Cannabis May Relieve Migraines, According to a New Study

Everyone has experienced that extremely unpleasant and stressful sensation of having a migraine. A migraine manifests as localized pain in the head. It strikes without warning and causes unbearable headaches. This neurological disorder affects millions of people worldwide. For some individuals, migraines are chronic and occur repeatedly throughout the same day. Nearly 15% of the world’s population is affected by them. 

Unfortunately, if you’re reading this article, you’re probably one of them. Have you tried dozens of treatments without success, and are you on the verge of losing hope? Rest assured! There are natural solutions to combat this condition. Among these options is cannabis! Despite all the skepticism surrounding this plant, some researchers have looked into the subject. In this article, you’ll gain a new perspective on cannabis. A recent study on the impact of cannabis use for migraine relief will help you better understand our point.

The word “migraine” originally conveyed a sense of frustration. Already in use in the 12th century, “migraine” referred to a headache accompanied by certain symptoms. In ancient times, scientists referred to migraines as a disease of the bourgeoisie, intellectuals, and the like. They considered this condition to be one affecting only those who were out of the ordinary. Today, however, this stereotype has been dispelled, as almost anyone can suffer from migraine attacks. In fact, nearly 15% of the world’s population is affected.
 

In fact, migraine is a chronic condition caused by abnormal neuronal excitability. This can be linked to either environmental factors or a person’s genetic factors. With one in four people suffering from chronic migraines, the impact on social and economic life is immediate. 

That is why many people are seeking conventional treatments to alleviate it. However, according to a 2020 report, up to 60% of them are unable to find the relief they need from this condition. But with the growing popularity of medical cannabis on the market and its potential health benefits, numerous studies have emerged suggesting that this plant may be a better natural alternative to certain migraine treatments.

To this day, cannabis continues to spark heated debates among its advocates and critics alike. These debates involve both political and public figures. All the commotion surrounding this highly controversial topic has piqued the curiosity of the scientific community. Scientists from all over the world have been studying the potential effects of CBD on humans. At first, researchers were skeptical and attributed its effects to the placebo effect. However, global trends in cannabis legislation are changing very rapidly. Some countries have already stated their intention to legalize cannabis within their borders, subject to certain conditions. As a result, there are restrictions in place, whether for medical or recreational cannabis. 

What makes cannabis so controversial is, above all, the impact its legalization would have on public health. Other aspects of community life are also being disrupted, such as drug laws, the economic potential of the cannabis market, and patients’ rights. These arguments sometimes support cannabis and sometimes oppose it. It is difficult to reach a definitive conclusion on the matter, given how sensitive the issue is. Even amid this complex context, scientists have put forward their hypotheses. 

Aside from research on medical conditions such as epilepsy and degenerative diseases, migraine disorders have received particular attention. This raises the question: Is cannabis a natural alternative for treating migraines? This condition affects millions of people worldwide. While the causes and origins are varied, the symptoms and manifestations remain consistent. 
 

People who suffer from migraines experience intense pain in their heads. This pain intensifies and disrupts the sufferer’s life for hours on end, without respite. Finding the right treatment and remedy can be a real ordeal. That is why considering cannabis as a natural solution, free of side effects, would be a very welcome option. 

In the journal *Neurology Today*, researchers published a very interesting study on the subject. Based on preliminary results, they concluded that cannabis could be a viable treatment for migraines. But how did they reach this conclusion? It appears that active compounds known as CBD and THC act directly on the endocannabinoid system. This system is responsible for regulating essential functions such as pain management. 

This is a single-center trial led by Thomas R. Collins at the University of California, San Diego. In this study, 678 patients aged 21 to 65 were screened, of whom 247 had a history of migraines. To qualify for the study, participants had to confirm that they had never used cannabis and experienced at least one migraine per month. 

The goal of this brainstorming session is to use various statistical variables to quantitatively and qualitatively test the hypothesis that cannabis may be a solution for migraines.

To do this, samples containing the plant’s main components—CBD and THC—will need to be analyzed. Specific variables and criteria were carefully evaluated. These include the impact of cannabis use on the intensity, frequency, and severity of migraines among the study sample.

Thus, they closely monitored the behavior of the volunteers participating in the experiment over a specific period. By observing the changes taking place in the patients, they were able to arrive at more objective interpretations. The participants then answered pre-prepared questions to share their personal feelings and feedback regarding the tests. To make the experience more enriching, the researchers tested different varieties of cannabis.

Are you familiar with the double-blind crossover study design? It’s much less complicated than it seems. Study participants receive different types of treatment at different time points. Initially, a typical volunteer receives Protocol 1 for the first period and Protocol 2 for the next period. At each interval, administration is intentionally paused to allow the current treatment to clear the patient’s system. 

In the most severe cases—involving up to four episodes per day—each participant received delayed treatment. Treatment options consisted primarily of a dose of CBD and THC via vaporization, a dose of each, and finally a neutral mixture containing no specific components. To ensure the study’s objectivity, each item had the same taste, texture, and smell.

By comparing the various approaches and protocols used, the researchers were able to obtain more reliable and relevant results.

The study’s initial findings are promising. First, it is important to note that after each treatment, participants were asked to respond objectively and spontaneously to a series of carefully designed questionnaires. In these questionnaires, they explicitly described their symptoms two hours after taking the treatment. As a result, the researchers identified three significant findings: 

• 62% of the volunteers reported a significant reduction in pain intensity during attacks;

• 36% of participants who received the CBD and THC dose reported that their symptoms had disappeared;

• 68% of patients who received the THC/CBD solution via vaporization reported a reduction in pain compared to those who took the placebo.

In general, all patients who took the CBD/THC combination were able to manage their migraines more effectively than those who took only CBD or THC. Thus, these results demonstrate, within the context of the study, that combining CBD with THC may have positive effects on migraine relief.

Traditional migraine treatments, just like cannabis, are not foolproof and have drawbacks that we do not yet fully understand. Side effects exist, but they pose no real risk. In fact, with cannabis—particularly CBD—these risks are minimal, and according to participants, these effects are entirely tolerable. They do not interfere with daily life.

However, in France, the use of CBD and THC is completely legal, provided that the THC content does not exceed 0.3% and that the cannabis plant is listed in the official catalog of authorized plant species and varieties. So, if you suffer from chronic migraines, give it a try and see for yourself whether using CBD and THC together is effective against migraines.