Cannabidiol oil comes from the marijuana plant, but it contains only trace amounts, if any, of the compound that produces a high. While cannabidiol oil has no psychoactive effects, it may relieve pain, and it shows some promise as a treatment for migraines.
More research is needed to determine whether cannabidiol (CBD) oil is safe and effective. Also, because products derived from the marijuana, or cannabis, plant tend to be unregulated, it is difficult to ensure the quality and quantity of ingredients.
Still, for people who have yet to find an effective migraine treatment, CBD oil may be worth considering. Speak with a doctor before obtaining it. Also, ensure that it is legal to use and purchased from a reputable source, to ensure safety.
Why would CBD oil work for migraines?
The cause of migraines remains unclear. Some people with migraines may have imbalanced levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Low levels of serotonin may cause blood vessels to dilate, triggering a migraine in people prone to them.
Authors of a preclinical study published in Addiction Biology speculated that cannabis compounds may raise serotonin levels in some people. If this effect is achieved, cannabinoids may be used to prevent migraines by boosting serotonin levels.
However, cannabis has been shown to lower serotonin levels in some people, especially when too much is used. More studies are needed.
What does the research say?
CBD oil may be an option for pain relief. Authors of a study from 2012 suggest that CBD oil can help to relieve some types of chronic pain. However, the study did not relate specifically to headaches or migraines.
Results of a 2016 study indicate that medical marijuana may reduce the frequency of migraine headaches. More research is needed to determine what dosage and formulation are most effective.
More research is needed to determine whether cannabidiol (CBD) oil is safe and effective. Also, because products derived from the marijuana, or cannabis, plant tend to be unregulated, it is difficult to ensure the quality and quantity of ingredients.
Still, for people who have yet to find an effective migraine treatment, CBD oil may be worth considering. Speak with a doctor before obtaining it. Also, ensure that it is legal to use and purchased from a reputable source, to ensure safety.
Why would CBD oil work for migraines?
The cause of migraines remains unclear. Some people with migraines may have imbalanced levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Low levels of serotonin may cause blood vessels to dilate, triggering a migraine in people prone to them.
Authors of a preclinical study published in Addiction Biology speculated that cannabis compounds may raise serotonin levels in some people. If this effect is achieved, cannabinoids may be used to prevent migraines by boosting serotonin levels.
However, cannabis has been shown to lower serotonin levels in some people, especially when too much is used. More studies are needed.
What does the research say?
CBD oil may be an option for pain relief. Authors of a study from 2012 suggest that CBD oil can help to relieve some types of chronic pain. However, the study did not relate specifically to headaches or migraines.
Results of a 2016 study indicate that medical marijuana may reduce the frequency of migraine headaches. More research is needed to determine what dosage and formulation are most effective.
