How Does Cannabis Affect the Brain?
Cannabinoid systems are present in our brains. Animals also possess this system. It is crucial for the control of other brain functions. It controls pain, movement, emotions, appetite, and thought processes. The cannabinoid system does not serve any special purpose. It primarily affects the GABA, acetylcholine, glutamate, and serotonin systems. Numerous chemicals found in the cannabis plant interact with this system. If you are thinking of including medical marijuana in your regimen, obtaining an online medical card can help you obtain legal access to marijuana in your state.
THC vs. CBD: What’s the Difference?
They differ greatly from one another. They have distinct actions and interact with different receptors. In fact, CBD has over a dozen different chemical actions on the receptors in our brains; some of these actions may be beneficial for migraines in theory, while others may be detrimental. Because THC and CBD have some opposing effects, they have an impact on one another.
What are terpenes?
Terpenes are organic compounds that are present in plants and have the ability to affect human physiology. They are also in charge of cannabis’s scent. Numerous are present in other plants, such as lavender, lemon, and pine. Terpenes affect other compounds in cannabis and their chemical activity. This phenomenon, known as the “entourage effect,” contributes to the complexity of cannabis pharmacology.
So, are cannabis plants a blend of multiple compounds?
Yes. Discussing cannabis is highly misleading because different strains have distinct chemical compositions. Drugs used in medicine are typically pure. They contain a single chemical product in a regulated quantity, the properties of which have first been investigated in animals and subsequently in humans. It is challenging to treat a plant that has unknown concentrations of numerous chemical products from a medicinal standpoint. Applying research principles to cannabis is challenging.
Is there scientific evidence supporting the use of cannabis for migraines?
Yes. Sleep, emotions, and pain are all regulated by the cannabinoid system. Since the cannabinoid system is a general regulator of our brain networks, it may actually have an impact on all neurological diseases. The issue is that this system is very complex and highly adaptive, and it’s not always clear what happens when multiple systems are modulated.
Does research support the benefits of cannabis for migraines?
No. As of right now, there is only one study that was conducted in Colorado. It is really subpar in quality. Although the article appears to show an 85% reduction in migraine frequency when using cannabis, closer examination of the data shows that only 20% of respondents thought that migraine frequency would benefit. Just 10% of people thought cannabis could help them deal with an attack. There is undoubtedly a need for more research.
Which is better for migraines: THC or CBD?
Even cannabis experts are unsure of this at this moment. Different chemical substances, THC and CBD, have different effects on the brain. Furthermore, the relative amounts of THC and CBD in a given strain will determine how differently they behave. Theoretically, in order to find answers, various exact combinations should be investigated.
What’s the best cannabis strain for migraines?
This is unknown to us. Of course, there are a lot of claims that this strain is the best for headaches, etc., but they are not supported by studies. Strains’ potency and content are not regulated. Recall that cannabis is a marketed product exempt from the laws governing narcotics. Businesses are under no need to prove their efficacy before claiming advantages.
What are the side effects of cannabis?
These will change based on the strain’s potency and composition. Among the side effects are:
- Memory impairment
- Poor judgement
- Paranoia, psychosis
- Impaired coordination
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rapid heart rate
- Low blood pressure with standing
- Drowsiness
- Increased appetite and weight gain
- Cardiac problems
Can cannabis interact with medications?
Yes. It has been demonstrated that oral contraceptives and anti-seizure drugs interact with CBD. In clinical trials, CBD also raised liver enzyme levels.
Can you develop an addiction to cannabis?
Indeed. A marijuana use disorder is present in 30% of cannabis users, according to US NIDA (https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/marijuana-addictive). Chronic cannabis use can have a negative behavioral impact, contributing to anxiety disorders, social anxiety, and isolation.
Can cannabis reduce the use of opioids and antidepressants? Implications for migraine sufferers.
Yes, there is proof that cannabis use can reduce opioid use. It is advantageous because people die from overdosing on opioids rather than from cannabis use. Nevertheless, it is still unclear how cannabis will affect mood and pain in the long run.
Can cannabis lead to medication-overuse headaches?
Yes. The opioid receptors that are most likely responsible for medication-overuse headaches are acted upon by THC. There is evidence from some animal studies that THC does promote allodynia, or pain sensitivity. This is crucial because, like opioids, analgesics, and even triptans, cannabis use may exacerbate pre-existing health issues. Mental illness (MOH) is a serious concern.
Are there syndromes associated with cannabis use?
Yes. There are two significant syndromes that are pertinent to migraineurs and are associated with cannabis use.
- Cannabis’s complex effects on the nausea/vomiting mechanism are responsible for cyclical vomiting syndrome. Some cannabis users experience frequent vomiting episodes. It is also common for adults and children with migraines to experience this cyclical vomiting syndrome.
- Cannabis affects vascular tone in reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome. It has been connected to the brain’s arterial spasm syndrome. This syndrome is dangerous and has been linked to brain hemorrhages and strokes. Both the use of cannabis and migraines have been linked to risk.
Should I consider cannabis as a treatment for migraines?
There isn’t enough evidence to recommend cannabis use for migraines at this time. Furthermore, there is no data to recommend THC/CBD content. There may be a benefit to cannabis products for migraines if they reduce anxiety and promote sleep.
However, before choosing to use cannabis, one should weigh the many risks associated with it.
What is the process for obtaining a medical cannabis recommendation?
There are still laws in place in several US states limiting the use of marijuana to medical needs alone. Ohio has legalized marijuana use for both medical and recreational purposes. However, a number of advantages available to medical marijuana patients are not available to recreational users. Patients who reside in Colombus must first schedule an appointment with a Columbus marijuana doctor online in order to receive a medical cannabis recommendation.
The physiology of the patient, previous cannabis exposure, the strain of cannabis, and the formulation all affect how much cannabis is prescribed. One to three grams of dried leaf are typically used each day for medicinal purposes.
What’s the difference between vaping, smoking, oils, and edibles?
You can consume cannabis as an oil or food product, smoke it, or vape it. Smoking or vaping cannabis produces its psychoactive effects faster than ingesting it. But smoking cannabis carries some of the same risks as smoking cigarettes, including the possibility of COPD and cancer. As a result, it is typically advised to use cannabis oil or vaporize dried leaves for medicinal purposes.
Will my doctor prescribe cannabis?
Currently, medical marijuana is typically prescribed in specialty clinics by doctors who are knowledgeable about various strains and formulations. Patient reports outline a trial-and-error procedure that involves experimenting with various products, escalating dosages, and attempting to reduce adverse effects.
The Choice to Try Cannabis Is Yours to Make.
The most crucial thing is to be informed about cannabis—what we know, the risks, and what we still don’t know. Cannabis should probably not be used before more effective and proven treatments, given the available data and possible risks.
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