The use of medical marijuana “has a significant clinical response by reducing the length and frequency of migraines”, according to a systematic review published in The Cureus Journal of Medical Science.
Conducted by researchers at the California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, the study is titled Efficacy and Safety of Medical Marijuana in Migraine Headache: A Systematic Review.
“Medical marijuana treatment for migraine is becoming more common, although the legality and societal acceptance of marijuana for medical purposes in the United States have been challenged by the stigma attached to it as a recreational drug”, states the study. “These substances function to reduce nociception and decrease the frequency of migraine by having an impact on the endocannabinoid system.”
The current study “reviewed the clinical response, dosing, and side effects of marijuana in migraine management.” Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, researchers “conducted a literature search in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct, and nine studies were included in the systematic review.”
The studies “demonstrated that medical marijuana has a significant clinical response by reducing the length and frequency of migraines.” In addition, no severe adverse effects were noted.
Researchers conclude that “Due to its effectiveness and convenience, medical marijuana therapy may be helpful for patients suffering from migraines. However, additional clinical trials and observational studies with longer follow-ups are required to study the efficacy and safety of the drug.”
More information on this study can be found by clicking here.
