Cannabis and headaches

Types of headaches

Headache is a common and complex disorder of the nervous system that chronically affects between 4 and 12% ( 1 )( 2 ) (3) of the world's population, while it can occur episodically in almost anyone throughout life. There are several types of headaches with different symptoms, the most common are: As can be seen, both the symptoms and the causes of headaches and migraines are very different , therefore implying a different therapeutic approach. In addition to the two main ones, there are different headaches related to flu and ailments, premenstrual syndrome, dental problems, poisoning (also excess painkillers). (3)

Cannabis and headaches

In a very comprehensive study by Ethan Russo ( 4 ) on the history of the use of Cannabis for headaches, he describes and documents how this plant has been used in all cultures , from Islamic, Indian and Chinese to Greek and Roman. In particular, between 1842 and 1942 it was part of the Western pharmacopoeia, being the treatment most indicated by mainstream physicians to deal with migraine symptoms. Although much remains to be discovered, some of these studies seem to confirm the hypothesis that disorders such as migraines may originate from a dysfunction of the ECS (6), showing how a therapy based on the indirect stimulation of endocannabinoids (through inhibition of FAAH) seems to be very promising (7) and consequently placing the use of CBD in a fundamental position.

Clinical trials on the use of Cannabis

However, there are still no clinical trials on the use of Cannabis for migraines, most of the clinical evidence in humans can be seen in individual case studies or small groups, as well as anecdotal cases and surveys (5). These studies show good results in the use of THC (8), since in most cases it is a matter of self-administration of inhaled Cannabis or the use of drugs with their corresponding synthetic. In particular, in a study presented in 2017 at the 3rd Congress of the European Academy of Neurology, the effectiveness of a combination of THC and CBD was observed in 40% of the cases studied, while in another more recent investigation, the effectiveness of the use of Cannabis in different disorders characterized by chronic pain was confirmed, evidencing good results especially with the use of products rich in CBD (9). According to Dr. Peyarube in an article from the Canna Foundation : “My clinical experience with these patients is in line with these findings and has allowed me to confirm a very good response to treatment with repeated doses of CBD , requiring very low doses of THC, so that its adverse effects are almost non-existent, and if they are, they usually disappear by lowering the doses of THC. After treatment with cannabinoids, the frequency of migraine attacks tends to be considerably reduced . In some cases I have even confirmed their extinction, at least during the time of clinical follow-up.” Literature:

1. Goldstein, B.. Cannabis Revealed . (2017)
2. Headaches or Migraines . Blog article from the Official College of Pharmacists. (2017)
3. Headaches . Article from the World Health Organization. (2016)
4. Russo, E. Hemp for headache: An in-depth historical and scientific review of cannabis in migraine treatment . Journal of Cannabis Therapeutics, 1(2), 21-92. (2001)
5. Baron, EP Comprehensive review of medicinal marijuana, cannabinoids, and therapeutic implications in medicine and headache: What a long strange trip it's been…. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, 55(6), 885-916. (2015)
6. Sarchielli P, Pini LA, Coppola F, et al. Endocannabinoids in chronic migraine: CSF findings suggest a systemic failure. Neuropsychopharmacology;32:1384–1390. (2007)
7. Greco, R., Demartini, C., Zanaboni, AM, Piomelli, D., & Tassorelli, C.. Endocannabinoid System and Migraine Pain: An Update. Frontiers in neuroscience , 12 , 172. (2018)
8. Rhyne DN, Anderson SL, Gedde M, Borgelt LM. Effects of Medical Marijuana on Migraine Headache Frequency in an Adult Population . Pharmacotherapy. (2016)
9. Baron, E.P., Lucas, P., Eades, J. et al. Patterns of medicinal cannabis use, strain analysis, and substitution effect among patients with migraine, headache, arthritis, and chronic pain in a medicinal cannabis cohort. J Headache Pain 19, 37 (2018)