How Can Medical Marijuana Help Migraine Patients?

Migraines are pulsating, throbbing headaches that occur continuously. Dealing with these symptoms can be difficult, and they can affect every corner of a patient’s life. Doctors prescribe various medications for migraine treatment, but they may lead to certain side-effects or may worsen the condition as well. Marijuana’s ultimate medicinal properties can help in treating migraines. According to medical experts, the herb contains over 100 cannabinoids, which bind to the body’s endocannabinoid system, thus managing pain and other symptoms.

How Does Medical Cannabis Work For Migraine Patients?

The human brain contains a wide range of cannabinoid receptors, which are responsible for transmitting pain signals. A marijuana plant contains natural cannabinoids, which when consumed bind to the receptors, thus calming down pain signals.

Cannabis’ cannabinoids can also help in treating a wide range of mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and Alzheimer’s disease. In the United States, medical marijuana is legal in 33 states including California. To buy, possess, and smoke the herb, you need a medical marijuana card San Francisco from a licensed doctor.

THC and CBD are the two important cannabinoids in cannabis, which possess medicinal properties. THC is a psychoactive compound responsible for causing high effects. Some studies on CBD show that it can help in treating all sorts of pains including migraines.

A study at the University of Colorado analyzed the effectiveness of cannabis on 121 patients with migraine headaches. The participants were given marijuana daily. The researchers found that about 40% of them reported the reduction of headaches by half each month.

Participants used different marijuana consumption methods—most of them inhaled it, which helped to stop the pain. Edibles didn’t work well for reducing pain. Additionally, those who inhaled/smoked cannabis reported fewer negative effects.

A 2008 study performed on 2032 patients with migraine, headache, chronic pain and arthritis reported that most of them were able to replace prescription medications with medical marijuana. Also, according to the Journal of American Medical Association, in the medical marijuana legalized states, there has been a reduction of 25% opioid-related overdose/deaths compared to states where cannabis isn’t legal.

Different Methods of Cannabis Consumption

• Smoking

It’s the most common marijuana consumption method, which delivers quick effects. However, when you smoke it, carcinogenic substances are inhaled, which can cause lung issues. So, to get rid of the negative effects of smoking, you can choose healthier alternatives to consume the herb.

• Vaping

Vaping involves heating marijuana where cannabinoid vapors can be inhaled. In this, cannabinoids are heated below the point, which produces smoke and respiratory toxins. It delivers quick effects like smoking.

• Sprays

Nasal and mouth sprays containing cannabis can be used for receiving the medicinal benefits of the herb.

• Oils/Tinctures

It involves putting a few drops of the cannabis oil and getting its medicinal benefits

• Edibles

Edibles are cannabis-infused foods such as candies, brownies, and other baked products. Unlike smoking, edibles don’t deliver immediate effects and may take about 1-2 hours. Secondly, its effects can last longer.

• Teas

Delivering cannabis into your body through cannabis teas and other drinks.

• Pills

These are capsules containing cannabis oil. Marijuana pills are available at medical dispensaries, and they’re made using raw cannabis extracts from the plant.

Everyone has a different condition, and require different treatment. To alleviate your symptoms completely, you should choose the right consumption method, dosage, and strain based on your condition.

In the United States, migraine headaches are common affecting millions of people. Although there’s a wide range of prescription medications for migraine treatment, medical marijuana can also help in reducing migraine headaches. The herb contains cannabinoids, which bind to the receptors present in the brain, thus reducing pain. Some of the best strains for migraine patients are—Chocolate Haze, OG Kush, White Widow, Sour Diesel, and Green Punch. Talk to a licensed doctor to apply for your medical marijuana card San Francisco.