Medical Marijuana & Migraines: Pros and Cons

Migraines are an incredibly debilitating condition that affect as many as 18 percent of women and six percent of men. Thankfully, medical marijuana has emerged as an innovative treatment option for the safe and effective management of migraines. For those interested in using cannabis for migraines, this article will explore the pros and cons of its use.

What are migraines?

Migraines are a form of headache that cause recurring moderate to severe pain and throbbing on one side of the head. Migraines can be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to noise, light, and odors. When left untreated, migraines can last anywhere from four to 72 hours.

You can treat symptoms of a migraine by resting your eyes, napping, placing a cool compress on the forehead, or drinking fluids. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also approved several drugs to prevent and/or treat migraines. However, many patients still are dissatisfied with current treatment options, still seeking relief or looking for more natural options.

How can medical marijuana work for migraines?

Cannabis has been used medicinally for thousands of years to treat headaches. Delta-nine-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the two major cannabinoids that contribute to the effects of cannabis on migraines. There are several ways in which these function to support relief:

THC and brain receptors. Anandamide, a natural brain chemical, interacts with a receptor in the brain known as CB1R. This interaction is linked to pain control centers and thus contributes to the development of migraines. THC can mimic anandamide, thus controlling pathways implicated in migraine pain.
THC and dopamine. Dopamine is linked to migraine symptoms. At high doses, THC can block dopamine, thus mitigating headache symptoms in a similar way to many medications for migraines and nausea.
Lowering glutamate levels. Glutamate is a brain chemical that at high levels can cause migraines. Both THC and traditional migraine medications decrease glutamate levels in the brain, modulating magnesium levels and thus alleviating head pain.
CBD and brain signaling. CBD differs from THC because it does not directly stimulate the cannabinoid receptors. Instead, it inhibits a receptor known as GPR55. When this receptor is activated, it can lead to migraines, so inhibiting its activity can be beneficial. CBD also stabilizes the cell membranes of your nerves, minimizing excessive neural activity that can lead to migraines.

Pros of using marijuana for migraines

One of the biggest benefits of using cannabis for migraine relief its efficacy. There are numerous studies out there supporting the notion that marijuana can effectively treat migraine symptoms. For example:

A 2016 retrospective study found that inhaled medical cannabis lowered migraine frequency.
A 2019 survey found that inhaled cannabis lowered headaches by 47 percent and migraines by 50%. Additionally, 88 percent of individuals reported decreased migraine severity when using inhaled marijuana over the course of 16 months.
A 2019 study indicated that 94 percent of subjects had migraine symptom relief within two hours of using cannabis.
A 2020 cross-sectional study found that after using medical cannabis over a few years, 61 percent of people decreased their mean monthly migraine days by at least 50 percent. They also reported lower opioid and triptan intake and less migraine-associated disability.

Based on these results, it’s clear that cannabis is effective in reducing the symptoms and frequency of migraines, offering an effective treatment option for migraine sufferers.

Fewer side effects

Traditional pharmaceuticals can be accompanied by a slew of side effects. The type and severity of these side effects will depend on the medication. Triptans, for example, can cause chest tightness, muscle pain, fatigue, flushing, dizziness, and mental cloudiness. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause gastrointestinal (GI) related symptoms like indigestion, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. Beta blockers can cause dizziness, fatigue, weight gain, weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and more. These are only some examples of anti-migraine medications and their potential side effects.

In contrast, medical marijuana tends to have lesser and more mild side effects, including things like drowsiness, lightheadedness, and cognitive deficits. Thus, cannabis may be better tolerated than traditional pharmaceutical interventions.

Other health benefits

Medical marijuana can also be incredibly effective in treating other types of conditions outside of just migraines. Thus, if you use it for migraines, you may also see beneficial effects in other areas. For example, medical marijuana is commonly used for nausea, weight loss, glaucoma, PTSD, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, fibromyalgia, endometriosis, chronic pain, and more.

Cons of using marijuana for migraines

Unfortunately, medical marijuana is not widely accepted in all countries and states. In the United States, the legality of medical marijuana will vary from state to state. These differences can make access, research, and acceptance difficult. It can also complicate treatment for patients that are compliant in one jurisdiction but not another.

Potential side effects

Though medical marijuana tends to cause only mild side effects, these may be troubling for some or impair daily functioning. Common side effects include dizziness, short-term memory loss, altered judgement, dry mouth, and euphoria. Such effects may make it difficult for migraine patients to function in a professional or social setting. Additionally, marijuana can exacerbate or contribute to mental illnesses like anxiety, depression, or psychosis.

Inconsistencies in dosage and potency

Medical marijuana can differ significantly with regards to dosage, potency, and purity. These inconsistencies can complicate dosing. Additionally, the lack of standardization can impact the reproducibility of its therapeutic effects from product to product.

Social and employment implications

There is still a lot of societal stigma associated with marijuana use, particularly in professional settings. Many employers have policies prohibiting drug use, including legal medical marijuana. This can potentially limit employment opportunities and job security for individuals that use cannabis.

In summary, science and research supports the use of cannabis as a treatment for migraines, indicating that it is a safe and effective option. However, medical marijuana use also has some downsides, including the legal and regulatory issues, side effects, dosing, and social implications of using the drug.