intensity, and relief of most bothersome symptom (MBS) for those with migraine headache,”
39 Million Americans Suffer from Migraines, But Cannabis May Provide Relief
It’s a staggering statistic: 39 million Americans are living with migraines. And that number is likely even higher due to a lack of proper diagnosis and treatment. Those who experience migraines know just how debilitating they can be, especially for those who suffer from them regularly.
But there may be hope on the horizon for migraine sufferers. Cannabis, already known for its medicinal properties, is gaining attention as a potential treatment for migraines. In fact, it’s even listed as a qualifying condition for medical programs in several states. However, there is still much to learn about the relationship between cannabis and migraines.
A recent pilot study, published on medRxiv, delved deeper into this topic and found that a combination of CBD and THC, inhaled through flower, may be the key to providing relief for migraines. While the data has not yet been peer reviewed, the results are promising.
The study’s authors note that previous studies have suggested that cannabinoids could be effective in treating migraines, but there have been no randomized clinical trials to confirm this. They also point out the prevalence of traditional treatments for migraines, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, but note that these often have low rates of success and high rates of discontinuation.
To further explore the potential benefits of cannabis for migraines, researchers from the University of California, San Diego conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial. This was the first study of its kind. The trial involved 92 participants with persistent migraines.
Participants were randomly assigned to one of four cannabis chemotypes: 6% THC, 11% CBD, a combination of 6% THC and 11% CBD, or a placebo. When a migraine attack occurred, participants were instructed to use a smartphone app to determine if they met the criteria for cannabis administration. If they did, they were instructed to vaporize the cannabis and inhale for five seconds, hold their breath for 10 seconds, and then wait 45 seconds before repeating the process four times. The app also prompted participants to complete surveys at one, two, 24, and 48 hours after using the cannabis to assess its effectiveness.
The results of the study showed that the vaporized cannabis containing both THC and CBD was the most effective in treating migraines. It also found that this combination was superior to the placebo in relieving migraine-related light and sound sensitivity.
In conclusion, the study suggests that vaporized cannabis with a 6% THC and 11% CBD blend may be a promising treatment option for those suffering from migraines. So, for those who have been searching for relief, it may be time to consider giving cannabis a try.
