Inhaled cannabis & migraine relief
Inhaling medical cannabis appears to significantly decrease the number of migraines in patients suffering from chronic headaches, according to a recent study. The study used data collected from patients who self-administered cannabis using a standardised vaporisation device known as a Mighty Medic. (2) This device is based on a validated Storz & Bickel vaporisation system. (1) The subjects self-administered inhaled cannabis as early as possible in their migraine attacks.
They took four puffs of CBD, THC, or a mix of both. Each migraine attack was treated with a different sample of cannabis, and each attack was assessed for pain freedom, phonophobia, nausea, and other symptoms.
A number of studies have found that medical cannabis can help migraine sufferers relieve symptoms and prevent migraines entirely. According to the Journal of Integrative Medicine, cannabis can improve a patient’s quality of life and reduce the number of migraines. (3) In one study, almost 90 percent of migraine sufferers found that cannabis had a positive impact on their lives. Moreover, the average monthly frequency of migraines decreased by 3.3 points after inhalation. (4)
Researchers from Italy studied the effectiveness of cannabinoids in reducing migraine pain. They used 48 patients with migraines to study the effectiveness of two cannabis preparations containing varying amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol and non-intoxicating cannabidiol. They found that while low doses of cannabis had no effect, high doses resulted in a significant analgesic effect. (4) They concluded that the evidence suggests that MC can have a positive effect on migraine headaches. To support this hypothesis, however, it is necessary to conduct well-designed experiments that evaluate MC’s safety and effectiveness in treating migraine headaches in adults.
A number of studies have found that inhaled cannabis has therapeutic effects in patients suffering from migraine. It is effective in reducing the pain intensity of a migraine by half through a self-reported survey.
However, the effectiveness of inhaled cannabis may diminish over time due to repeated use. Further research is needed to determine whether the effect of cannabis is placebo or drug-induced. Ultimately, it’s important to understand how inhaled cannabis can improve the quality of life of patients suffering from migraines.
Although there have been some positive studies on the effectiveness of inhaled medical cannabis, the current findings have not been conclusive. Several other studies have found that cannabis significantly reduces the severity of headaches in patients with chronic headaches. (5)
The results are a confirmation of previous findings. These findings are encouraging, and the benefits of the drug may outweigh any adverse side effects. If the study is accurate, then the effects of the drug are significant enough to warrant further research.
It reduces headaches
Recent research has shown that cannabis can decrease the severity of migraines. (6) This promising finding is supported by previous studies, which have relied on patients to recall the effects of cannabis on their condition. In one such study, cannabis was found to be more effective than ibuprofen in relieving headaches. However, it is important to note that there are several potential side effects and risks when using marijuana for headache treatment. A full study on the subject is needed to confirm the results. (5)
There are several reasons why medical cannabis can be effective for treating migraines. Cannabis reduces pain by changing the function of receptors in the body. Cannabis is natural and contains cannabinoids that can change the way these receptors work.
In addition, medical marijuana reduces the severity of pain, and can make users more relaxed. As a result, marijuana has therapeutic value when used to treat many different conditions. Some of these conditions include headaches, nausea, anxiety, sleeplessness, and depression.
The study has several limitations, however. First, it relies on a survey methodology. This means that a significant number of patients with headaches also reported other symptoms. Furthermore, some patients may have been using cannabis for other reasons, such as chronic pain or other diseases. It is also possible that the study’s results are inaccurate, as some patients may be developing a tolerance to it. In addition, many patients with chronic pain and headaches used cannabis for different purposes. (5)
Another study suggests that cannabis can reduce headache severity. Besides its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, it is also effective in treating migraines. (6) This study involved 139 patients from two French hospitals. It investigated the frequency of cannabis use among cluster headache sufferers. The study found that cannabis had unpredictable effects in half of the patients, while it had a modest effect in half of them.
Additionally, the study found that marijuana was significantly effective in curing cluster headaches in 1/8 of patients.
However many believe the effects on the brain are not yet proven. Larger studies with larger numbers of patients are needed to draw firm conclusions. It may be related to the lack of endocannabinoid in the body, which is believed to contribute to the severity of chronic illnesses. As such, marijuana may be an optional treatment for chronic headaches. But there is a lot of research to be done.
Does Medical Cannabis reduce migraine duration?
There is some evidence that medical cannabis can reduce the duration of migraine attacks. The number of patients who self-report using marijuana for migraines was 36 percent. Interestingly, the study did not specify what type of migraine they were suffering from, and different types of migraine could respond to different forms of cannabis.
