Sometimes, you can feel it coming. You might notice subtle changes, such as mood shifts, stiffness in your neck, or more frequent yawning. Other times, it hits you seemingly out of the blue.
Whether you have time to prepare or not, there’s no denying that a migraine attack can be rough. The pain can last for hours — even days — and be so severe that it interferes with your ability to perform daily activities.
While there isn’t a cure for migraines, there are treatments available to help you manage and prevent them. In more recent years, there’s been a growing interest in using medical cannabis. But can using cannabis for migraines bring relief?
Here’s what you need to know.
What Causes Migraines?
Approximately 39 million Americans — and one billion people worldwide — experience migraines. Although the exact causes aren’t currently fully understood, we do know there are several potential “migraine triggers” that could cause an attack:
- Hormonal changes. Women are three times more likely than men to experience migraines. Fluctuations in estrogen levels throughout the month and during different life stages may play a role.
- Stress. Stress is one of the most commonly reported migraine triggers. It can also contribute to other potential causes, such as poor sleep.
- Physical strain. Overexertion during exercise or other physical activities may aggravate migraine symptoms. Some research suggests this could be due to an increase in pro-inflammatory substances in the brain.
- Certain medications. Prescription medications, such as oral contraceptives and vasodilators, can cause migraine headaches to occur.
- Certain foods and beverages. Some people are more likely to suffer migraines after ingesting caffeine, alcohol, too much salt, or highly processed foods. Dehydration, poor nutrition, and skipping meals may also contribute.
- External stimuli. Strong odors, loud noises, and flashing lights could trigger migraines.
- Weather changes. Some individuals with migraines may be more sensitive to changes in the weather. Shifts in barometric pressure, extreme heat or cold, high humidity, and dry air could prompt symptoms to occur.
- Changes in sleep patterns. You may be more likely to experience migraine symptoms if you get too little or too much sleep.
Can You Treat Migraines With Cannabis?
Current treatments for migraines aim to manage symptoms and prevent future attacks. For instance, over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers — as well as medications such as anti-nausea drugs — can help alleviate symptoms during an attack.
Preventatives include blood pressure medications, anti-depressants, Botox injections, and migraine-specific medications. These options help reduce migraine frequency, severity, and length. Lifestyle changes, stress management, and trigger avoidance may also help.
Cannabis could offer another option. Although limited, the available research is promising. A 2019 study found that inhaled cannabis reduces self-reported migraine severity by about 50%. An earlier assessment from 2016 found that medical cannabis use helped to decrease migraine frequency from 10.4 to 4.6 headaches per month.
A more recent publication from 2022 also shows promising evidence for the use of cannabis for migraines. In their review of 12 studies, researchers found medical cannabis may reduce both the frequency and length of migraine headaches. Additionally, it could help alleviate migraine-related nausea and vomiting. In short, researchers discovered that cannabis could have a beneficial effect on the onset and duration of migraines in adults.
Cannabis could offer additional benefits when it comes to migraine triggers, too. For example, cannabinoids in the plant may help reduce anxiety and lower stress levels. Medical cannabis could also provide insomnia relief — and, therefore, migraine relief — by helping you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Tips for Using Cannabis for Migraines
Are you interested in trying medical cannabis to treat and prevent migraines? Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Choose High-Quality Products
When it comes to using cannabis for any ailment, quality matters. One of the best ways to ensure you’re purchasing the best products is to shop at a reputable dispensary.
Stores like VidaCann sell only the highest-quality cannabis from top brands in the industry. A little online research can help point you in the right direction.
Consider Your Needs and Preferences
The best methods of cannabis consumption are unique to your needs. Take some time to read labels before you purchase any products and consider your preferences.
If you want to be more discreet with your cannabis use, you might consider edibles or tablets. If you’re looking for rapid symptom relief, you may want to try inhalation methods, such as flowers or vapes.
Start Small
Your ideal cannabis dose depends on many factors. Start with a small amount of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) — around one to two mg — and see how you feel.
You can then gradually adjust the amount you take until you find what provides you with the best results. Be sure to give yourself time between doses to avoid the potentially unpleasant side effects of too much THC in your system at once.
Ask for Help
Never be afraid to ask for assistance. The best dispensaries employ friendly, knowledgeable budtenders who will work with you to find the best products — and product types — for your needs. They’re more than happy to help you understand your options, offer personalized recommendations, and provide additional advice.
Consult With Your Healthcare Provider
Finally, be sure to speak with a qualified healthcare provider. Your doctor can go over your health and migraine history to help you determine if cannabis is a good option for you.
If your healthcare provider determines you’re eligible for medical cannabis, they’ll register you in the Medical Marijuana Use Registry. They can also provide you with a recommendation. Once you apply for your medical cannabis ID card, you can make your recommended purchase at your chosen medical dispensary.
Find Migraine Relief With VidaCann
Migraines can be brutal, but cannabis may offer some relief. VidcaCann is here to help. With an array of the highest-quality Florida cannabis from the best brands and a variety of product types to choose from, you’re sure to find just what you need to help you manage and prevent your migraine attacks.
Visit VidaCann online today to learn more, or find your nearest dispensary and check us out in person!
