Did you know that migraines are 3x more likely to affect women than men? Many women are finding relief with cannabis, but it can be complicated. Experimentation and patience will determine the right mix of CBD and THC that ease symptoms like pain and nausea. Women often find cannabis medicine after trying everything else – and it’s the first thing that works for them.
On this week’s episode, we talk to a woman who has been dealing with daily migraines since she was a child. Cannabis is, in her words, “like someone is massaging your head with both hands and giving you a back rub”. If that sounds like relief to you, please listen and share the episode with anyone experiencing migraine pain. ❤️Ellen
CANNABIS & MIGRAINES
1. Studies are promising. According to a 2020 study from UC Boulder, migraine sufferers who have used both cannabis and prescription treatments reported significantly more relief from cannabis than from prescription medications like triptans. Try these tips for talking to your doctor about cannabis & drug interactions.
2. Start with CBD. Taking daily CBD preventatively has shown to help dial down the intensity of migraines by lowering inflammation and helping with stress and sleep-related symptoms. Always look for full-spectrum CBD, and for companies that post a Certificate of Analysis (COA) on their website to ensure the products are tested. Try products from women-run brands like Equilibria, Juna or Rosebud CBD.
3. Find your consumption method. The timing of relief matters a lot for migraines. Smoking seems to bring the fastest relief to migraine patients, usually within five minutes. If you’re using a vape pen or dry herb vaporizer that allows you to control the burn temperature, set it to 390 degrees. If you try an oil tincture, it will take 15-30 minutes to feel the effects, and expect 1-2 hours before feeling the effects of edibles.
4. Be willing to experiment. Some patients get relief from high CBD strains and some prefer high THC, often the strains that help them get to sleep. When you’re buying weed, try to smell it to see if the aroma appeals to you, or tell the budtender how you want to feel rather than rely solely on indica, sativa & hybrid strain classifications.
5. Keep a migraine journal. Are your migraines related to your menstrual cycle, or do they seem to have other triggers, like stress? Keep track of the symptoms you experience regularly, the cannabis strains you try, and how they make you feel.
