Plagued by Migraines? How Medical Cannabis Can Bring You Relief

More than 39 million Americans suffer from migraines. This complex neurological condition typically causes intense throbbing pain on one side of the head and can be debilitating, often accompanied by nausea, blurry vision, and increased sensitivity to light and sound. 

While prescription medication can help minimize these symptoms, many migraine drugs have side effects, leading some patients to explore alternatives, such as medical cannabis. Research is ongoing, but evidence suggests cannabis may help relieve certain migraine-related symptoms.

At MediCalm, board-certified physician Kimberlee Park, DO, frequently treats patients struggling with migraines. Here’s why conventional treatments don’t always work and what the science says about how medical cannabis may help.

Understanding migraines

Many people think migraines are a type of headache, but that isn’t the case. Although headaches are a common symptom of migraines, migraines themselves are a neurological condition.

Experts aren’t entirely sure what causes migraines, but several factors are thought to contribute, including:

• Stress
• Hormonal changes
• Lack of sleep
• Certain foods and drinks
• Weather changes, such as a drop in barometric pressure

Because so many different things can trigger migraines, patients often find treatment challenging. Most doctors begin with a structured, step-by-step approach, focusing on reducing the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. 

Limitations of traditional migraine treatments

The first line of defense for migraines is typically over-the-counter or prescription pain medications. Some patients respond well to these drugs, but many experience side effects such as rebound headaches, fatigue, or digestive issues. 

Even when migraine medication is initially effective, it may become less helpful over time or fail to fully control symptoms. This has led a growing number of migraine sufferers to explore alternative approaches, including medical cannabis.

How medical cannabis may help with migraine relief

Medical cannabis interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate various bodily functions, including pain, mood, sleep, and appetite. These effects may be particularly beneficial for migraine sufferers because cannabis can influence how the brain processes pain, reduce pain intensity, and help regulate inflammation throughout the body.

Medical cannabis may also make it easier to manage migraine side effects, such as nausea and poor sleep. For example, some studies suggest that indica-heavy cannabis strains may help ease insomnia and promote more restful sleep.

Determining if medical cannabis is right for you

The best way to know if medical cannabis is right for you and your migraines is to schedule a phone appointment with Dr. Park. After discussing your symptoms and reviewing your health history, she can make personalized recommendations based on your needs.

Dr. Park offers medical marijuana certification to migraine patients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. If she determines that you qualify, she completes the required documentation so you can apply for a medical cannabis card. Once approved, you can legally purchase cannabis products at any licensed state dispensary.

Because everyone responds to medical cannabis differently, it may take some trial and error to find the approach that works best for managing migraine symptoms. Dr. Park monitors your progress during routine checkups and offers guidance to help optimize your treatment plan.

Find out if you’re a candidate for medical cannabis

If you’re struggling to manage migraine headaches with traditional methods, medical cannabis may be worth considering. The first step is reaching out for a medical marijuana consultation or certification with Dr. Park.

Contact MediCalm to schedule a phone appointment today. You can call 484-440-9494 or use our online booking.