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Cannabis for Migraine Headaches by Peter Kershaw, contributing writer
Most of us will, from time to time, experience a headache. There are around 150 types of headaches, and gratefully, even though they’ re never pleasant, most aren’ t debilitating or long-lasting. Nor are the majority of headaches difficult to treat. Most headaches are“ tension headaches” and classified as“ secondary,” meaning they’ re caused by underlying health considerations such as inadequate hydration, constipation, muscle stiffness( particularly neck and shoulders), emotional stress, inadequate sleep, anxiety, hangover, etc.
Migraine headaches are classified as“ primary” headaches because migraines are medically classified as a disease. Migraines affect approximately 39 million or 12 % of the American population, making them the third most common illness in the world. Migraines cost the U. S. economy around $ 36 billion a year in healthcare costs and lost work productivity. Eight in ten migraine sufferers are women. Fluctuating estrogen levels during the monthly cycle are thought to be a significant triggering factor. 1 As is the case with other headaches, other factors that can trigger migraines are environmental toxins, food allergies, and even changing weather.
Migraines are far worse than merely a bad headache. Migraines are often debilitating, lasting several hours to several days. They may include nausea, vomiting, and sensory stimuli sensitivity( e. g., photophobia). Around 15 to 20 % of migraine sufferers also experience“ auras” such as:
● Blind spots in your vision.
● Seeing bright flashing dots, sparkles, or lights.
● Numb or tingling skin.
● Speech changes.
● Ringing in ears( tinnitus).
● Temporary vision loss.
● Seeing wavy or jagged lines.
● Changes in smell or taste.
● A“ funny” feeling.
Auras may last 10 to 60 minutes and typically precede the onset of a migraine. Auras serve as a warning of migraine onset. Auras can be rather frightening and are often misinterpreted as a stroke.
The allopathic establishment hasn’ t been particularly helpful with identifying underlying causes of migraine. They broadly classify migraine as a neurological disease, the cause( s) of which is unknown. Many medical experts claim migraine is a genetic disorder because it can run in the family. The medical establishment has often failed migraine sufferers when it concerns treatment, let alone prevention. They have no cures for migraines, but they do offer a plethora of pills, most of which come with risky side effects.
Starting in my early 30s, I suffered for several years with periodic bouts of migraine headaches. My doctor, knowing my aversion to prescription drugs, recommended acetaminophen( Tylenol). After learning that long-term use causes liver damage, I switched to ibuprofen( Advil). But it, too, comes with its own complications. Moreover, neither one proved especially effective, and neither one will prevent migraines. I looked for more natural and effective options.
The greatest improvements I experienced were directly due to chiropractic adjustments, followed by physical therapy. My chiropractor, via X-ray examination, confirmed that my Atlas( first cervical vertebra of the spine, which supports the skull) was severely out of alignment. This was likely due to a whiplash injury I’ d suffered in a rear-end accident. Thankfully, I was treated by an reputable chiropractor and physical therapist( not all of them are). They were able to discharge me after only five treatments. Since then, I haven’ t experienced another migraine, let alone the auras that often preceded them. Those results are consistent with what many others have achieved. 2 Unfortunately, the medical establishment frowns on chiropractors and is loath to recommend them.
Like anyone else, I may still suffer from a headache from time to time, but the debilitating effects and degrees of pain I once experienced( ranging from eight-10) are now no worse than a five. Rather than treating headaches with ibuprofen or acetaminophen, I use cannabis. Like millions of others, I’ ve found cannabis to be effective not only in treating headaches but also preventing them. Headaches are one of the most common conditions for which medical marijuana is recommended by cannabis-friendly doctors.
18 August 2025