WHAT ARE MIGRAINES AND WHAT CAUSE THEM
People with migraines struggle with headaches that can often be completely debilitating. Along with the trademark headache, migraines often bring excessive sensitivity to light and sound, and nausea and vomiting quite often occur. Migraine can also result in disorientation and coordination problems. Although rare, in very severe cases, a migraine attack can even cause temporary paralysis or loss of consciousness. Symptoms usually last for several hours and in some cases up to several days. For those with migraines, the condition can be relentless, and often means a severe deterioration in quality of life
Although migraines are quite common, science knows surprisingly little about the exact causes of the condition. The general assumption today is that various physiological and environmental factors trigger the symptoms.
What we do know, is that migraines most likely occur somewhere in the brainstem and nervous system, which interacts with the trigeminal nerve, the largest cranial nerve that regulates pain, motor control, and the pain signal on the face. Migraine triggers can potentially activate ‘trigeminal nerve neurons’, thereby affecting the dilation of cerebral vessels, which in turn activates receptors for pain and inflammation. Some medical experts believe that migraines can also be caused by an upset in the levels of serotonin in the body - a chemical found in the body that plays a role in pain perception. Moreover, it is possible that some people are more genetically predisposed to the condition than others.
HOW CANNABIS WORKS IN THE BODY
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is found within the human body. It is a biological system that consists of both endocannabinoids (these are cannabinoids produced by the body that bind to cannabinoid receptors) and cannabinoid receptor proteins (these are found in the central nervous system and brain). The endocannabinoid system plays an important role in the regulation of many bodily functions, such as pain, digestion, appetite, and mood.
Research shows that phytocannabinoids in plants, such as THC and CBD, also bind to (or otherwise affect) these receptors in our body - just as endocannabinoids do. This suggests that compounds in cannabis affect the regulation of ECS for bodily functions, including analgesia..
STUDIES ON THE EFFICACY OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA ON MIGRAINE
The field of research on the medical use of cannabis is, relatively speaking, still quite new. However, with changes in the laws governing medical cannabis use, we are seeing an increasing amount of research on medical cannabis and its effects, including research into how it can help migraines.
A retrospective analysis of the effects of cannabis on migraine patients was published in 2016. The researchers studied 121 adults with migraine headaches whose doctor recommended either a typical migraine medication or medical cannabis.
The researchers found that medical cannabis was able to significantly reduce the number of migraine attacks, from 10.4 to 4.6 per month. However, it has been acknowledged that further studies will be needed to highlight the exact causal relationship between migraine and medical cannabis. Research on different strains, compositions, and doses of marijuana has been suggested to better understand its effects on the treatment and prevention of migraine.
In a group of 48 people with chronic migraines, the researchers administered different doses of a solution containing THC and CBD, the two main active cannabinoids in cannabis. It was found that at an oral dose of 200mg, acute migraine pain was reduced by 55%, a result similar to that in the study mentioned above. On average, patients had a 40% reduction in their monthly migraine attacks and an approximately 43% reduction in pain intensity. In addition to the reduction in the incidence of migraine, many patients also mentioned other beneficial effects, such as a reduction in muscle pain and stomach pain.
VAPING CANNABIS: A BETTER OPTION FOR MIGRAINE
Vaping cannabis not only helps with the headache itself, but can also relieve nausea and other related migraine symptoms. The relaxing effects of cannabis are also beneficial, as stress is also thought to play a role in triggering and exacerbating migraines.
CANNABIS STRAINS CAN HELP REDUCE MIGRAINE
Nowadays, medical cannabis users and recreational enthusiasts alike can choose from a wide variety of cannabis strains available. These strains not only vary in taste and smell, but also contain varying concentrations of cannabinoids and terpenes. Here is a list of cannabis strains that can help treat migraine symptoms.
OG KUSH
OG Kush is a classic strain that is still a favourite of many cannabis users. Dedicated fans love the very intense smoke of the bud, with its typical OG dullness and slight citrus punch. This 75% indica has huge potential; its effect is to relax the body and mind in an extraordinary way. That also makes this iconic West Coast strain a favourite of medical cannabis users who are looking to alleviate the various symptoms of migraines.
WHITE WIDOW
White Widow, named as such for its beautiful crisp white trichomes, is one of the world’s legendary cannabis strains. Many people believe that this balanced 50/50 indica / sativa hybrid is one of the best and most even varieties for growing and smoking. It causes a phenomenally strong, almost psychedelic brain high, but is also incredibly relaxing. The taste is fresh and clean with pine and citrus notes. With a THC content of 19%, White Widow may be a good choice for alleviating impending migraines.
CHOCOLATE HAZE
The popular Chocolate Haze is an almost pure (95%) sativa that is perfect for anyone suffering from diseases such as arthritis, muscle aches, stress and migraines. Its effect is extremely powerful, yet pleasantly uplifting and cerebral. Due to its sunny and cheerful atmosphere, Chocolate Haze is also a good choice for those who want to be in a good mood. It pampers you with a distinctive chocolate flavour that blends with sweet and earthy notes.
SOUR DIESEL
Sour Diesel is one of the world’s most famous and favoured strains, and not just because of the unique taste that so many cannabis fans love. Hailing from sunny California, the predominantly sativa hybrid exudes fantastically strong and very aromatic smoke, in which its branded diesel notes blend with herbal and sour flavours. With a THC of 19%, it provides body highs that are great for relieving headaches and relieving stress.
GREEN CRACK PUNCH
Green Crack Punch is a truly special strain of cannabis. A blend of Green Crack, a strain known for its uplifting and energetic effects, and Purple Punch, which in itself makes a huge impact, Green Crack Punch is a very relaxing indica heavy variety. The combination of these two strains produces a fantastic effect. You feel motivated and energetic whilst relaxing your body from head to toe. With its powerful effect (up to 20% THC), this 60% indica is an ideal choice for users who require a flexible variety of cannabis to use during the day.
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