If you are someone who suffers from migraines, you know how debilitating these severe headaches can be. Many people who suffer from migraines have difficulty working, interacting with others or even being in a room with too much light. It is estimated that about 13% of people in North America suffer from chronic migraines. While over the counter drugs can help, there is concern about the long-term health consequences that drugs such as NSAIDs can have. It is no wonder then, that so many migraine sufferers are turning to other options such as cannabis.
Cannabis has long been used by individuals looking to treat their pain, but it was not until about two years ago that a scientific study was done to help begin to inform the medical community about the effects of cannabis on headaches and migraines.
What does the research say about cannabis and migraines?
A study from the University of Colorado conducted in 2016 found encouraging results about the effects of cannabis on migraine sufferers. The study involved 121 participants and some of the highlights were:
- Cannabis treatment resulted in a decrease in the average number of monthly migraines from 10.4 to 4.6 with 85% of participants reporting that they had fewer migraines.
- Close to 40% of the subjects reported positive results.
- 8% of participants reported that the use of medical marijuana helped to prevent their migraines.
- 6% of participants said that medical marijuana helps to stop their migraines.
- 12% of participants reported that they experienced no change in their migraines when using medical marijuana.
What forms of cannabis are the most effective in treating migraines?
In the Colorado study, it was found that the most effective form of cannabis consumption for treating migraines was inhalation.
Is cannabis the right treatment for your migraines?
It is important to remember that cannabis affects different people in different ways, so it may not be the right treatment for everyone. Therefore, if you are seeking cannabis as a solution to your migraines, you should do so only with prescribed medical cannabis rather than trying to self-treat with recreational cannabis.
If you suffer from migraines and would like to find out whether medical cannabis can help your symptoms, schedule a consultation at a medical clinic that specializes in cannabis treatment programs, like CannaWay. Here you will be assessed by a physician and given a medical document if deemed appropriate, making you eligible for medical cannabis. Our counsellors assist with the rest of the process; teaching patients how to ingest cannabis appropriately and how to order regularly.
