Medical cannabis helps relieve migraines

For the first time, researchers have conducted a study which proves that therapeutic cannabis treats migraines. Such a study has never been conducted before due to federal laws that prevent American scientists from obtaining cannabis for research. Over the years, headache and migraine sufferers have turned to cannabis to relieve their pain. So this is the first time that scientific data has confirmed their claim.

Researchers at the University of Colorado gathered 121 participants suffering from migraines. They treated them with medical cannabis between January 2010 and September 2014, and found that their migraines were reduced from 10 per month to less than 5. The majority of participants, 103, reported a decrease in migraines. And only 3 people saw their migraines increase during the test.

Participants used cannabis in a variety of ways, either by smoking it, or in «edible» form (space cake, for example). Inhalation proved to be the most effective way of treating migraines, not least because its effects come on more quickly than ingesting cannabis in infused foods.

The researchers called the results «considerable» and said they could potentially lead to new migraine treatments in the 23 states where medical cannabis is allowed, or at least more research.

However, the researchers remain cautious about how their findings are presented, noting that not everyone should turn to weed to cure their headaches. Cannabis affects everyone differently, and can also have negative effects on health.

«There are consistent improvements for patients in their ability to function and feel better,» says Laura Borglet, professor at Skaggs School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacy and one of the study's authors. «Like any drug, cannabis has potential benefits, as well as risks. It's important for people to be aware that using medical cannabis can also have negative effects.».

In any case, the study is yet another addition to a growing body of scientific evidence that the cannabis delivers more benefits for health than the «war on drugs» would like to admit. Researchers still need to determine how cannabis reduces migraines. «We believe that serotonin plays a role in headaches, but we're still trying to discover the exact role of cannabinoids,» adds Laura Borglet.