Migraines are not like a typical headache. They can last for days and cannot be managed with only paracetamol. Moreover, apart from intense head pain, migraines are also usually accompanied by nausea and light sensitivity. Research is continuously being done to find effective therapies for migraines since many anti-migraine medications have side effects. Since cannabis has been used to treat headaches for thousands of years, CBD Oil for migraine has recently captured the attention of scientists due to its therapeutic benefits.
Properties of CBD oil that can help treat migraines
CBD can help treat migraines because of the following properties:
- Pain relief
- Anti-inflammation
- Anti-nausea
- Anti-seizure
How can CBD oil treat chronic migraines?
Researchers believe that CBD attaches to specific receptors in the central nervous system known as serotonin receptors. Serotonin is a hormone responsible for influencing mood, well-being, pain, and sleep. Therefore, its ability to bind to serotonin receptors supports the possibility of helping with neuropathic pain, nausea, and vomiting, which can help treat chronic migraines.
Research on CBD oil for migraine treatment
Although studies have proved CBD’s therapeutic properties, research on CBD oil, typically for migraine treatment, is still on-going. However, some studies have shown promising results. A 2020 study conducted by Cuttler, Spradlin, Cleveland, and Craft investigated the ability of cannabis to reduce headaches and migraines. The study considered the effect of the CBD and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) content in decreasing migraines since THC, which is the most abundant component in the cannabis plant, is more known for its pain-relieving effects but comes with side effects. A significant reduction in headaches and migraines was observed after cannabis use. Moreover, there was no significant difference in pain reduction among cannabis strains having higher or lower THC and CBD levels.
Common ways to take CBD oil to treat chronic migraines
CBD oil is most commonly consumed in the following forms for its therapeutic benefits:
- Oil/tinctures – oils and tinctures are consumed sublingually, where you have to place the desired dose of CBD oil under the tongue to experience its effects.
- CBD vape oil – CBD vape oil can be inhaled using a vape pen.
- Edibles – CBD edibles consist of CBD infused gummies, chocolates, candies, or brownies.
The best way to consume CBD for migraines would be to use either oil/tinctures or CBD vape oil due to their rapid mechanism of action for instant pain relief. Edible CBD can take up to 2 hours to show effects.
Safety of CBD oil for treating chronic migraines
Most people are cautious of consuming CBD oil since it comes from the cannabis or marijuana plant, which has the reputation of producing psychoactive effects. However, the compound in the plant that produces the high feeling is the THC compound. CBD oil products are available without THC content or contain up to 0.2% of THC, which won’t make you high. Moreover, unlike THC, CBD is non-addictive. Therefore, CBD oil is safe for treating chronic migraines, and there is no harm in trying it out to see if it works for you.