Marijuana and Migraines
Marijuana is one of the words people will whisper when you mention migraines. In places where it’s legal, marijuana can be an effective pain reliever. But how do you take it and does it work?
In this article
How exactly does marijuana work on pain?
OK, but does it actually work?
How do I get it?
What about CBD?
How exactly does marijuana work on pain?
Marijuana is chock of cannabinoids, a natural compound known to decrease pain and nausea (a frequent side effect of migraines). Cannabanoids attach to receptors in your brain that help your body manage pain. The body has cannabinoid receptors already, which means those helpful cannabinoids can slide right in.
OK, but does it actually work?
Studies are limited because of federal regulations and lack of funding, though more studies are on dock as marijuana becomes more widely legal. A promising study in 2017, however, showed a significant decrease in migraine pain when patients used marijuana in tablets (the kind prescribed by doctors). Side effects were also limited compared to other migraine pain drugs — just a little drowsiness.
How do I get it?
First, you need to know what the marijuana laws are like where you live. In some places, doctors can prescribe medical marijuana for migraines or other conditions, and in others, marijuana in all forms is legal and available for purchase at dispensaries. (In other places, no amount of marijuana is legal.) If you live in a place where medical marijuana is legal, your best bet is to ask your doctor about marijuana as treatment. Don’t feel like you’re drug seeking: many patients are prescribed medical marijuana for migraines, and in a place where it’s legal, this is a normal ask.
What about CBD?
You may have heard two terms thrown around when talking about marijuana for pain: THC and CBD. These are two different components within marijuana. THC is the compound often attributed to the “high” you get from marijuana. CBD is a different component purported to promote calm and relaxation without the high. CBD oil and other forms of CBD are legal and can be found in many co-ops or health food stores. Studies are limited on CBD for migraines.
Remember, when trying any new treatment for your migraines you want to: a) track the treatment alongside your triggers (in this app), and b) make sure your doctor knows everything you’re trying.
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