CBD Oil For Migraine? What Research Show Us

It’s estimated that 1 in 4 American households has a migraine sufferer, so you’re not alone if this debilitating illness takes over your life when it hits.

As new researcher emerges around medicinal cannabis, you may wonder if CBD for migraines is a good alternative or complement to your current treatment plan?

The World Health Organization ranks migraine headaches as one of the ten most disabling medical ailments, and the typical pain treatment for migraines only provides temporary relief to those who suffer. 

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD oil for migraine pain may be the answer you’re looking for. 

Our Feel Good CBD oil buffs break down the research below and also provide you with tips on how to safely and effectively use CBD as a migraine relief.

What Science Says About Migraines

Though migraines impact an estimated 148 million lives globally, researchers know very little about this disorder. According to The American Migraine Foundation, medical professionals “now believe that migraine is probably genetic in origin and that the disorder reflects a genetically induced hypersensitivity involving neurons (brain cells) located within the central nervous system.”

Neurons associated with a genetic predisposition for migraines may trigger headaches and other related symptoms due to environmental changes like a drop in barometric pressure, or changes within the body like hormone fluctuations due to the menstrual cycle. 

The brain is likely where migraines originate, which is why they are comparable to epilepsy. Both relate to unusually sensitive neurons, and often those with epilepsy are more likely to have migraines.

Medications currently offered for migraines works by stabilizing the unstable electric and chemical system within the brain. CBD oil may be capable of offering the same brain balance.

Research on The Use of CBD Oil for Migraines

Cannabis is well known for pain management, and CBD is thought to have analgesic properties that not only help to reduce pain but also help sufferers reduce and omit the use of harsh drugs like NSAIDs and opiates. 

Though studies are limited due to lack of clinical trials, a report by Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research in 2017 shows significant anecdotal and preliminary evidence that cannabis provides relief for patients with migraine-related symptoms. 

These clinical case studies showed largely positive results, with many patients reporting a decrease in frequency and intensity of migraines, with some patients reporting no return of headaches even after they discontinued therapies.

In her book, Cannabis Revealed, Bonnie Goldstein, M.D. said though few studies have been done on migraines and CBD, plenty of anecdotal evidence provides the support that patients find relief when using it.

Dr. Goldstein also discussed new findings that migraine headaches may be due to endocannabinoid deficiency. Migraines are known as a trigger response to bright lights, hunger, or hormonal changes. 

The trigger event causes a brain imbalance, which normally signals the production of endocannabinoids to maintain homeostasis.

But an endocannabinoid deficiency wouldn’t allow a self-correction of imbalances, leading to the development of a migraine headache. 

How CBD work?

CBD interacts with the brain and nervous system by tapping into cells called CB1 and CB2. The CB1 and CB2 are neurons that work like a lock and key system when cannabinoids are introduced inside a system known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

The ECS was recently discovered by scientists and plays a huge role in our body’s internal and external balances with our environment (or homeostasis). 

Dysfunction in CB2 receptors are directly linked with disease, and these receptors play an integral role in tissue health, liver and kidney function, the origins of cancer and pain.

By taking regular doses of CBD, the body may be able to regulate the body better by eliminating disruption in the ECS.

Many patients report that a daily CBD regimen helps prevent migraines from occurring.

How to use CBD for migraine relief

CBD oil is consumed by vaping or ingestion, and it can be used as a topical treatment. Oral CBD is less likely to cause side effects and lacks harmful additives that can be found in vaping products.

You can put a few drops of the oil under your tongue, take CBD capsules, or even eat a CBD-infused treat.

Currently, no formal dosing guidelines exist to prevent and treat migraines. After extensive research and testing, we recommend using between 2.5 and 20 milligrams per day for chronic pain. 

If you’re new to CBD oil, start with a small dose. Cannabis works differently in everyone depending on levels of tolerance and natural levels of cannabinoids in the system. CBD won’t get you high, so there is no risk of impairment. 

It’s a matter of finding the right dose to alleviate your symptoms.

Potential Side Effects

Overall, the side effects of CBD oil are minimal, which is why many are opting out of addictive pain substances and turning to CBD as an alternative therapy.

Some users report dry mouth, drowsiness, and a slight drop in blood pressure. That’s why we recommend starting with a low dose to see how your body responds. 

Vaping may cause lung irritation, which can lead to chronic cough and breathing issues. 

Because CBD is derived from hemp, it has less than .03% THC, which eliminates the worry of intoxication.

Find The Right CBD Treatment for Migraines

At Feel Good CBD, we are huge fans of CBD oil as part of your daily preventive medicine regimen. Our products are 100% organic, lab-tested, pesticide-free, and made with full-spectrum CO2-extracted oils (no butane, please!).

We want you to reap all the benefits of CBD along with the other healthy cannabinoids and terpenes found in the hemp plant. The extracts are blended with MCT oil for a higher absorption rate. Using CBD oil for migraine is a good treatment.

“Representations regarding the efficacy and safety of [CBD Oil] have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA only evaluates foods and drugs, not supplements like these products. These products are not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease. Click here [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5436334/] to find evidence of a test, analysis, research, or study describing the benefits, performance or efficacy of [CBD Oil] based on the expertise of relevant professionals.”