Headaches can be both debilitating and annoying. Many people suffer from headaches frequently and are looking for relief. Sativa, a type of cannabis, has been used to treat headaches for centuries, but has recently seen a resurgence in popularity due to its potential for providing relief. In this article, we will explore the potential benefits of Sativa for headache relief, including its ability to reduce inflammation, provide pain relief, and improve mood. We will also look at the risks associated with using Sativa, and how to use it safely and effectively. Finally, we will discuss the current state of research surrounding the use of Sativa for headache relief.
What evidence is there to support the use of sativa for headaches?
Studies have shown that Sativa can help reduce the frequency and severity of headaches in some people. One study showed a significant reduction in headache-related symptoms when participants used a combination of Sativa and other medications. Other studies have shown that Sativa can reduce inflammation in the brain, which may help reduce the severity of headaches. Additionally, some anecdotal evidence suggests that Sativa can help reduce the frequency of headaches in those who suffer from chronic headaches or migraines.
What are the potential side effects of using sativa for headaches?
The potential side effects of using sativa for headaches include dizziness, anxiety, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, and dry mouth. In rare cases, it can also cause paranoia and hallucinations. It is important to consult with a medical professional before using any type of cannabis for medicinal purposes.
Are there any other remedies that are more effective for headaches?
Sativa is not generally recommended for headaches, as it is more likely to produce a stimulating effect which can increase the intensity of headaches. Other remedies that may be more effective for headaches include taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen, applying a cold or hot compress to the affected area, or trying relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation.
How can sativa be safely and effectively used for headaches?
Sativa can be safely used for headaches in the form of marijuana, CBD oil, and hemp-derived products. Sativa has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce headache pain. It is important to use the product in the proper dose so as not to exceed the recommended amount or increase the risk of side effects. It is also important to talk to a doctor before using any of these products to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Is sativa more effective for certain types of headaches than others?
Sativa strains of cannabis have been known to provide relief from headaches, particularly those that are caused by stress, tension, or anxiety. It is believed that the effects of the strain on the body can help to reduce the intensity and frequency of the headache. However, the effectiveness of sativa for headaches may vary from person to person, so it is best to consult with a doctor or healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment.
Metrics details. Medicinal cannabis registries typically report pain as the most common reason for use. It would be clinically useful to identify patterns of cannabis treatment in migraine and headache, as compared to arthritis and chronic pain, and to analyze preferred cannabis strains, biochemical profiles, and prescription medication substitutions with cannabis. Via electronic survey in medicinal cannabis patients with headache, arthritis, and chronic pain, demographics and patterns of cannabis use including methods, frequency, quantity, preferred strains, cannabinoid and terpene profiles, and prescription substitutions were recorded. Of patients, 21 illnesses were treated with cannabis. Pain syndromes accounted for Across all 21 illnesses, headache was a symptom treated with cannabis in Many pain patients substituted prescription medications with cannabis Chronic pain was the most common reason for cannabis use, consistent with most registries. The majority of headache patients treating with cannabis were positive for migraine. Prospective studies are needed, but results may provide early insight into optimizing crossbred cannabis strains, synergistic biochemical profiles, dosing, and patterns of use in the treatment of headache, migraine, and chronic pain syndromes. The legal use of medicinal cannabis continues to increase globally, including the United States. At the time of this writing, there are currently 29 states which have legalized medicinal cannabis, 9 states and Washington DC which have legalized both medicinal and recreational cannabis use, and 18 states which have legalized cannabidiol CBD -only bills. The use of medicinal cannabis for a multitude of health maladies, particularly chronic pain, has been well described through ancient, historical, and current times, and well supported through the medical literature 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 . In , The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine published a statement that the use of cannabis for the treatment of pain is supported by well-controlled clinical trials and that there is substantial evidence that cannabis is an effective treatment for chronic pain in adults 24 . In , the Canadian Pain Society revised their consensus statement to recommend cannabinoids as a third-level therapy for chronic neuropathic pain given the evidence of cannabinoid efficacy in the treatment of pain with a combined number needed to treat NNT of 3. Most medicinal cannabis registries report that chronic pain is the most common indication for use 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 . However, most of these registries do not further differentiate chronic pain into different pain subsets. Publications detailing this headache, migraine, and facial pain literature, as well as described mechanisms of pain relief with cannabis and cannabinoids are available and should be reviewed, but are beyond the scope of this paper 1 , 2 , 28 , 51 , 65 . There are only two prospective trials containing a control group evaluating the use of cannabinoids in the treatment of headache disorders, specifically chronic migraine, cluster headache, and medication overuse headache 56 , 62 . The first of these two prospective trials was a randomized, double-blind, active-controlled crossover trial with treatment refractory medication overuse headache MOH with daily analgesic intake for at least 5 years and several failed detoxification attempts. Patients completed a course of either Ibuprofen mg or Nabilone 0. Results showed that Nabilone 0. The second prospective trial evaluated the use of cannabinoids as both a prophylaxis and acute treatment for both chronic migraine and chronic cluster headache 56 . In phase 1, dose finding observations to determine effective dosing was performed with a group of 48 chronic migraineurs. This same result was seen in cluster headache patients, but only if they had a history of migraine in childhood. In cluster headache patients without a previous history of childhood migraine, the additional THC-CBD mg abortive treatment provided no benefit as an acute treatment. It is unclear whether certain types of pain may respond better to certain cannabis strains with specific combinations of cannabinoids, terpenes, or other biochemical properties. There have been a multitude of studies showing benefit in many forms of chronic pain, but there have been no studies attempting to differentiate which types and strains of cannabis along with associated compositions of cannabinoids and terpenes may be more effective for certain subsets of pain. This information would be of great clinical use in providing direction for treatment recommendations by healthcare providers. Appropriate Investigational Review Boards approved the survey. A French and English electronic survey was sent to 16, Tilray medicinal cannabis patients.
