Cannabis and Migraines
Migraines are a type of headache that can cause intense pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. They affect millions of people worldwide, and for some, they can be debilitating, making it difficult to carry out daily activities. Traditional treatment options for migraines include over-the-counter painkillers, prescription medications, and lifestyle changes. However, many people are turning to cannabis as an alternative treatment option for migraines. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of cannabis for migraines and the best cannabis products to alleviate migraine symptoms.
Can Cannabis Help With Migraines?
Research has shown that cannabis may be an effective treatment option for migraines. THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, has been found to reduce the intensity of migraines and the frequency of migraine attacks. Additionally, CBD, another compound found in cannabis, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help alleviate pain associated with migraines.
A study published in the Journal of Pain in 2017 found that medical cannabis use resulted in a significant decrease in the number of monthly migraines, as well as a reduction in migraine severity. Another study published in the European Journal of Pain found that cannabis use reduced the intensity of migraine pain by approximately 43%.
How Does Cannabis Help Migraines?
The exact mechanism by which cannabis helps migraines is not yet fully understood. However, it is believed that the cannabinoids in cannabis interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in pain perception, inflammation, and other bodily functions.
THC has been found to have a pain-relieving effect on the body, as it binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and nervous system. CBD, on the other hand, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce the inflammation associated with migraines.
Benefits of Medical Cannabis
Medical cannabis has several benefits over traditional migraine treatments. First, it has fewer side effects than prescription medications. Many prescription migraine medications can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and other unpleasant side effects. Medical cannabis, on the other hand, has few reported side effects and is generally well-tolerated.
Second, medical cannabis may be more effective at treating migraines than traditional medications. While over-the-counter painkillers and prescription medications can help alleviate migraine symptoms, they do not work for everyone. Medical cannabis, however, has been shown to be effective for a large percentage of migraine sufferers.
THC and Headache Relief
THC has been shown to be effective at relieving headache pain. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Pain found that medical cannabis use resulted in a significant decrease in headache pain. Additionally, THC has been found to have a muscle-relaxing effect, which may help alleviate tension headaches.
It is worth noting that THC can cause psychoactive effects, such as feelings of euphoria or altered perception. Therefore, it is important to start with a low dose of THC and to use it under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
What Cannabis Products Are Best for Migraines?
There are several different cannabis products that may be effective at treating migraines. These include:
- Cannabis Flower – Smoking or vaping cannabis flower can provide fast relief for migraine symptoms. Indica strains, which are known for their relaxing and sedative effects, may be particularly effective at relieving migraine pain.
- Marijuana Edibles – Edibles are a popular choice for people who prefer not to smoke or vape cannabis. Edibles take longer to take effect than smoking or vaping, but the effects can last longer. It is important to start with a low dose of edibles, as the effects can be more potent than smoking or vaping.
- THC and CBD Topicals – Cannabis-infused creams and balms can be applied topically to the skin and may provide relief for migraine-related pain and inflammation. Topicals work by binding with cannabinoid receptors in the skin and muscles, providing localized relief.
- Cannabis Tinctures – Tinctures are liquid cannabis extracts that are usually taken sublingually, or under the tongue. Tinctures provide a fast-acting, discreet method of cannabis consumption and can be useful for treating sudden onset migraine symptoms.
When choosing a cannabis product for migraines, it is important to consider the THC and CBD content, as well as the method of consumption. Some people may prefer higher THC strains, while others may prefer a more balanced THC and CBD ratio. Additionally, some methods of consumption may be more effective for certain individuals.
Which Cannabis Strains Are Best for Migraines?
Here are some strains that are commonly recommended for migraine relief based on their reported effects:
Harlequin
Harlequin is a sativa-dominant strain that is known for its high CBD content. This strain has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making it potentially effective for reducing migraine-related pain and inflammation. Additionally, the high CBD content in Harlequin may help to counteract the psychoactive effects of THC.
Cannatonic
Cannatonic is a hybrid strain that is known for its balanced THC and CBD content. This strain has been reported to have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, making it potentially effective for reducing migraine symptoms. Additionally, the balanced THC and CBD content in Cannatonic may help to provide relief without causing the psychoactive effects associated with high-THC strains.
ACDC
ACDC is a sativa-dominant strain that is known for its high CBD content and low THC content. This strain has been reported to have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, making it potentially effective for reducing migraine symptoms. Additionally, the low THC content in ACDC may help to provide relief without causing the psychoactive effects associated with high-THC strains.
Blue Dream
Blue Dream is a hybrid strain that is known for its high THC content. This strain has been reported to have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, making it potentially effective for reducing migraine-related pain and inflammation. Additionally, the high THC content in Blue Dream may help to provide relief from migraine symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting.
Girl Scout Cookies
Girl Scout Cookies is a hybrid strain that is known for its high THC content. This strain has been reported to have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, making it potentially effective for reducing migraine-related pain and inflammation. Additionally, the high THC content in Girl Scout Cookies may help to provide relief from migraine symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting.
What Terpenes Help with Migraines?
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to which terpenes are best for migraines, some terpenes have been found to have potential benefits for migraine sufferers.
One of the most common terpenes associated with migraine relief is myrcene. Myrcene is found in high levels in many strains of cannabis and has been found to have sedative and muscle-relaxing properties. These properties can be helpful for relieving tension headaches, which are a common type of migraine.
Another terpene that may be beneficial for migraine relief is limonene. Limonene is commonly found in citrus fruits and has been found to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. These properties can be helpful for reducing inflammation and pain associated with migraines.
Beta-caryophyllene is another terpene that may be beneficial for migraine relief. Beta-caryophyllene is found in many spices, including black pepper, and has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties. This can be helpful for reducing inflammation associated with migraines.
It is important to note that the effects of terpenes on migraines may vary from person to person. Additionally, terpenes are not the only factor to consider when choosing a cannabis product for migraines. THC and CBD content, as well as the method of consumption, are also important factors to consider.
Conclusion
While traditional migraine treatments can be effective for some, many people are turning to cannabis as a natural alternative. THC and CBD, the main compounds in cannabis, have been found to have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, making them potentially effective for treating migraine symptoms. When choosing a cannabis product for migraines, it is important to consider the THC and CBD content, as well as the method of consumption. Inyo Las Vegas Dispensary offers a wide variety of high-quality cannabis products, including flower, edibles, topicals, and tinctures, to help alleviate migraine symptoms. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Come to the Best Las Vegas Dispensary, Inyo Fine Cannabis Dispensary
If you suffer from migraines and are interested in exploring the potential benefits of medical cannabis, Inyo Las Vegas Dispensary is here to help. We offer a wide range of high-quality cannabis products to help alleviate migraine symptoms, including flower, edibles, topicals, and tinctures. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff can help you choose the best product for your needs.
Come visit us today and experience the best Las Vegas dispensary with the best deals around. Our hours of operation are 8am to 10pm every day, and our phone number is 702-707-8888. Don’t let migraines hold you back any longer – let Inyo Fine Cannabis help you find the relief you need.
