Can Hemp CBD Oil Help Treat Migraines?

When it comes to migraines, I still feel that we are in the dark about what causes them [migraines], and are even farther from curing them.

 CBD is often recognized for the cannabinoid’s pain reducing ability. When considering the fact that headaches are the most common source of pain in the general population and that CBD therapies are advancing, it makes sense that CBD should be considered as a possible remedy for the mind-shattering headaches that are Migraines.

 According to Endoca.com; 

“While the cannabis plant is mentioned as a treatment for headaches in ancient texts dating back thousands of years, its use only became commonplace in the west during the 19th century when it was prescribed by many doctors as a tincture. However, all that changed with prohibition in the 1930s, and since then for many the cannabis plant’s capacities to quell a headache has merely become a welcome side effect of its recreational use. 

While headaches in general affect approximately 47% of the population, migraines alone cost the United States an estimated $13.3 billion annually in missed days at work and lower productivity. They are characterized by a throbbing pain in the frontal area of the head that typically cause feelings of nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to sound and light. For some sufferers, a migraine is often preceded by visual disturbances such as auras. Migraine sufferers are three times more likely to be women, and while generally beginning during childhood, they are most prevalent between the ages of 25 and 50. One theory posted about a possible contributing cause of migraines is a dysregulation in the endocannabinoid system (ECS) – the body’s complex network of receptors and cannabis-like chemicals that act to modulate pain, the immune system, mood, sleep, appetite and memory. Scientists have observed several ECS mechanisms that may have an implication in migraine attacks. Anandamide (AEA) one of the prime endocannabinoids in the body, is both analgesic and has been found to potentiate the serotonin 5-HT1A receptors. Studies also suggest that endocannabinoids inhibit the trigeminovascular system.   

But perhaps the clearest indication of endocannabinoid dysfunction contributing to migraines is a study carried out in 2007 at the University of Perugia and published in the Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology. Researchers measured endocannabinoid levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with chronic migraines finding significantly lower amounts Anandamide, concluding that this “may reflect an impairment of the endocannabinoid system in these patients, which may contribute to chronic head pain.” (Read More) 

While there have been a number of symptom-relieving prescription drugs on the market for the last few decades such as trazodone, propranolol, L-5HTP, flunarizine, nimodipine, and papaverine, all that these meds actually do is to relieve symptoms. 

Research has shown that Cannabis could be a more permanent answer to the plight of migraine sufferers. According to a study that was published in the journal ‘Pharmacotherapy’, science journalists have reported that it can now be positively proven that the frequency of migraines is significantly reduced by Cannabis. 121 patients were studied. 103 of the patients declared that their incidences of migraines have decreased. 15 of the patients stated that there was no difference, while only three said they have experienced migraines more often according to HempOilBenefits.com. 

CBD oil therapy has proven invaluable to many who suffer from the plight of chronic headaches and migraines. I am one of them.