Despite such side effects, patients have an overall favorable view of using medical cannabis along with or in place of medications, as it was reported to decrease the frequency and duration of migraines. (6)
Future research should focus on particular migraine types to gain a more nuanced understanding of how cannabis can affect these conditions. Until such time, however, cannabis is not a viable option for treating migraine.
The current study investigated whether medical cannabis reduced migraine duration in people suffering from chronic headache. The researchers found that cannabis reduced the severity of migraines for up to 49.6% of participants. These results were significant in a baseline model of migraine episodes. The reductions in severity ratings were also associated with individual differences, with the variance parameter significantly different than the baseline model. For these reasons, researchers believe that cannabis may be an effective treatment option for migraine sufferers.
As with any drug, there is no clear proof that medical cannabis can reduce migraine duration. But many patients have reported improved migraine relief and a significant reduction in the duration of their attacks. This study does have some limitations, however, as it relied on a self-selected group of patients, and lacked a control group.
The study’s results are encouraging for migraine sufferers, and it will be important to note that more extensive surveys and double-blind clinical trials are needed to fully understand the effectiveness of medical cannabis for migraines.
Research suggests that inhaled cannabis can significantly reduce the duration of migraine episodes. This finding is surprising because the pain experienced by migraine patients is often self-reported, and is more difficult to measure in a trial. In fact, the study is the first to use big data on cannabis users. Previously, studies relied on patients’ memories of cannabis use in the past. Another clinical trial, involving a synthetic cannabinoid, found that cannabis reduced migraine duration more than ibuprofen.
Does Medical Cannabis reduce nociception?
In a recent study, researchers found that the cannabis compound CBD enhances THC-induced antinociception in mice. Researchers believe that the ratio between THC and CBD may modulate some cannabis effects. In addition, CBD reduces nociception in mice by nearly half. These findings may mean that a CBD-based migraine medication could have a similar effect. This study also suggests that CBD may be useful for treating other neurological conditions. (7)
Although the scientific evidence on medical cannabis is mixed, ethnobotanical references have documented its use in treating migraine. However, biochemical studies on cannabis and cannabinoids such as anandamide have provided a scientific foundation for the treatment of migraine. The use of synthetic cannabinoids in the treatment of cluster headaches has been proven to effectively control pain. Although the research on the drug is limited, these results are encouraging.
Besides CBs, marijuana has anti-nociceptive effects. The endocannabinoids present in the body have anticonvulsive, analgesic, and antiemetic properties. They are particularly promising in treating migraine pain. The recent legal change that allowed marijuana to be smoked and consumed opens the way for pharmaceuticals to be repurposed to treat migraine. Furthermore, cannabinoid-based drugs are effective for treatment of migraine, because they block CB1 receptors in the brain, which reduce pathologically enhanced cortical excitability.
Moreover, research suggests that cannabinoids can inhibit inflammatory processes, and they may work by targeting CB2 receptors. These are the receptors responsible for migraine pain. Further, the cannabinoids can inhibit the degradation of a particular inflammatory cytokine, which makes them an attractive target for the treatment of migraine. Further, a study that showed that medical cannabis reduces nociception for migraine patients is underway.
Another study showed that the effects of marijuana on migraine sufferers were consistent with placebo effects. Furthermore, marijuana use was associated with a long-term reduction in migraine frequency, a decrease in disability, and a lower use of antimigraine medications.
According to the results of this study, about 1% to 2% of the world population suffers from chronic migraine. Traditional treatments for migraine may include antidepressants, beta-blockers, and anti calcitonin gene-related peptide agents. Triptans and opioids are commonly prescribed for migraine and are often associated with adverse health outcomes. (8)
About Us
CannaTelehealth, specialises in providing online consultations for various healthcare needs, including assistance with alcohol addiction. Our platform is designed to facilitate the use of advanced telehealth technology by medical professionals, ensuring the security and privacy of patient information in compliance with regulations.
We have developed an online system that simplifies the process of booking appointments with qualified and experienced General Practitioners, Nurse Practitioners, who can assist patients in accessing prescriptions for Medicinal Cannabis for their medical conditions. Our telehealth system is fully supported by our clinical team, guaranteeing that all consultations are conducted by appropriately qualified healthcare professionals.
Our doctors are authorised to prescribe Medicinal Cannabis under Schedule 8 of the Therapeutic Goods Act. In the initial consultation, your nurse or doctor will collaborate with you to determine the suitability of Medicinal Cannabis for your specific symptoms and conditions. If deemed appropriate, they will then apply for TGA approval for your electronic prescription, which can be presented at your pharmacy of choice.
