As advocates continue to push for the legalization of marijuana, many people have already taken it upon themselves to put the compounds found in the plant to the test. Cannabis contains a variety of compounds, with CBD and THC being the most popular. While these two compounds derive from cannabis, they are different in several ways. One of the most notable differences in the two is their psychoactive effect. CBD has shown to be much less psychoactive than THC, which is why some medical experts highly recommend it for migraines. But, the question still remains, does it really work.
What Is Classified As A Migraine?
When you first experience head pain, it is crucial to determine if it is a headache or migraine. While some people believe the headache and migraine is one and the same, they are very different. There are three main types of headaches. These include the sinus, cluster and tension headaches. However, it is reported that the tension headache is the most common. Each of these headaches have different symptoms.
- Cluster Headache – Piercing, burning pain around or behind one eye is the most common symptoms reported. The pain is often described as constant, but some people have described their pain as throbbing. While this type of headache is considered severe, it is the least common of the three.
- Tension Headache – Aching, dull pain in the head, along with shoulder and neck muscle tenderness is extremely common. Some people have also reported experiencing pressure or tightness around the forehead during a tension headache.
- Sinus Headache – Pressure and/or pain in the face, especially in the areas around the nose are commonly associated with this type of headache. It can be accompanied by fever and facial tenderness.
Headaches typically never last longer than 24 hours, whereas, a migraine can last for three days or longer. This is one way to determine the difference in a migraine and headache. If the pain lasts longer than 72 hours, it is highly likely that it is a migraine. However, it is important to note that some medical experts believe that a headache can last up to a week, but in most cases the pain will subside within 24 hours.
The pain associated with migraines can range from moderate to severe. Many people who experience recurring migraines will oftentimes find themselves in an emergency room or physician’s office, because the pain is so severe. In most cases, migraines only affect one side of the head. The pain is described as intense throbbing and is often accompanied by an “aura”, poor focus, numbness or tingling in the hands or face, strange sense of taste, touch and smell, irritability, depression, sensitivity to light, temporary vision loss and nausea and/or vomiting.
Does Not Produce A High
CBD is more popular among the medical community, because it does not produce a “high”. For this reason, advocates and some medical experts believe that it does not have addictive properties.
A study published in the journal Pharmacotherapy in 2016 suggests that cannabis has the ability to ease pain associated with migraines. Nearly 40 percent of the participants reported fewer migraines when utilizing marijuana. In the end, the researchers said that more research is needed to determine the true effects of CBD on migraines.
What Does The Research Say?
At the end of the day, for most individuals everything comes down to research and statistics, but the real truth of the matter is that the research revolving around CBD oil and migraines is limited. And, this really could have something to do with the regulated use and legalization of CBD oils. That being said, it doesn’t mean that some scientists and researchers haven’t experimented with and studied the substance. It has been scientifically proven that CBD oil can help relieve chronic and acute forms of pain. The only problem with that statement is that none of that acute and chronic pain was specifically related to headaches or migraines.
That doesn’t mean that all hope is lost, as a study in 2016 did reveal that marijuana could potentially reduce the frequency of headaches and migraines. Unfortunately, CBD oils were not specified in the research, but since CBD oil is a byproduct of marijuana it is safe to assume that it could provide the same results. In fact, it could be more potent, but as of right now more research in the field is required.
A newer study conducted in 2017, published by a well-respected research community, came up with more promising results. The study was conducted over a period of six months and its main focus was to determine the positive effects that oral cannabis could have on individuals who suffered from frequent migraines. Twenty-six participants volunteered for the study and half of them were issued ibuprofen while the other half was given CBD oils. The study went on for a period of weeks and it showed that the individuals taking the CBD oils reported a better quality of life and less pain.
Most Effective Method Of Consumption For Migraines
Although cannabis has been utilized for nearly 3,000 years, it seems like there is always a new and exciting method of consumption in development. First, it started out with smoking the herb out of a pipe, it evolved into rolling joints, and eventually vaping became all the rage. Whatever the situation is, it is safe to say that there are a variety of ways that you can reap the benefits of marijuana and CBD oil. That being said, for the most part CBD oil is usually consumed in a vaping or ingestion manner. While vaping is far more effective, it is highly recommended for newbies to start off with oral consumption due to the high risks of side effects involved with the substance.
Simply just place a few droplets under your tongue and it won’t be long before you are feeling the effects. Some individuals even prefer the capsule form or eating a treat infused with the oil, but whatever the situation is oral consumption is best for the beginner. Vaping is far more effective because it might be useful when a migraine hits you out of the blue, since it bypasses the digestion process and goes straight to the bloodstream.
Is CBD Oil Legal For Consumption?
It is no big secret that marijuana has been a highly debated topic for a number of years now. Throughout these years, there have been several states that have grown to recognize the true benefits of the substance, therefore it has become legal for recreational and medicinal purposes. Unfortunately, it still remains illegal in many states, but if you live in a state where marijuana is legal, you should have access to CBD and CBD oils. Of course, you might need to apply for a medical marijuana card, but if you are an individual who suffers from frequent headaches, you should be able to easily and quickly acquire a card.
Illegal possession of the substance can result in high fines and even jail time. This is why it is imperative to make sure that you are aware of the laws and regulations regarding the legality of the substance in the area you live in.