A study entitled "Medical Cannabis, Headaches, and Migraines: A Review of the Current Literature" that was published in the journal Cureus investigated the potential benefits of treating migraine headaches with medical cannabis. Reported the study, "The purpose of the review article is to document the validity of how medical cannabis can be utilized as an alternative therapy for migraine management."
"Cannabis has been used since ancient times for both medical and recreational use. Past research has shown that cannabis can be indicated for symptom management disorders, including cancer, chronic pain, headaches, migraines, and psychological disorders (anxiety, depression, and (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder)," reported the study.
The study's authors noted that the active compounds in cannabis "that modulate patients' perceptions of their conditions" include cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), flavonoids, and terpenes.
Not all research examined revealed positive efficacy for all study subjects. Adverse reactions to medical cannabis use included "dizziness, dry mouth or eyes, nausea, vomiting, and psychosis." Although some patients reported negative symptoms resulting from the consumption of cannabis, “patients have an overall favorable view of using medical cannabis along with or in place of medications." Overall, cannabis caused a "decrease in the frequency and duration of migraines."
This literature review study concluded that all of the studies that it examined revealed "encouraging data on medicinal cannabis's therapeutic effects on alleviating migraines." It found both short- and long-term benefits derived by those who use cannabis to treat headaches and migraines.
Among the specific benefits provided by cannabis was a reduction of daily analgesics (pain medication), a lowered dependence on these drugs, and—most importantly—a decrease in pain intensity. The study noted that some migraine patients "experienced a prolonged and persistent improvement in their health and well-being (both physically and mentally) after long-term use of medicinal cannabis" and that positive efficacy outweighed adverse effects.
The study's authors also reported that many medical providers and wellness practitioners "are hesitant to recommend medical cannabis due to a lack of current evidence, medical professional training, and uniform medical cannabis use guidelines."
The research noted that additional research is needed to determine the best delivery methods, dosing, and optimal cultivars ("strains") for the management of migraines and chronic headaches.
The study concluded, "While medical cannabis is in a 'disorganized realm' at the moment due to a lack of substantial research, medical provider education, and patient education, this field is evolving and expanding to provide up-to-date research for both patients and doctors."
by: Curt Robbins
