beginners may want to begin with it. You may:

You can place a few drops of oil beneath your tongue.
Take CBD pills.
Eat or drink a CBD-infused treat.
Eat CBD gummies.

Note: You should consult your doctor before consuming or using Cannabis products to treat Migraines.

CBD Oil Medical Cannabis for Migraine Patients

What can CBD Oil do to help with migraines? CBD oil is a plant-based solution for reducing migraine symptoms and phases. It is taken from the cannabis plant but does not cause intoxication. It has therapeutic characteristics and functions as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic, alleviating inflammatory, neuropathic, and nociceptive pain.

Pain Relief: CBD’s potent Analgesic effects can help relieve severe Migraine discomfort in minutes. CBD Oil relieves Neurological and Localised Pain and Blocks Pain sensations in the brain.
Reducing Nausea and Vomiting: CBD has anti-emetic characteristics, which make it extremely helpful against nausea and vomiting.
Improving Mood and Sleep: Migraine pains are frequently associated with a loss of sleep and psychological anguish. CBD oil is a relaxant that affects the serotonin reaction in the body, improving mood and reducing stress. It also promotes comfortable and restful sleep.

According to studies, when CBD and THC are consumed together, they produce what is known as the entourage effect. This suggests that when used together, they may be more effective than separately.

Who Should Not Use Medical Cannabis

Medical cannabis may be the last choice due to a lack of conclusive proof and standardised restrictions. Its typical side effects and high safety profile, on the other hand, make it a better option than opioids.

In India, the following patient groups are urged to exercise caution when using Medical Cannabis for Migraine:

Because of the effects on the developing brain, young patients between 18 and 21 should avoid using medical Cannabis.
People who have a history of addiction or substance misuse.
People with lung disorders should avoid inhaling cannabis products.
Women who are Pregnant and Breastfeeding.