CBD Oil for Migraines - What the STudies Say

If you are one of the millions of people in the U.S. that suffer from migraines, you may be interested in what the research says on CBD oil for migraines.  Migraines affect over 38 million people in the U.S.  They are not just a headache.  Researchers once thought that migraines were primarily caused by the dilation and constriction of blood vessels in the head, but newer research suggests that migraines are a neurological disorder caused by abnormalities in the brain.   Migraine sufferers brains do not process pain the same way others do when responding to inflammatory agents.  Migraines can be triggered by hormones or environmental triggers that cause inflammation around the trigeminal nerve.  Researchers believe that because of abnormalities in a migraine sufferer’s brain, their threshold for pain signaling drops when they respond to inflammatory agents.

How does cbd oil help with migraines?

One of the reasons CBD may help to relieve migraine pain is because of the way it works with the endocannabinoid system in the brain.  The endocannabinoid system is an important biological system involved in the regulation of neurotransmission.  CBD attaches to receptors in the endocannabinoid system, a regulatory system found in the brain body, and connective tissues. Because the endocannabinoid system has only recently gained attention there have not been a lot of scientific studies on how it works or the potential it has to relieve pain.  

Endocannaboids and phytocannabinoids (cannabinoids that come from the cannabis plant) directly and indirectly influence a variety of systems within the body.  Activation of the endocannabinoid system has shown benefits for numerous diseases and conditions including pain, nausea, inflammation, anxiety and depression.  There are no clinical studies on the effectiveness of CBD oil for treating migraine, but based on a cross-sectional survey of cannabidiol users, it is believed that cbd may have a broad therapeutic value for treating pain and other conditions.  

Benefits of using CBD for migraine

CBD is a naturally occurring compound found in the sativa cannabis plant.  One of the reasons people like CBD for migraine is because it is a natural remedy.  CBD oil from hemp is legal in all 50 states and doesn’t require a prescription from a doctor.  Unlike opiates that have the potential for abuse, addiction, and have potential side effects and drug interactions, CBD has a very good safety profile and doesn’t have psychoactive effects.  

How to use CBD oil for migraine

Most people use CBD oil regularly as a prophylactic treatment for migraine.  Some find significant relief with just cbd alone, while others use cbd along with other pain relievers.  There are no scientific studies that provide dosage recommendations.   However, it’s a good idea to start with the smallest recommended dose and see if it helps.  If you need to increase the dosage, do it gradually and monitor your symptoms to see if you notice an improvement.. Every person has a different pain threshold, so it may take a little time to figure out the best dosage for you. 

Another important thing to consider is the type and quality of cbd you are using. While cbd is available in stores in many states, cbd products are not regulated by the FDA.  Some products contain very little CBD.  Before you purchase any cbd products online or in a store, make sure they have third party lab results to confirm the quality and amount of CBD you are getting.  

If you are interested in trying CBD oil for your migraines give us a call for a personal consultation.