Top 6 Benefits of Cannabis for Migraine

A woman with migraine holding her head and a cannabis flower

Chronic migraines are a painful and debilitating condition that affects about 15% of people worldwide. The biological mechanism behind migraine is still not fully understood, but it’s known to be fundamentally associated with serotonin signalling. Cannabis, which also affects the serotonin system, has been shown to reduce symptoms.

1. Analgesic: Inhibits nerve’s pain sensory and response

The most immediately-apparent benefit of cannabis for migraine sufferers is its ability to reduce pain, which can be intense and even immobilizing in many cases. It’s thought that the body’s own endogenous cannabinoids, such as anandamide, reduce the pain of migraines by regulating the entry of pain signals into the brain via the CB1-receptors.

A man in medical suit reading a report with cannabis plants behind

A 2013 paper published in The Journal of Neuroscience demonstrated that sufferers of chronic migraine experience pain due to sensitization of trigeminovascular nociceptive pathways (pathways of the pain-sensing trigeminovascular nerves of the cranium). Cannabinoids are known to inhibit pain responses of these trigeminovascular nerves, indicating that this is one way cannabis can reduce migraine pain.

CB1-receptors in the neurons surrounding the brainstem are also antagonized by endocannabinoids to inhibit transmission of pain stimuli from the brainstem to other parts of the brain. Ultimately, this provides a dual benefit to individuals experiencing migraine.

2. THC (but not CBD) acts as a serotonin inhibitor

It’s been known for some time that there is a relationship between the serotonin signalling system and incidences of migraines. Immediately prior to an attack, serotonin levels increase dramatically, then fall to below-normal levels following the attack.

A microscopic view of serotonin

In 1985, a study was published investigating the effects of Δ9-THC and CBD on serotonin release from blood platelets that had been incubated with plasma obtained from patients undergoing episodes of migraine. It was concluded that Δ9-THC at various concentrations had a statistically significant inhibitory effect on serotonin released from the platelets.

However, plasma obtained from patients during attack-free periods showed no inhibitory effect on serotonin release, despite being treated with Δ9-THC at the same concentrations. Furthermore, CBD showed no significant inhibitory effect either on plasma from attack-free periods or from attack periods.

This study, and various similar studies that have been conducted since then demonstrate that cannabis Δ9-THC inhibits serotonin release during migraine attacks but not in migraine-free periods, and that CBD has a negligible effect in either situation.

3. Cannabis is a vasoconstrictor that can also reduce pain

It’s thought that the pain of a migraine is partly caused by a complex process of widening and narrowing of blood vessels in the cranium. When the blood flows through a wider section of blood vessel then meets a narrowed section, the pressure of the blood attempting to flow through the suddenly-reduced channel causes waves of intense pain. Generally, it’s thought that serotonin release causes the larger veins and arteries to become constricted, while the smaller peripheral veins become dilated.

A chemical formula of serotonin against the blue background

Due to this, vasoconstrictor drugs (drugs that narrow the blood vessels) are often used in the treatment and prevention of migraine, as the likelihood of pain is reduced if the dilation effect does not happen. Cannabis has a known vasoconstrictor effect and it’s believed that its efficacy at reducing migraine pain is partly due to this.

4. Cannabis may be able to prevent the immediate onset of migraines

While cannabis can improve pain and symptoms in an individual suffering the pain of a full-blown migraine, it may actually be able to prevent the immediate onset of a migraine entirely.

A man speaking on the mobile looking through the window with bright lights

In the period just before a migraine attack, serotonin release increases. This itself is not necessarily known to the individual. But there are several noticeable signs that may be present to indicate an episode is about to commence, such as auras or other visual disturbances.

As mentioned, imbalances in serotonin levels are associated with onset of migraines. It’s been demonstrated that there’s a relationship between the endocannabinoid system and the serotonin signalling system, and that activation of CB1 receptors can lead to a reduction of serotonin levels. As serotonin release increases immediately prior to a migraine, use of cannabinoids at this point may inhibit the abnormal increase and prevent the resultant processes that lead to the generation of migraine.

5. Anti-tremor benefits

Sufferers of chronic migraine are at risk of developing a common movement disorder known as essential tremor (ET). ET is characterized by uncontrollable shaking, typically of the hands and arms but occasionally affecting the head or vocal cords. It often becomes worse if attempting to use the affected body part, e.g. for writing or talking.

A man with migraine and a lightning

There have been no studies specifically investigating the relationship between migraine-induced essential tremor and cannabis use, but there are some anecdotal reports of migraine sufferers experiencing subjective relief from ET after using cannabis. There is also abundant research into the ability of cannabis to improve tremors in a range of other conditions, several of which (such as Parkinson’s) may cause tremors via similar biological mechanisms at work in migraine.

There’s research currently underway to determine cannabis’ ability to treat essential tremor specifically.  

It appears that the serotonin signalling system may have a fundamental role to play in the manifestation of tremor symptoms, in Parkinson’s and related conditions as well as in chronic migraine. Specifically, it appears that low serotonin is often associated with tremors.

While cannabis may inhibit serotonin release from the platelets in cases of migraine, it’s also been shown to induce synthesis of serotonin in other studies. So it may have a role to play in raising serotonin to normal levels in individuals suffering from depleted serotonin levels.

6. Cannabis as an anti-nausea remedy

Nausea is a common side-effect of migraines and is also thought to be associated with depleted serotonin levels immediately following a migraine attack. Cannabis has been demonstrated to be an effective anti-nausea remedy for various serious conditions, as well as lessening the nausea experienced as a side-effect of chemotherapy.

While there have been no specific studies into the ability of cannabis to manage migraine-induced nausea, there are numerous anecdotal reports of patients self-medicating with cannabis and experiencing subjective relief. There are also various other conditions in which excess serotonin can cause nausea that can be managed by cannabis. For example, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy that experience nausea due to excess serotonin irritating the gastrointestinal tract.

  • Disclaimer:
    This article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your doctor or other licensed medical professional. Do not delay seeking medical advice or disregard medical advice due to something you have read on this website.

Comments

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Author and reviewer

  • Profile-image

    Sensi Seeds

    The Sensi Seeds Editorial team has been built throughout our more than 30 years of existence. Our writers and editors include botanists, medical and legal experts as well as renown activists the world over including Lester Grinspoon, Micha Knodt, Robert Connell Clarke, Maurice Veldman, Sebastian Maríncolo, James Burton and Seshata.
    More about this author
  • Sanjai_Sinha

    Sanjai Sinha

    Dr Sanjai Sinha is an academic faculty member at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York. He spends his time seeing patients, teaching residents and medical students, and doing health services research. He enjoys patient education and practicing evidence-based medicine. His strong interest in medical review comes from these passions.
    More about this reviewer
Scroll to Top