Will Medical Marijuana Help With Migraines?

Migraines are the most common type of chronic, severe headache. They can be crippling and cause significant pain for many people. Although migraines cannot be cured, treatments are available to reduce the severity of their symptoms when they are treatments available to reduce the severity of their symptoms when they do occur. Medical marijuana has been shown in numerous studies to be an effective migraine treatment option, helping to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines over time.

Why Do Migraines Happen?

There is no single answer to this question because many headaches have different causes. On the other hand, Headaches are typically caused by the activation of pain-sensitive structures in the head, such as blood vessels. Stress, dehydration, and certain medical conditions can all play a role.

During a migraine, your brain undergoes several changes. To begin, your blood vessels constrict, decreasing blood and oxygen flow to your brain. This can cause your neurons to fire erratically, causing inflammatory chemicals to be released.

A migraine is a severe headache that can last for hours. The pain is usually limited to certain areas of the head and is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or light sensitivity. Migraines are caused by the dilation of blood vessels in the brain, which causes chemical imbalances. This can be caused by stress, lack of sleep, dehydration, food allergies, or anything else that disrupts your body's natural balance.

Do Migraines Classify As a Disability?

Migraines are a disabling condition that meets the definition of disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Migraines may be classified as a disability under the ADA if they significantly impair one or more major life activities. This decision is made on an individual basis, necessitating an individualized evaluation. Certain factors, such as migraine frequency, increase the likelihood of your migraines being classified as a disability:

  • A history of migraine headaches

  • Headaches that interfere with your ability to work or do everyday activities

The ADA does not require you to be completely disabled; it states that you can still be considered disabled if your migraines "substantially limit" you. Even if your headache symptoms aren't severe enough to keep you from working on a typical day, they can still limit how long or well you can perform specific tasks. This includes focusing on tasks or learning new skills for extended periods. Consult a doctor licensed under Virginia's medical marijuana program to determine whether medical marijuana is right for you. Marijuana may be used to treat migraines.

How Can Medical Marijuana Help With Migraines?

Medical Marijuana can be effective in treating migraines. A review of the current literature on headaches and medical marijuana shows strong evidence that activating the ECS could be a therapeutic tool.

Evidence shows that cannabis can help treat various symptoms and disorders, including cancer, chronic pain, headaches, and migraines. CBD, terpenes, and THC are active ingredients in cannabis that modulate patients' perceptions of their medical conditions. These compounds activate the endocannabinoid system, reducing nociception and symptoms' frequency. There is limited research on cannabis in the United States because it is classified as a Schedule I drug. As well as reducing migraine duration and frequency, medical cannabis reduces headaches of unknown origin. Medical cannabis therapy may benefit migraine sufferers due to its convenience and efficiency.

Can You Get a Marijuana Card For Migraines In VA?

Migraines are a qualifying medical condition in many states, including Virginia. If you're thinking about trying this treatment, here's what you should know.

Obtaining a doctor's recommendation is the first step toward using cannabis for migraines. This can be accomplished through your primary care physician or one of our licensed physicians. Find out where to apply for a medical marijuana license by visiting your state's Department of Health website. The process can take up to 60 days from start to finish, but this varies depending on location and circumstances; some areas require additional paperwork from doctors or patients before issuing cards, while others issue temporary permits while applications are processed.

Which Cannabinoid Is Best For Migraines?

CBD's anti-inflammatory properties have the potential to alleviate migraine pain. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is made up of cannabinoid receptors and endogenous cannabinoids that influence mood, memory, and perception. A high percentage of CBD may be required for migraines to achieve results without feeling high or groggy.

Medical Marijuana Might Help Treat Your Migraines 

Cannabis' therapeutic benefits should be investigated widely, with more research trials. As cannabis becomes legal, more research should be done to determine the most effective delivery method, strain, and dose for migraines and chronic headache management, as well as the long-term effects of medical cannabis use. You can find more information on medical marijuana and migraines on our conditions page. Alternatively, you can schedule an appointment with one of our doctors.

We hope this information has helped you understand how medical marijuana might help migraine sufferers. Migraines are a debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide.

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This article has been reviewed by Steven Fiore, MD.

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