When trying to think about what I wanted to talk about this week I thought about researching the positive effects that cannabis can have on patients who are searching for anything to help current symptoms. I decided to go out and talk to the next patient that walked through the door. I will keep her unnamed but I spoke to her about what symptoms she’s seeking treatment for, and she said it helps with her migraines. It intrigued me to learn more about what she was going through. She went on to mention that it lessens the frequency of the headaches from several a week to maybe one a month. Tens of thousands of people suffer migraines, and let me tell you. Look at some of the things some people have to go through. From sitting in dark rooms to vomiting. It is very intense and unfortunately there really is not a rock solid proven form of treatment. Opioid forms are intended to mitigate symptoms but might not work for all people, and have the potential of causing an overuse headache which enhances a migraine. Research of cannabis effects are still in early stages due to its recent legalization.
Researchers are beginning to test the effects of cannabis and have made significant discoveries in my opinion. Washington State University did a study that stated 49.6% had reduced symptoms and no cases of overuse. Although there has been limited research, I have spoken with someone face to face that said it helps them, and that is enough for me to believe it. Cannabis enters your body through receptors that then are manipulated by the cannabinoid profile of your medication. It has been proven that inhaling it is the most effective way of consuming. Concentrates as in oils and tinctures have also been stated to work while edibles have been proven to be the least effective. There are over 100 cannabinoids involved, so it's not proven exactly which ones directly affect migraines, but it is known to help either way. Again cannabis has been used for 100’s of years when modern medicine did not exist.
As the world continues to search for anything that can create a better quality of life. Cannabis is consistently involved in the conversation. I know that cannabis can have negative side effects to consumers, I just don’t hear or read of many those occasions. Cannabis is officially center stage and has the opportunity to prove itself to the world that it can help you just as much as other medications. If you are experiencing migraines then it might be worth a try. A better way of life can be through a flower.
