As the month of June unfolds, billions of people among all age groups will suffer from a migraine attack as the condition continues to increase in numbers worldwide.
A study conducted in 2019 by the Global Burden of Disease (GBD), estimated that the prevalence has increased from about 722 million diagnosed in 1990 to over 1 billion in 2019, (NLM database, Front Neurol, 2022 Feb 23). Overall women have a higher risk factor, however, those who suffer from GI disorders, epilepsy and substance withdraw frequently report symptoms of migraine headaches. Internationally, it’s the second most disabling disease, overshadowed only by psychological disorders, of which migraine disorder may attribute. Because the condition is debilitating, its connection to mental health is strong and may cause anxiety, depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  Patients with chronic migraine (CM) or migraine with aura are also at an increased risk for major depressive disorder (MDD), fatal thoughts and even suicide, (Americanmigrainefoundation.org, Managing Migraine, Mental Health, October 25, 2022).
Chemical compounds found in medical marijuana have been used therapeutically, across continents by traditional healers and spiritual leaders of indigenous people to treat a wide range of conditions, which may have included headaches and migraines. “Therapeutic indications of cannabis are mentioned in the texts of the Indian Hindus, Assyrians, Greeks and Romans. These texts reported cannabis to treat a vast array of different health problems, including arthritis, depression, amenorrhea, inflammation, pain, lack of appetite and asthma.” Hybrid cannabis strains, such as Gorilla Glue contain terpenes that have been studied and shown to offer some relieve for headaches and migraines. GG4 has a high concentration of Beta-caryophyllene, a terpene which binds to the CB2 receptor of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and in doing so, has the potential to reduce inflammation, relieve pain and reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. Consumers, such as Denise L. (verified purchase, March 22, 2024) indicate that it works for a variety of conditions, by proclaiming, “it’s the JAM! Great for any kind of pain, muscle tension/aches, and gives you a nice boost of energy.”
So, what is a migraine anyway? A migraine is a complex neurological disorder and its most notable attributes are throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation that typically occurs on one side of the head, but is known to spread and move from one side to the other. Migraine pain may also surface around the eyes, temples, face, sinuses, jaw or neck. They generally last a minimum of four hours, but can continue for days in some cases. A migraine is typically accompanied by other symptoms, like numbness, chills, nausea/vomiting and heightened sensitivity. The underlying cause of a migraine disorder is somewhat of a mystery; however, risk factors are gender-based, genetic and environmental. That being said, if one or more biological parent has been diagnosed, their offspring will have a 50-75% chance of suffering the same symptoms, (health.clevelandclinic.org, June 5, 2023/Health Conditions/Brain & Nervous System).
When it comes to the underlying health concerns connected to migraines, it’s important to know that there’s a difference between a trigger and a condition. When it comes to understanding the cause and the stigmatism surrounding this global health burden, both patients and physicians would like to be clear that it is a silent, but stifling disorder. Patients may be concerned with being judged for underlying causes of migraines and while some mental health issues interrelate, triggers work randomly, but produce the same outcome. According to Mayo Clinic, 80% of 255 people with chronic migraine report reduced participation in family activities. This condition often causes patients to miss out on life, in turn, leading to depression caused by, “the guilt they felt at letting down their family, friends and work colleagues…being unable to plan and commit to events. They highlighted how their migraines had adversely impacted their behavior in terms of having children, the number of hours they worked and taking early retirement,” (Americanmigrainefoundation.org, Managing Migraine, Mental Health, October 25, 2022).
What are the most common migraine triggers?
- Lights
- Smells
- Sounds
- Stress
- Hormones / Menstruation
- Dehydration
- Irregular Sleep Schedule
- Food
- Physical Activity
- Medication Overuse
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Weather Changes
Typically, migraines are treated with common, over the counter pain medications, which may help to prevent some migraines and make them less painful.  Medical marijuana patients report success when using the herbal remedy to treat migraines, depression, insomnia and other conditions that interrelated with the disorder. A study, which included 12 publications involving 1,980 participants in Italy and the United States of America, concluded that marijuana therapy, “significantly reduced nausea and vomiting associated with migraine attacks after 6 months of use…reduced the number of days of migraine after 30 days, and the frequency of migraine headaches per month (and it) was 51% more effective in reducing migraines than non-cannabis products. There is promising evidence that medical cannabis may have a beneficial effect on the onset and duration of migraine headaches in adults,” (NLM database, Front Neurol, 2022 Feb 23).
Medical marijuana combined with other self-help remedies and lifestyle changes could greatly reduce the risk of migraines. “Coconut water is highly beneficial for cardiovascular health as it can help to reduce blood pressure and increase healthy circulation. It is also a vitally important drink for those who are suffering with a chronic illness such as migraines, sinusitis, COPD, fibromyalgia, asthma, PCOS, cardiomyopathy, Chron’s disease, epilepsy, hypertension, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, hypothyroidism, arthritis, lupus and chronic fatigue syndrome.” (MedicalMedium.com, Coconut Water, May 17, 2015).