Miami, FL: The inhalation of medical cannabis is associated with decreases in migraine frequency and in migraine-related pain, according to a literature review published in the journal Cureus.
A team of investigators affiliated with Larkin Community Hospital in Miami reviewed 34 scientific papers assessing the use of cannabis for migraine management.
Researchers reported “encouraging data on medicinal cannabis’ therapeutic effects on alleviating migraines in all of the studies reviewed.” They added: “Beneficial long-term and short-term effects of medicinal cannabis were reported. It was effective in decreasing daily analgesic intake, dependence, and level of pain intensity. Some patients experienced a prolonged and persistent improvement in their health and well-being (both physically and mentally) after long-term use of medicinal cannabis. Overall, patients reported more positive effects rather than adverse effects with medical cannabis use.”
Authors concluded: “[T]here is a consensus for the indication of medical marijuana therapy when first and second-line treatment fails. … Further research should be performed once cannabis becomes legalized to determine a favorable delivery method, dose, and strain for migraine and chronic headache management and possible long-term effects of medical cannabis use.”
Numerous surveys of patients report that those suffering from migraines often turn to cannabis for symptomatic relief, and many patients say that it is more effective than prescription medications.
Full text of the study, “Medical cannabis, headaches, and migraines: A review of the current literature,” appears in Cureus. Additional information regarding cannabinoids and migraine is available from NORML.