Best Marijuana Strains for Migraines
What Are Migraines? A migraine is more than just a headache. In fact, it is a complex condition that has a variety of unique symptoms. While yes, for many individuals this is characterized as painful headaches, additional symptoms include sensitivity to light, sound and smells, disturbed vision, nausea and vomiting, etc. It is estimated that 13% of adults in the US experience migraines, with the majority being women. Migraine “attacks” can last from as little as 4 hours all the way to 72 hours and often requires that the individuals lies still. This can have a devastating impact on work, social and family life. According to Peter Goadsby, Professor of Neurology, King’s College London a "Migraine is an inherited tendency to have headaches with sensory disturbance. It’s an instability in the way the brain deals with incoming sensory information, and that instability can become influenced by physiological changes like sleep, exercise and hunger". The most common migraine types include: ● Migraine Without Aura - Experienced by 70-90% of migraine sufferers. ● Migraine With Aura - Associated with additional neurological issues, such as vision loss. ● Chronic Migraine - headaches that are experienced more than 15 days per month. ● Menstrual Migraines - Brought on by the hormonal changes women experience prior to menstruation.
What Causes Migraines? There is no known cause for migraines. While many individuals suffer due to a genetic predisposition to the condition, they can have any number of outside triggers. These triggers range from stress, lack of food or sleep, alcohol, hormonal changes in women and the environment.
Current Treatments for Migraines There is currently no cure for migraines as there is a variety of different causes, as discussed above. Some individuals find that taking supplements, such as magnesium and 5HTP, can completely eradicate their migraines, but others have to turn to prescription medications in order to get any kind of relief.
How Cannabis Can Help
Cannabis has a variety of influences throughout the body - including the ability to manage migraines. For example, a 2008 study1 found that migraines are acutely linked to endocannabinoid function. The result of the study was that one possible cause of migraines could be due to an endocannabinoid deficiency, whereby the use of cannabis could supplement the body's natural endocannabinoids and thereby relieve migraine headaches. A more recent 2016 study2 from Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Colorado had even more convincing results. This study had several revelations when it studied the effects of cannabis in adult migraine sufferers. For instance, the study had migraines decrease from 10.4 to 4.6 per month. In addition, 40% of the subjects noted positive 1 2
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18404144 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26749285
effects; 19.8% said that cannabis prevented their migraines and 11.6% said that they stopped them. Past studies found similar results3, with up to 85% of participants having a reduction in migraine frequency. Beyond the ability for cannabis to mimic and supplement the natural endocannabinoid system (depending on whether you have a high-THC or high-CBD strain), it is also beneficial for reducing pain and inflammation that occurs alongside migraines. Marijuana is also adept for relieving stress, improving appetite and influencing sleep - all of which are triggers for migraine headaches. Marijuana can even help to balance the endocannabinoid system during hormonal changes, such as PMS, to help reduce the likelihood of a menstrual migraine.
Best Strains to Manage Migraines
As with any ailment, there are some cannabis strains that are more adept at managing migraines than others. A few of our favourite migraine fighting strains include: 1. Rockstar is a 70% Indica/30% Sativa hybrid that has a moderate THC of 14-19%. Rockstar has a powerful head high complete with euphoria and an uplifted mood. This strain is a favorite for headaches, pain and sleeping disorders 2. Chemdawg is a near-even hybrid, which delivers both a cerebral high and a sleepy body high. Chemdawg has average THC levels of 19% and is excellent for handling anxiety and pain, as well as migraines. 3. Skywalker OG is a potent Indica-dominant hybrid boasting 20-25% THC. This strain is not ideal for daytime as it has a powerful couch-lock, but it is ideal for individuals who are suffering from evening migraines. Skywalker OG will give you a euphoric head high and relax the body, helping you drift off to sleep.
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https://www.leafly.com/news/science-tech/new-study-confirms-that-cannabis-can-help-migrainesufferers
4. Purple Kush is a pure Indica with THC levels around 22%. This strain offers a blissful high that is uplifting. It is a long-lasting high accompanied by physical relaxation that leaves you pain-free. Purple Kush is ideal for anyone needing strong pain relief. 5. Green Crack is a Sativa-dominant hybrid with THC levels of around 24%, making it a potent option for managing migraines. This strain is known for its energizing and uplifting effects and is great for daytime use. These strains are all available through Fair Canna Care’s online cannabis dispensary. You can browse the shop for even more migraine fighting strains or head over to our F.A.Q’s to learn how easy it is to buy marijuana online. In addition to choosing the right strains, there are different consumption methods available to manage migraines depending on the situation. Vaping or marijuana edibles are the ideal way to consume it in terms of preventing migraines or managing the symptoms of a migraine attack. Edibles take approximately 30-60 minutes before you feel the effects, so they are not good for an oncoming migraine, but can be good for prevention. If you feel a migraine coming, it is best to pull out your vaporizer as that will provide instant relief. Sources: https://www.migrainetrust.org/about-migraine/migraine-what-is-it/more-than-just-a-headache/ https://www.leafly.com/news/science-tech/new-study-confirms-that-cannabis-can-help-migraine-sufferers https://www.forbes.com/sites/daviddisalvo/2017/06/29/marijuana-treats-migraine-pain-better-thanprescription-medication-study-finds/#79ae44f83700