The New (Old) Treatment for Migraines
THC:CBD combos show potential for symptom relief and reduction of other migraine meds
Migraines can be debilitating, resulting in missed time with family, sick days from work, and the need for multiple medications. Migraines affect millions of people worldwide, but tend to occur more in women. Recent research has been published on the potential of cannabis as a treatment migraines. Let’s explore the benefits and risks of using cannabis for migraine relief based on recent clinical trials.
Symptom Reduction
Two different studies in 2024 examined if migraine pain could be managed with cannabis-based medicine. The first study found that vaporized cannabis containing a mixture of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) was effective in reducing migraine pain.1 About sixty-sever percent of participants experienced pain relief two hours after using cannabis, compared to 46.6% who used a placebo. This suggests that cannabis may offer significant pain relief for migraine sufferers. The second study was the largest of its kind to date to document cannabis medication usage patterns and patient-reported effects on migraine symptoms.2 That study catalogued responses from 1377 patients of a headache specialty clinic. Over 70% of the participants in this study reported their cannabis-based medication reduced headache intensity and duration. A majority of patients also reported less frequent migraines, less nausea, and a reduction in other migraine medications.
These data suggest cannabis not only helps with pain but also addresses other migraine symptoms. The second study also found that cannabis was superior to placebo in relieving light sensitivity and sound sensitivity associated with migraines. Multi-factor symptom relief has the potential to improve quality of life for those who experience frequent migraines.
Duration of Effectiveness
The benefits of cannabis for migraine relief appear to be long-lasting. The vaporized cannabis study showed that pain relief and freedom from the most serious symptoms were sustained at 24 and 48 hours after treatment This suggests that cannabis may provide extended relief beyond the initial treatment period.
Varied Effectiveness
While cannabinoids show promise in treating migraine symptoms, not all cannabis formulations are equally effective. The headache center study found that a combination of THC and CBD was most effective, but CBD alone did not perform better than placebo for pain relief or other symptoms. This detail highlights the importance of choosing the right cannabis product for migraine treatment.
Potential Adverse Effects
While no serious adverse events were reported in the two mentioned trials, cannabis can have adverse effects. These include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, and changes in mood or mental status. It's important to start with low, infrequent doses to gauge effectiveness. Keeping a log of symptoms, doses, and adverse effects helps medical providers advise on how to adjust dose and frequency.
Interaction with Other Medications
Cannabis is known to interact with many other medications. Migraine medications sometimes cause drowsiness, dizziness, or changes in blood pressure. Cannabis can make these effects worse. It is important to consult with a cannabis healthcare provider or cannabis-trained pharmacist before adding cannabis to your migraine treatment plan.
Summary
Recent clinical trials suggest that cannabis, particularly formulations containing both THC and CBD, may offer significant benefits for migraine sufferers. These benefits include pain relief, noise and light sensitivity reduction , and potentially decreased reliance on other medications. However, it's important to consider the potential risks and drug interactions. While cannabis shows promise as a migraine treatment, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. A dose and dosage form that works for one person may not work for another, and careful consideration should be given to individual circumstances and overall health.
Schuster NM, Wallace MS, Marcotte TD, et al. Vaporized Cannabis versus Placebo for Acute Migraine: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Preprint. medRxiv. 2024;2024.02.16.24302843. Published 2024 Feb 18. doi:10.1101/2024.02.16.24302843
Starkey B, Pearlson GD, Bond D, et al. Characterizing Cannabis Use and Perceived Benefit in a Tertiary Headache Center Patient Sample. Neurol Clin Pract. 2024;14(2):e200285. doi:10.1212/CPJ.0000000000200285.