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What Are Migraines?
In a simple sense, migraines are extremely bad headaches. But they don’t just make your head ache. This debilitating pain in the head can come with other symptoms that can make it extremely difficult to function in day-to-day life.
Other symptoms can include:
- Tiredness
- Craving foods or feeling thirsty
- Changes in your mood
- A stiff neck
- Peeing more
- Problems with your sight, such as seeing zigzag lines or flashing lights
- Numbness or a tingling that feels like pins and needles
- Feeling dizzy
- Difficulty speaking
There can also be four different types:
- Migraine without aura: comes with no warning signs
- Migraine with aura: Comes with warning signs like seeing zigzag lines, numbness, tingling, dizziness
- Migraine aura without headache (silent migraine): Symptoms include flashing lights, but no headache
- Hemiplegic migraine: A rare type of migraine that causes temporary paralysis or weakness on one side of the body, as well as other symptoms.
Migraines usually last between 2 hours and 3 days, and the frequency of them can also vary - some people have migraines several times a week, while others don’t have them often.
We’re not really sure what causes migraines, but we do know that you can be more likely to suffer from them if you have a close family member who does too. Some people also spot triggers - something they often do before getting a migraine. If you find one of the below to be a trigger for you, try and avoid it to see if that helps:
- Starting their period
- Anxiety and depression
- Stress and tiredness
- Skipping meals
- Caffeine
- Lack of exercise
Some research suggests that medicinal cannabis has the potential to possibly be effective for chronic pain management, including migraines. So, if you’re looking for an alternative pain management method, head to the Alternaleaf to see if you’re eligible. Simply start by completing our 30-second questionnaire.
We’re going to be looking at THC and CBD for migraines, the benefits of cannabis for migraine relief and some potential risks below.
Choosing the Right Cannabis Product for Migraine Relief
When it comes to medical cannabis, the way you consume is down to personal preference and your clinicians recommendation. They’ll advise a method of consumption based on your symptoms and condition, but they’ll also work with you to find what you’re comfortable with. Remember, you may not choose the right form at first, so speak to your clinician if you have any questions or preferences. Below we’ve got a brief explanation of different ways some people use cannabis for its potential relief:
- Vaping & Smoking: Inhaling provides rapid onset of effects, typically within minutes, making it suitable for immediate relief of symptoms such as pain. However, remember that smoking cannabis is illegal in the UK and could lead to lung damage. So, if your preferred method is inhalation, purchasing a vaporiser through a licensed clinic like Alternaleaf is the best solution.
- Cannabis Edibles & Capsules: Consuming cannabis-infused ‘edibles’, like pastilles, or soft gel capsules, results in slower onset of effects, which can take between 1 to 2 hours. This method is ideal for longer-lasting relief.
- CBD & THC Oils/Tinctures: Placing cannabis oil or tincture under the tongue provides a faster onset than edibles, usually within 15 to 30 minutes, and, like edible options, relief tends to last longer than they do for inhaling.
- Cannabis Topicals (Creams, Balms, Patches): Applying cannabis-infused products directly to the skin targets localised pain and inflammation. This method does not produce psychoactive effects. Please note, you should only ever apply a medication topically if it has been advised by your doctor. The majority of medical cannabis products available for prescription are for consumption via inhalation or sublingually only. There are currently no topical products available for prescription at the time of writing this article.
When it comes to cannabis for migraines, the strain and THC/CBD content can vary from person to person. From personal factors such as your past use, physiology and health condition, to you as an individual, this really can be completely different for everyone. It can also change depending on the severity of your migraine which can change with occasion. It’s best to speak to your clinician about strain and dosage. They’ll take all of the above into account, as well as your own preferences and opinion.
And remember you may not get it right the first time. Medical cannabis can affect everyone differently. And just because someone you know has a certain experience, doesn't mean the same will happen to you. Your body, and everyone else's, is different.
CBD vs. THC for Migraines and Relief
Often hailed anecdotally by some as a ‘cure’, studies are underway to prove the extent to which medical cannabis may help treat migraines.
Let’s start with the endocannabinoid system, or the ECS, a messenger and receptor system that is integral to homeostasis (the management of balance) within the human body. The ECS influences and modulates pretty much every single function within your body, directing, correcting and managing your overall health, as well as regulating pain.
One of the core components of the ECS are the cannabinoid receptors, which includes CB1 and CB2. They’re one of the main reasons behind why medical cannabis works so positively on so many different conditions. Many experts believe that, by consuming compounds like CBD or THC, it’s possible to interact with these receptors in the body.
The cannabis plant produces over 100 cannabinoids, or compounds, and two of these are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t make you feel ‘high’. THC is psychoactive, so can be behind that ‘high’ feeling recreational cannabis use is sometimes associated with.
Some very new research found that a mix of THC and CBD is especially effective at easing migraine pain. And even better, the benefits were felt for 48 hours, with no negative side effects.
Perhaps instead of looking at these two compounds against each other, we should be looking at how they can work together. Because sometimes, both may play a lead role on certain health conditions due to a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.
Side effects and Risks
Every medication comes with potential side effects, and medical cannabis is no different. However, serious side effects are uncommon and can vary depending on personal factors such as your past use, physiology and health condition, as well as consumption method (for example oil, vaporiser, edible), and THC and CBD content.
Don’t worry too much, and if you’re ever worried, speak to your doctor. They’ll explain everything in detail ahead of prescribing any medication. But, some potential risks and side effects to keep in mind include:
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in weight
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Dry Mouth
- Increased Appetite
- Psychoactive Effects. However, the ‘high’ feeling cannabis can be associated with is much more controlled with medical cannabis.
Also keep in mind that medical cannabis could potentially interact with other medications. If you’re ever unsure, it’s best to speak to your Doctor or clinician.
Summary
So, can medical cannabis help with migraines?
When it comes to using marijuana for migraines (also known as cannabis or medical cannabis) there’s some evidence to suggest it may help to reduce frequency and duration. But whilst there’s some evidence to support the potential benefits, a lot more research is needed. And it’s always important to speak to your Doctor or clinician to discover what works best for you. This includes strain, frequency of use, and whether medical cannabis is even right for you or not.
If you have any questions, or want to learn more about medical cannabis and the potential benefits, head to the Alternaleaf website. Medical cannabis can be prescribed for 50+ conditions, so it may be worth completing our 30-second eligibility questionnaire, even if it’s not migraines you suffer from.