Medical Marijuana for Migraines
Cannabis has a variety of ingredients—called phytocannabinoids—that are unique to the plant. The benefits of cannabinoids are not fully known due to the restrictive research possible while the plant is listed as a Schedule I drug by the Drug Enforcement Agency. However, there have been some notable research from medical and academic institutions regardless.
Medical marijuana may be effective for treating migraines, according to several studies published by the National Institutes of Health. The studies took place in several countries from 2016 through 2022, and although they varied in results, the overarching question seems answered.
Starting with the 2016 study in Colorado, MMJ patients reported a decrease in the frequency of migraines experienced over 22 months from 85.1% of tested patients. A 2018 follow-up in the US of 505 headache patients (343 identified as migraines) demonstrated MMJ reduces nausea and vomiting, which helps migraine suffers rely less on prescription drugs like opioids.
This trend continued through seven more studies over the years, including a 2022 study of 1980 patients in the UK that found medical cannabis was 51% more effective than non-cannabis products in reducing the length a migraine lasts while significantly reducing the associated nausea and vomiting.
The results seem straightforward, but this doesn’t mean that it’s without risk. In fact, the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine reports overusing MMJ to treat migraines can lead to rebound headaches. You should not take medical marijuana for treatment of migraines if you are allergic to cannabis. Cannabis-related allergies can impact up to 10% of the population, and using MMJ for treatment while allergic is not recommended.
Medical marijuana may be highly useful in treating migraines (along with associated symptoms). Still, it’s essential to use in moderation and only as much as necessary to relieve the underlying issues.
Statements made regarding any products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or an alternative to information from healthcare practitioners. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.
