CBD to combat migraines

Migraines are one of the most common and difficult to treat conditions. Although research on this subject is still in its infancy, it would appear that CBD is an effective tool for combating migraines, both in terms of treating the causes of the condition and alleviating its symptoms.

Migraines, about the condition

Migraines may be widespread, but their causes are not fully understood and they are very difficult to treat. 1 in 7 people around the world, mostly women, suffer from migraines. The symptoms of this condition and the episodes that affect those who suffer with it vary greatly. Migraine episodes can last just a few hours or up to 3 days. They consist of a very painful headache, often located on one side of the skull. The patient may also suffer from nausea or be unable to tolerate noise or light. Some people will only have occasional migraine episodes, while others will suffer with them repeatedly. This type of severe headache is so common that it can be very debilitating in everyday life.

CBD to alleviate migraines

Therefore, it is appropriate that such a widespread condition has been studied by researchers looking at the effects of CBD, although it is a shame that legislative impediments have historically restricted these fields of research. Despite this, the use of cannabinoids by those who suffer from migraines seems very promising. In 2016, research was conducted in Colorado in which 121 migraine sufferers consumed medical cannabis with CBD. The results speak for themselves. 40% of people saw a decrease in the frequency of migraines. For 11% of patients, the migraines even disappeared. Researchers believe that hemp acts in two complementary ways on migraines. 

CBD and the onset of migraines

It has been shown that most migraine sufferers have a serotonin imbalance. Low levels of this hormone can cause the blood vessels to dilate, which can then lead to migraine episodes. Cannabinoids are well known for their role in maintaining good serotonin levels. Numerous studies also point to the relevance of stress levels in migraine development. And it has been shown that, in rats, when stress lasts for a long time, the serotonin receptors are altered. When you know that serotonin is also called the happiness hormone, it is easy to understand why CBD, with it well-known relaxing effects, can combat migraines. Many people who suffer from chronic stress and migraine episodes have started regularly consuming CBD in order to regain a better balance in their lives and to help them relax. It provides a sense of well-being that often leads to a decrease in the frequency of migraines.

CBD to combat migraine pain

Cannabinoids can help migraine sufferers in another way, by reducing the intensity of their pain. The interactions between CBD and the body’s endocannabinoid system are becoming increasingly well-known. This system is involved in processing pain signals. By acting on the CB1 and CB2 receptors present in the body, CBD helps to combat the feeling of pain. Medical hemp is used to relieve patients’ symptoms in a growing number of diseases. Researchers are also beginning to suspect that, in some patients, endocannabinoid deficiency may be a trigger for migraines. CBD has good potential for treating migraines, both in terms of preventing episodes and treating them.