Medical Marijuana for Headaches Medical Marijuana for Headaches. Have you tried traditional over the counter medicines to mitigate your migraines? Some people who aren’t finding success with these treatments have turned to medical marijuana for their headaches. If you live in a state that has legalized the use of medical marijuana, you may have found your headache remedy.
How Effective is Medical Marijuana? The University of Colorado conducted a study of 121 people who suffer from migraines. These subjects were tasked with using marijuana daily as a headache remedy. 40% of these participants found success in this treatment and halved their number of monthly head pain. The subjected used different types of marijuana, but found inhaling the was best for stopping a current migraine. People who inhaled or smoked said this improved their regulation of marijuana and worked as a more effective headache remedy. This study’s preliminary results show the potential benefits of medical marijuana for headaches. Although some studies have found early, short-term success, this does not mean that marijuana’s long-term effects and risks have been properly researched. It is important to consult your physician before making any changes in your health treatments. How Does Medical Marijuana Work? Medical marijuana interacts with your brain’s cannabinoid receptors. Your body naturally produces cannabinoids, and these regulate how pain affects you. Marijuana has its own natural cannabinoids. When these protein loops enter your bloodstream, they interact with your body’s cannabinoid receptors. Chemicals are drawn to these receptor sites and affect how they work. For example, marijuana’s cannabinoids can tell your receptor site to stop absorbing a pain-blocking hormone called anandamide. Instead, the anandamide will continue traveling through your bloodstream and alleviate your pain for longer. This chemical process further proves the benefits of using medical marijuana for headaches.