The use of Cannabidiol (CBD) as a health supplement has grown immensely in recent years. The newly relaxed legal status surrounding both cannabis and CBD has contributed to an expanding body of research that shows substantial evidence the naturally occurring compound CBD could help reduce body inflammation.
But can CBD help ease the neurological discomfort associated with migraines? Recent studies suggest it could, and those suffering from this difficult-to-treat condition have duly taken notice [1]. Migraine attacks exceed the effects and stress of a typical headache, and a single episode can last for several days. Chronic migraine attacks can significantly impact one’s quality of life. Migraines often make even the most mundane activities, such as moving around the house and performing routine functions, a challenge.
Migraine patients can access several traditional pain medications to relieve their symptoms temporarily, but they’re not without side effects. Those who do struggle with the side effects of pharmaceutical pain medication have been turning to CBD as a possible natural pain reliever in increasing numbers. According to Medical News Today, over 15% of US adults have experienced a severe headache within the last 90 days [2].
This figure is hardly insignificant, and if CDB displays the potential to relieve migraine symptoms without negative side effects, the subject undeniably warrants further investigation. Now, let’s have a closer look at some of the latest research findings below.
What Does the Current Research on CBD and Migraines Tell Us?
While new studies continue to emerge, high-quality research on CBD remains limited. The most recent inquiries into migraine headaches and the medical properties of cannabinoids from the Journal of Head and Face Pain explore the combined effects of both CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the cannabinoid associated with getting recreational cannabis users high. However, there’s an ostensible lack of research that isolates the specific effects CBD might have on migraine symptoms, and the existing studies are less than compelling [3].
In 2017, medical cannabis researchers presented their findings on cannabinoids and migraine relief at the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) [4]. The initial phase of their study included a control group of 48 subjects who suffered from either chronic or acute pain associated with migraines. They were orally administered two trial dosages that contained two cannabis sativa compounds. The two dosages combined contained 19% THC and 9% of the CBD compound, containing essentially no THC.
The initial doses were 100 milligrams (mg), and they were found to have no impact on the users’ migraine symptoms. As researchers upped the dosages to 200 mg, the trial participants reported that their acute pain was reduced by as much as 55%.
The second phase of the study focused on patients with cluster headaches, an extremely painful type of migraine that presents in clusters and fits, followed by relatively headache-free periods lasting more than a month. People who suffer from this experience a constant and deep burning or piercing sensation of pain behind or around the eye. This pain can often transfer to the forehead, neck, shoulders, and teeth.
In Phase II, 79 patients dealing with chronic migraine conditions were given dosages of 200 mg of the same TCH-CBD combination in Phase I of the trial, which included separate dosages of 25 mg of the tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline for comparison. The patients received the treatment for 90 days and were later evaluated four weeks after Phase II of the treatment concluded.
The researchers determined that the dosages of the THC-CBD combination reduced cluster headache migraine attacks by over 40.4%. The dosages of amitriptyline lowered the rate of migraine attacks by 40.1%. Study participants reported a 43.5% reduction in pain intensity after receiving the combined THC-CBD treatment.
What are the Effects of CBD?
At this point, it is common knowledge that the CBD compound doesn’t possess the same psychoactive properties as THC. The fact that CBD isn’t an intoxicant represents a draw for many users who don’t prefer what many regard as negative side effects after consuming THC products. Even if taken orally, CBD still works on the body locally, but won’t get you high.
There are no conclusive studies indicating that CBD is an effective treatment for migraines. However, as mentioned, the lack of science on this topic is almost entirely attributable to this absence of conclusions. Despite this scarcity of hard studies, many CBD users and advocates personally believe CBD is a viable alternative to conventional treatments that bring undesired side effects and provide only temporary relief.
Regular CBD users deploy the compound as both a topical and oral supplement because, in their personal experience, it helps manage their migraines and other chronic issues such as joint inflammation and muscle pain. The medical professional community, on the whole, doesn’t find the use of CBD oil unreasonable or especially dangerous if consumed in low doses.
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp production and consumption in all 50 states, making the compound fairly easy to access. Not all CBD products are free of THC, so one potential negative side effect is drug test failure for those subject to them.
Why Consider CBD Oil for Migraines?
Migraines have been a widespread issue across the globe for a very long time. What’s more, the source of what triggers them is largely unknown. For some patients, it’s stress. For others, it’s the weather. The most commonly used medical treatments for episodic and chronic migraines have unpleasant short- and long-term side effects. Medical researchers have explored the possibility of surgical intervention. But that, too, is associated with high-risk levels and inconsistent outcomes.
While the science on CBD oil as a treatment for pain is still decidedly inconclusive, doctors have noted significant levels of patient-report relief from migraines and other chronic pain conditions. Of course, before starting any new supplementary regiment, you should always consult with your general practitioner. Over-consuming CBD in high doses may pose risks to the liver and may even exacerbate headaches.
Best CBD For Pain
The Outlook on CBD as a Therapeutic for Migraines
Cannabis science is evolving rapidly in the medical sector, and the evidence of CBD oil as a potential therapeutic for migraines has started to accumulate. Upon starting any CBD regime, ensuring that you access a pure, locally grown, and tested product from a legal US dispensary like Sugar Bottom Hemp is crucial.
Sugar Bottom Hemp combines its expertise in sustainable agriculture and health science to offer well-tested, premium natural CBD hemp oils and extracts to the discerning customer. Continue exploring our website’s product offerings to learn more about our certified, high-quality CBD isolates and distillates.
Resources
- Poudel, S., Quinonez, J., Choudhari, J., Au, Z. T., Paesani, S., Thiess, A. K., Ruxmohan, S., Hosameddin, M., Ferrer, G. F., & Michel, J. (2021). Medical Cannabis, Headaches, and Migraines: A Review of the Current Literature. Cureus, 13(8), e17407. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.17407
- Webberley, H. M. (2021, August 5). Everything you need to know about migraine. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/148373
- Baron, E. P. (2018). Medicinal Properties of Cannabinoids, Terpenes, and Flavonoids in Cannabis, and Benefits in Migraine, Headache, and Pain: An Update on Current Evidence and Cannabis Science. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, 58(7), 1139–1186. https://doi.org/10.1111/head.13345
- Vučković, S., Srebro, D., Vujović, K. S., Vučetić, E., & Prostran, M. (2018). Cannabinoids and Pain: New Insights From Old Molecules. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2018.01259
