Researchers from the Federal University of Parana, Einstein Hospital Israelita, and Isospec Laboratories (Fort Lauderdale) have published new findings that detail the potential of cannabinoids in treating both episodic and chronic migraine.
Using animal models, the team tested different cannabinoid compounds—including cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), and low-dose tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—to examine their impact on migraine-related pain and light sensitivity. Their findings were published this week by the journal Cephalalgia.
The study found that CBD alone, as well as combinations of CBD with THC or CBG, reduced migraine-related symptoms triggered by calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), two potent migraine inducers.
According to the abstract, “Periorbital mechanical allodynia induced by CGRP was significantly reduced by CBD alone and combined with THC or CBG. CBD/THC was the most effective treatment in this condition since it presented the longer effect (up to three hours) and was the only treatment capable of reducing late photosensitivity associated with CGRP.”
The results also indicated that CBD/THC provided the most consistent relief in chronic migraine models, suppressing pain development up to 13 days and significantly reducing light sensitivity for several hours. In contrast, CBD alone was particularly effective at reducing pain across multiple days, though its effects on photosensitivity were shorter. Importantly, none of the cannabinoid treatments were associated with sedation or anxiety-like effects.
The conclusion of the study emphasized the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids, stating: “CBD attenuated periorbital mechanical allodynia, while CBD/THC suppressed the development of periorbital allodynia and photosensitivity in the chronic migraine model induced by NTG. None of the compounds were associated with sedative or anxiety-like effects. Altogether, these results suggest that cannabinoid compounds may represent safe and effective alternatives for the treatment of episodic and chronic migraine.”
The findings provide further evidence that cannabinoids—particularly CBD and CBD/THC combinations—could be a safe and effective treatment option for migraine sufferers.
Sponsored