Medical Cannabis Doctors Online Treatment and Consults
CannaTelehealth’s doctors have extensive experience in assessing patients for medicinal cannabis. Prior to having an online consultation with our healthcare professionals it is a good idea to write down your questions before your consultation so that you don’t forget them.
Our doctors will review your medical history and confirm that you meet the criteria for a medicinal cannabis prescription under the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) Special Access Scheme. We will then either prescribe medication through the Authorised Prescriber pathway or submit your application to the TGA and you should receive your product within 2 business days.
All our doctors are trained under the TGA authorised prescriber scheme and have detailed knowledge of how cannabis affects the body. Our doctors are also able to recommend the best dosage and type of cannabis for your condition. Our doctors are able to prescribe all forms of medicinal cannabis including capsules, tinctures, sprays and vape cartridges.
The cost of your medical cannabis will vary depending on your condition and the specific product that is recommended for you.
Our clinic offers bulk billing for patients who have been approved by the DVA. This is worth checking for your eligibility criteria for this discounted online consultation.
Book a consultation – Follow the simple steps to engaging with an online health professional who will assess your eligibility for alternative treatments such as medicinal cannabis and what might be the cause of your chronic pain.
To contact us at CannaTelehealth you can either go directly to the website and add your details directly to our ‘Contact Us Form’ We will contact you within 1 hour. Normally our online healthcare professionals who are pain medicine specialists will have a booking time within 1 day if suitable. Alternatively you may contact us via info@cannatelehealth.com.au.
References:
- A vapourized Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ(9)-THC) delivery system part I: development and validation of a pulmonary cannabinoid route of exposure for experimental pharmacology studies in rodents Laurie A Manwell 1, Armen Charchoglyan 2, Dyanne Brewer 2, Brittany A Matthews 3, Heather Heipel 3, Paul E Mallet 3 J Pharmacol Toxicol Methods. 2014 Jul-Aug;70(1):120-7. doi: 10.1016/j.vascn.2014.06.006. Epub 2014 Jun 25.
- “Flower Power”: Controlled Inhalation of THC-Predominant Cannabis Flos Improves Health-Related Quality of Life and Symptoms of Chronic Pain and Anxiety in Eligible UK Patients Guillermo Moreno-Sanz,1,* Alvaro Madiedo,2 Michael Lynskey,3 and Matthew R. D. Brown4,5 Biomedicines. 2022 Oct; 10(10): 2576. Published online 2022 Oct 14. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines10102576
- Medical Cannabis, Headaches, and Migraines: A Review of the Current LiteratureMonitoring Editor: Alexander Muacevic and John R Adler Sujan Poudel,1 Jonathan Quinonez,2 Jinal Choudhari,1 Zachary T Au,3 Sylvia Paesani,1 Armond K Thiess,1 Samir Ruxmohan,4 Mobashir Hosameddin,5 Gerardo F Ferrer,6 and Jack Michel7 Cureus. 2021 Aug; 13(8): e17407. Published online 2021 Aug 24. doi: 10.7759/cureus.17407
- Medical Cannabis for the Treatment of Migraine in Adults: A Review of the Evidence Babasola O. Okusanya, 1 Breanne E. Lott, 1 John Ehiri, 1 Jean McClelland, 2 and Cecilia Rosales 3 , * Front Neurol. 2022; 13: 871187. Published online 2022 May 30. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2022.871187
- Medical Cannabis, Headaches, and Migraines: A Review of the Current LiteratureMonitoring Editor: Alexander Muacevic and John R Adler Sujan Poudel,1 Jonathan Quinonez,2 Jinal Choudhari,1 Zachary T Au,3 Sylvia Paesani,1 Armond K Thiess,1 Samir Ruxmohan,4 Mobashir Hosameddin,5 Gerardo F Ferrer,6 and Jack Michel7 Cureus. 2021 Aug; 13(8): e17407. Published online 2021 Aug 24. doi: 10.7759/cureus.17407
- Patterns of medicinal cannabis use, strain analysis, and substitution effect among patients with migraine, headache, arthritis, and chronic pain in a medicinal cannabis cohort Eric P. Baron,1 Philippe Lucas,2,3,4 Joshua Eades,2 and Olivia Hogue5 J Headache Pain. 2018; 19(1): 37. Published online 2018 May 24. doi: 10.1186/s10194-018-0862-2
- Effects of medical cannabis on migraine headache frequency in an adult population. Rhyne DN, Anderson SL, Gedde M, Borgelt LM. Pharmacotherapy. 2016;36:505–510.
- Migraine pain and nociceptor activation–where do we stand?Dan Levy 1Affiliations expand PMID: 20546325 DOI: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2010.01670.x Headache. 2010 May;50(5):909-16. doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2010.01670.x.
