If you have ever experienced a migraine you know how debilitating it can be. Stuck in bed for hours if not days, nausea and vomiting with sensitivity to light and sound can definitely get in the way of everyday life. If you have never experienced a migraine, consider yourself lucky. About 16% of the US population suffer from migraines and women, unfortunately, have a threefold chance of experiencing migraines over men.
Migraines can occur for a variety of reasons including deficiencies in the endocannabinoid system (ECS), lowered serotonin levels, and dysfunction of the trigeminal vascular system located in the brain. Lucky for us, we have cannabis (well those in legal states) to help us out.
There are 4 ways that cannabis assists with migraines: giving a boost to a deficient ECS, increasing serotonin levels, lessening overactivity of the trigeminal vascular system, and acting as an analgesic or pain reliever. Let’s dive in a little deeper.
The ECS is in control of pain in the gray matter of the brain so low levels of AEA or dysfunction of the ECS can precipitate migraines because this particular area is said to cause migraine and pain in the brain. Light and sound sensitivity are also modulated by this area of the brain. When CB1 receptors are blocked, higher levels of pain can be experienced. THC at lower doses can help stimulate AEA synthesis.
Those who suffer from migraines have serotonin levels 40% below normal! Cannabis increases serotonin by acting as an agonist aka "booster" at serotonin receptors. Many of the medications for migraines including “the triptans” like Sumatriptan (Imitrex) and Rizatriptan work similarly to cannabis by acting as serotonin-receptor agonists. The compound AEA, or anandamide, was the first endocannabinoid discovered and antagonizes or blocks the 5-HT3 receptor which is known for vomiting and pain.
The trigeminal vascular over-activity usually begins with a trigger such as stress, trigger foods, bright lights that activate axons of the trigeminal nerves. These activated nerves then release neuropeptides that cause inflammation in the neurons and vasodilation. This is determined to be the cause of migraines and the pain associated with them. THC and CBD can lower inflammatory response as well as neuronal activity which helps lessen or get rid of migraines!
When it comes to dosing for migraines, you can either dose for prophylaxis aka prevention, or treatment after the patient is already experiencing the migraine. Patients can take a lower dosage of THC such as 2.5 mg or below daily for prevention and also identify triggers and remove them. Larger doses may do the opposite of what we want which is to cause a headache. You want to choose strains that have sedative or relaxing terpenes such as limonene and myrcene. Higher doses of 12.5 to 25 mg can help patients who are already experiencing migraine pain. Inhalation for immediate relief is also an option.
If you have LEGAL access to cannabis, try these options! I understand how migraines can suck the life out of you and make life hell. Let me know if this helps. Much love!
REFERENCES:
Cuttler C, Spradlin A, Cleveland MJ, Craft RM. Short- and Long-Term Effects of Cannabis on Headache and Migraine. J Pain. 2020 May-Jun;21(5-6):722-730. doi: 10.1016/j.jpain.2019.11.001. Epub 2019 Nov 9. PMID: 31715263.
Sweet, Tammi. The Wholistic Healing Guide to Cannabis: Understanding the Endocannabinoid System, Addressing Specific Ailments & Conditions, Making Cannabis-Based Remedies. Storey Publishing, 2020.