Medical Marijuana for Migraines

What are Migraines?

A migraine is a severe headache that typically affects one side of your head but can also impact both sides. It’s accompanied by throbbing and pulsing sensations that are extremely unpleasant and can inhibit your ability to be productive. In some intense cases, migraines can put someone out of commission for the entirety of the duration of a migraine, which fluctuates from person to person. On average, migraines can last from a few hours to multiple days.

Does Marijuana Help with Migraines?

For patients who frequently get migraines, studies have shown that marijuana use has become an increasingly sought-after treatment for preventing the horrible pain that comes with a migraine before it even happens or to ease the symptoms of a migraine as it starts. Smoking marijuana for migraines will release chemicals, known as cannabinoids, that are known to reduce inflammation and pain in the body, which may help alleviate the symptoms of migraines. When using medical cannabis for migraines, some patients have found that medical marijuana can lessen overpowering nausea that follows the onslaught of a migraine. Some patients have also reported success in managing their symptoms by using cannabis oil for migraines.

Cannabis studies for patients with recurring migraines have shown that consuming or smoking medical marijuana may also help reduce the frequency of migraines. This means that smoking cannabis for migraines will reduce the number of migraines and while lessening the effects. In most cases, cannabis helps relieve the pain associated with migraines brought on by bright lights, loud noises, strong smells, lack of sleep, and stress. Cannabis use may also help relieve stress which, for some people, is one of the many triggers that bring about migraines.

Do Migraines Qualify for Medical Marijuana Cards?

If you are interested in learning more about using medical marijuana for migraines, the state of Illinois has approved migraines as a qualifying medical condition whereby a person who obtains a medical marijuana card can receive medical cannabis from a dispensary for treatment of their condition. For patients who seek to treat symptoms associated with their migraines, cannabis hybrid strains with high THC and low CBD potency are most commonly used to reduce inflammation and treat nausea.

Some of our EarthMed patients find that indica-dominant strains help relieve the discomfort from migraines due to the drowsiness and heavy feeling that can come with indica strains. If you're interested in using medical marijuana for migraines, it's important to talk to a healthcare professional to determine if it's right for you and to discuss the potential risks and benefits.

**Always check with your doctor before using medical marijuana for migraines to prevent these severe headaches and treat the symptoms associated with them. This is not medical advice for patients who regularly succumb to migraines.