If you’re prone to migraines, this is the roundup for you. Read on for the science behind migraine headaches and five of the best cannabis products for migraines in Pennsylvania.
Nearly three-quarters of adults aged 18 to 65 have experienced a headache in the last year and, among those individuals, more than 30 percent have reported migraines. But in order to find the right treatment, you must first understand that migraines are different for everyone, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
Some risk factors associated with migraines include the following:
- Gender — Women have migraines three times more often than men.
- Age — Usually, people start experiencing migraines between ages 10 and 40.
- Genetics — Four out of five people with migraines have other family members who get them.
- Other medical conditions — Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and sleep disorders increase the risk of migraine.
While migraine is a common condition, its causes are still not well understood, meaning there are other risk factors that may be unknown.
What are Migraines
A migraine is a common neurological disease that causes a variety of symptoms. The most notable of symptoms is a throbbing, pulsing headache. Migraines are different for everyone. In many people, they happen in the stages outlined below.
Prodrome
A common stage that happens hours or days before a migraine is a prodrome. Symptoms include light sensitivity, fatigue, mood changes, severe thirst and bloating. About 60 percent of migraine sufferers experience this.
Aura
The aura stage of a migraine usually starts gradually and lasts for less than an hour. These symptoms mostly affect vision and include things like tunnel vision, seeing black dots, ringing in the ears and tingling in the body.
Migraine Attack
The dreaded migraine attack typically lasts around four hours and is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Symptoms can be exacerbated by physical activity and the pain can move from one side of the head to the other — or be felt across the entire head.
Postdrome
Following the migraine attack, a postdrome stage can last around a day. The symptoms usually include a feeling of exhaustion, crankiness and muscle pain or weakness.
How Cannabis Helps with Migraines
Experiencing migraines comes with a long list of painful symptoms. But cannabis has been found to alleviate these ailments (keep reading for some excellent cannabis products for migraines in Pennsylvania).
Research has found that cannabis can reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. In a 2020 study published in Brain Sciences, researchers explained that, “Mechanistically, endocannabinoids have been shown to have an inhibitory effect on serotonin receptors in vivo, which is shown to modulate pain and emetic responses.”
Both CBD and THC have pain-relieving properties. As this is the most prevalent symptom associated with migraines, it’s a great option for quick relief. Marijuana also helps with nausea which often goes hand in hand with migraine headaches.
Any form of cannabis can play a part in reducing or eliminating migraines. While some consumers consider inhalants like vapes or flower to be faster acting, others prefer edibles because they have been found to last much longer. Either way, it’s a viable alternative to many painkillers and over-the-counter medications that often leave you feeling sicker than when you started out.
Cannabis Products for Migraines in Pennsylvania
When looking for a great cannabis product for migraines, be sure to consult with a practitioner for additional insight before coming to any decisions. Speak with a budtender at a dispensary, or give us a call at (844) 443-5566 to speak to one of our cannabis experts. We’ve also rounded up five of the best cannabis products for migraines in Pennsylvania.
Terrapin iRest Capsules
1:1 iRest Capsules contain equal parts THC and CBD in a fast-acting capsule. That means you’ll feel nearly immediate, long-lasting relief from migraine pain or nausea.
Doctor Solomon’s Restore
Doctor Solomon’s Restore Tincture is the epitome of quick relief. Tinctures are great for medical purposes because they provide CBD and THC in a liquid form, meaning it’s going to enter your system very quickly.
Insa Purple Punch
Insa Purple Punch flower is an indica dominant hybrid that offers a relaxing, uplifting high. Many people report that this strain helps to address and alleviate migraines, as well as body aches, insomnia and more.
Prime Wellness Cherry CBD #95 Cartridge
This vape cartridge from Prime Wellness provides medical-grade weed in a concentrated form. This product is great for migraine pain reduction as it contains plenty of CBD and THC.
Grassroots Full Spectrum RSO Capsules
Cannabis isn’t just a recreational substance, it helps to improve the lives of so many people, every day. There is evidence that it can help you with migraines, as well as many other conditions, symptoms, etc. Plus, it’s easy to get your medical document with online telehealth service HelloMD. Register, pay and receive an online medical consultation with a licensed practitioner and start purchasing medical cannabis today.