Why Patients with Chronic Headaches are Turning to Medical Cannabis

Many people suffer from chronic headaches, and they can be truly debilitating, affecting your ability to go to work and go about your daily tasks. Whether they’re migraines or tension headaches or caused by some other issue, people who live with these aches can be desperate for some means of treatment when over the counter painkillers don’t work.

Now, a new study out of the University of California is shedding light on a potential new treatment — cannabis. Read why patients are looking to medical cannabis for chronic headaches, and explore the evidence that supports how cannabis can be a very effective treatment.

Medical Cannabis for Chronic Headaches

The idea of using medical cannabis for chronic headaches is not a new one. Cannabis was not illegal in the United States until 1942. Prior to that, since 1874 or thereabouts, the substance was widely used as a treatment for migraines and other forms of headaches. In fact, it was the single most common substance prescribed by physicians to treat these ailments.

The Study

The current study, which is bringing back these findings, was conducted by Dr. Igor Grant at the University of California, San Diego’s Center for Medical Cannabis Research.  The early data has been extremely positive. Patients in the trial showed a marked decrease in the intensity and the frequency of headaches.

The theory being tested is that headaches can partially be caused by a deficit or dysfunction in the body’s natural endocannabinoid system. This system helps to regulate our immune system, our sleep schedules, and pain responses. Cannabis in the form of cannabis, both from cannabidiol (CBD) or the THC psychoactive substance, help to interact with pain receptors and limit inflammation which results in pain from headaches.

The Difficulties of Clinical Trials

The problem is that it is exceedingly difficult to gather more data from clinical trials because there are obstacles in place due to federal regulations, which list cannabis as a Schedule I substance. This means that even though it’s been decriminalized and even legalized in several states, funding and availability aren’t there for large-scale scientific studies, particularly those of the double-blind variety using placebo controls.

As such, future studies, it is recommended, should focus on treatment guidelines and dosing as well as investigating the effectiveness of CBD in treating headaches, and discovering the viability of combining cannabis with traditional medications.

The Future of Cannabis for Headaches

With 28 states currently allowing for medical cannabis, it seems only a matter of time before these restrictions are lifted, but until that time, scientists and medical professionals are doing their best with what they have, and the prognosis looks strong.

Of course, accessing medical cannabis for chronic headaches in Nevada requires a medical canabis card, and at Euphoria Wellness, we can help guide you through the process, from completing your application to booking a doctor’s appointment for a referral, to completing the process and printing your final approval letter. If you’d like help getting your card, get in touch with us today!

 

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This content is not intended as medical advice. The information provided is meant to encourage cannabis education, not replace direct patient-healthcare professional relationships. Always consult your primary care physician or other healthcare provider prior to using cannabis products for treatment of a medical condition.  Any statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products referenced are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Products are only available where the consumption of cannabis is legal.