Medical Cannabis for Migraine | How to Use and Where to Buy in India?

The use of medical cannabis for migraine in India is gaining favourability. An increasing number of people are adopting this all-natural remedy to manage migraine pain and symptoms.

In this article, we understand what research says about the use of medical cannabis for migraine, take a look at how to use medical cannabis for migraine, and learn where to buy medical cannabis in India.

Outline
Introduction
What does research say?
Medical cannabis for Migraine & other medical conditions
How to use medical cannabis for Migraine?
Side effects
Who should not use medical cannabis?
Where to get a prescription for medical cannabis in India?
Buy medical cannabis for Migraine in India

Introduction

Migraine is a neurological condition identified by intense, debilitating headaches. It often runs in families and can affect people of all ages. Nausea, numbness, and sensitivity to light and sound are some common symptoms of migraine.

Pharmaceutical medicines can provide temporary symptomatic relief from migraine. However, their severe side effects may pose a bigger problem. Patients suffering from migraines are looking for alternative, non-pharmaceutical ways of battling the symptoms.

One of these is the use of CBD or Ayurvedic (medical) cannabis. Studies suggest that CBD, in combination with other cannabinoids of the cannabis plant, can drastically reduce pain in migraine attacks.

What does the research say?

CBD and THC—the two most popular cannabinoids show a protective quality against pain stimulation in the brainstem. The brainstem plays a major role in the generation of a migraine attack.

A 2017 study tells us that the combination of THC and CBD reduced migraine attacks by 40.4% and the intensity of pain by 43.5% in subjects. Another 2018 study analysed 2k+ people with migraine, headache, and arthritis or chronic pain as the primary symptom. It was observed that the majority was able to successfully replace their opioid medication with cannabis.

How does Cannabis help?

The chemical compounds present in the cannabis plant work through several neurological pathways in the brain, nervous system, nerves outside the brain, and the spinal cord. In some of these pathways, cannabinoids activate the same circuits and brain receptors as migraine medicines.

Cannabinoids including THC show a protective quality against pain stimulation in the brainstem. The brainstem plays a central role in the generation of a migraine attack and the transmission of pain.

Compounds in medical cannabis interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the Endocannabinoid System. Evidence suggests that the neurotransmitters in the ECS are a potential target for migraine treatment. The activation of cannabinoid receptors in the brainstem can also help by inhibiting the spread of depression and thus preventing the subsequent migraine attack.

Medical Cannabis for Migraine and Other Medical Conditions

The wide range of potential medical applications of cannabis often helps in targeting multiple conditions at once. There is a list of potential Migraine comorbidities (the presence of other medical illnesses with migraine) that cannabis can help address:

1. Chronic Pain
2. Neuropathic Pain
3. Fibromyalgia
4. Rheumatoid Arthritis
5. Epilepsy
6. Inflammatory Bowel Disease
7. Headache
8. Facial Pain
9. Depression, Anxiety, and Mood Disorders
10. Autism
11. Nausea and Vomiting
12. Asthma
13. Autoimmune Diseases

How to use Medical Cannabis for Migraine?

Users can use medical cannabis for migraine in India via:

• Vaping
• Ingestion
• Topical Application

Please note that vaping is illegal in India so we advise users to adopt either of the alternative methods.

Oral consumption of cannabis extract proves to be more effective than topical application. There are 3 common ways to consume medical cannabis orally:

• Put few drops of the oil under your tongue.
• Take CBD capsules
• Eat or drink CBD-infused Treats

Are there side effects of medical cannabis?

Research evaluating the side effects of medical cannabis reveals that it is very well-tolerated. Side effects that do arise range from mild to moderate.

Common side effects of medical cannabis for migraine in India include:

• Dizziness
• Dry Mouth
• Drowsiness
• Disturbance in Concentration

Some less common side effects include incoordination, imbalance, euphoria, anxiety, and paranoia. According to studies, the tolerance of these side effects improves steadily with continued use.

Who should not use medical cannabis?

Because of the lack of definitive evidence and standardised regulations, medical cannabis may be viewed as a last resort. Its minimal side effects and good safety profile, however, make it a better alternative than opioids.

The following patient groups are advised to take precautions from using medical cannabis for migraine in India:

1. Young patients under the age of 18-21 should refrain from using medical cannabis because of its effects on the developing brain.
2. Individuals with a history of addiction or substance abuse.
3. People with lung diseases should avoid inhaling forms of cannabis.
4. Pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Why do I need a prescription?

Cannabis is a Schedule-E1 drug in India. It is regulated by the Excise Department and the AYUSH Ministry. Though the medical use of cannabis is allowed in India, patients need a valid prescription from an Ayurvedic doctor to buy medicines.

REQUEST MEDICAL CANNABIS PRESCRIPTION

You can consult a certified Ayurvedic doctor in India online to obtain a prescription for using medical cannabis products.

Featured Reads
“Medical Use of Cannabis is Allowed in India”: Govt. to Delhi High Court
How to Get a Medical Cannabis Prescription in India?
CBD Oil for Migraine in India

Buy Medical Cannabis for Migraine in India?

Medical Cannabis for migraine in India is available on platforms such as ItsHemp. For products that require a doctor’s prescription, you can consult a certified Ayurvedic doctor here.