Cannabis users know and understand that the plant comes with an array of potential medicinal benefits. While we know that the plant may have the ability to help with health issues such as anxiety, chronic pain, and insomnia – just to name a few – many users are wondering, “can weed help with headaches?”
Can Cannabis Help With Headaches?
For people who suffer from chronic headaches or migraines, the pain can be debilitating. While pharmacies offer remedies like ibuprofen and Tylenol, the effects on the liver and kidneys over time can be worse than the headaches themselves. If cannabis was found to be a viable treatment, patients would have a natural and holistic remedy for their problems.
Cannabis & Pain Treatment
Cannabis may have the ability to relieve pain due to the many compounds in its chemical makeup. These include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), flavonoids, and terpenes. These compounds work in tandem within the endocannabinoid system, decreasing the detection of painful stimuli and symptom frequency. As a result, users may experience what we know as pain relief. The effectiveness of cannabis in treating pain points toward a hopeful answer to the question, “can weed help with headaches?”
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Weed & Headaches
While extensive research on the subject of cannabis and headaches is few and far between, a literature study by Larkin Community Hospital in Miami found that “medical cannabis use decreases migraine duration and frequency and headaches of unknown origin. Patients suffering from migraines and related conditions may benefit from medical cannabis therapy due to its convenience and efficacy.”
Additionally, a 2020 study on the short- and long-term effects of cannabis on headaches and migraines showed that headache and migraine ratings were reduced by nearly 50% after using cannabis. This puts us closer to finding out if weed can help with headaches.
Conclusion
Overall, not enough research exists for us to know if weed can help with headaches. While the studies referenced above point towards a hopeful answer, the limited research means that we cannot yet know the overall safety issues, effectiveness, or recommended dosage. If you struggle with headaches and are looking to use cannabis to help, talk to your doctor first.