Migraines are more than just your run-of-the-mill allergy or stress-related headache. Migraines can last up to 72 hours and its symptoms can be exaggerated through the most normal everyday activities.
In most cases, regular pain medication is helpful in providing temporary relief to the pain caused by migraine attacks, there are side-effects that you should watch out for. Want to steer clear of these side-effects? Perhaps you should consider CBD!
As is pretty well known, CBD is an active, naturally occurring chemical found in cannabis plants. CBD’s success in treating specific medical conditions has contributed to the growth in its popularity.
In this article, we will cover –
• Research-based findings on CBD’s ability to treat migraine
• Why CBD works
• What are it’s possible side-effects
Research on CBD and Migraine Treatment
Current research on CBD being able to treat migraines is limited. However, there are studies that have looked at the effects of CBD and THC, another cannabis chemical, on migraine.
The research, though limited has pointed towards the potential of CBD oil being able to treat almost all forms of acute pain, including migraine.
Combined CBD and THC Studies
Over 2 phases of their study, which lasted a period of 3 months, the researchers found that a combined treatment of THC and CBD led to a ~40% reduction in migraine attacks in subjects. Additionally, the combined treatment also reduced the intensity of attacks in more than 43% of the subjects.
Using CBD
The benefits of CBD and related products are currently being discussed by lawmakers in the US. However, the medical benefits of CBD are in no means a new discovery.
In its report, the National Center for Complementary & Integrative Health has attested to the fact that marijuana has been used as an alternative medical treatment for more than 3000 years. Over this time, it has been used to treat –
• inflammation
• pain, and
• neurological problems
CBD products are available in many forms. CBD oil can be ingested, vaped, or used topically on the skin. Alternatively, CBD can also be consumed orally which may help avoid some of the side-effects of smoking.
Oral CBD is probably the easiest method for beginners. It can be applied sublingually under the tongue via a dropper, ingested as capsules, or included as part of a CBD-infused drink.
That said, for people suffering from severe migraine problems, CBD can be vaped for fast action and without the need to leave home.
Side Effects and Potential Risks of Consuming CBD
Various studies have shown that CBD products have minimal side effects. This is one of the primary reasons users are opting for CBD products over other over-the-counter medication.
That said, there is a degree of fatigue, upset stomach, and drowsiness, or grogginess that may affect some people. Some users may also notice changes in weight and appetite.
However, the side-effects of CBD are largely dependant on the method of CBD consumption. A good example is lung irritation that may be caused by vaping CBD. Side-effects of CBD can include –
• acute cough
• difficulty in breathing, and
• wheezing
Users that have a history of lung problems like asthma may want to seek medical advice prior to starting with a smokable form of CBD.
Users may also want to be extra cautious if using a supplement or medication that has a known interaction with grapefruit. This is known to lead to possible drug interactions. Possible medications include blood thinners, antibiotics, and antidepressants.
Does CBD lead to a ‘High’?
Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is the naturally occurring chemical within cannabis plants that cause that high that marijuana users look for. While CBD oils are derived from the cannabis and hemp plants, it is not necessary that they contain THC.
Dominant CBD strains have none to negligible amounts of THC. CBD that does not contain any THC does not have any of the psychoactive properties that lead to a high.
Disclaimer
CBD products that are derived from Hemp and contain less than the prescribed .3 percent of THC are legal per federal law. However, certain state laws may still deem it illegal.
CBD products that are derived from Marijuana are illegal per federal law but remain legal under the laws of certain states.
It is advisable to check the appropriate state laws in case of travel. It is important to note that over-the-counter CBD products are not approved by the FDA.