More than 37 million people in the U.S. get painful migraine headaches. If you're one of them, it might take you and your doctor some time to find an effective treatment plan. Your doctor may have you try a few types of medications to learn which ones get your migraines under control. If you haven't been getting enough relief from the meds you've tried, you might wonder if CBD oil could help.
More and more states are moving to legalize medical marijuana, a common source of CBD oil. Maybe you've noticed advertisements for CBD popping up online or around town. Or maybe you have friends who've tried it for issues like anxiety or trouble sleeping.
But before you try CBD oil for migraine headaches, it's important to learn what the research says and what the risks are. Here's everything we know so far.
What Is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol. It's a chemical compound in cannabis plants like marijuana and hemp. CBD doesn't get you high, which makes it different from the other popular compound in cannabis, mind-altering THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
Product makers create CBD oil by extracting cannabidiol from marijuana or hemp and then mixing it with a "carrier oil." Some forms of CBD oil come in drops or sprays you take by mouth called tinctures. Others come in oil-based capsules.
CBD products come in other forms, too, including:
- Creams, lotions, and balms
- Edibles like gummies, baked goods, and infused drinks
- Smokable hemp flower
- Vaporizer pens
The FDA has approved only one CBD product: a prescription drug called Epidiolex. It treats seizures linked to two rare types of epilepsy and to a genetic disease that causes benign tumors.
Otherwise, there are few large, well-designed studies about CBD's effects on other medical conditions. Some research suggests that it might show promise for easing psychotic symptoms in Parkinson's disease and for anxiety tied to public speaking.
But several experts say they haven't yet seen research that shows CBD is effective for problems like:
- Pain
- Nausea
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
Does CBD Oil Show Promise for Migraine Headaches?
Some people wonder if CBD oil can do things like:
- Relive pain and lower inflammation during migraine
- Lessen joint and muscle pain tied to migraines
- Have anticonvulsive effects
- Ease nausea
At least one headache expert thinks CBD oil may help some people ease neck pain or soreness linked to migraine, as well as prevent nausea and vomiting.
In general, though, there's not much research on the subject. So far, studies haven't turned up proof that any form of CBD can treat migraine or other types of headaches. Also, most of the research on migraine hasn't focused on the effects of CBD alone. Instead, it has looked at both THC and CBD, or at cannabis in general.
If you're interested in trying CBD for reasons like these and you live in a state where it's legal, you need to talk to your doctor to find out if it might be right for you.
What Are the Health Risks?
CBD can bring on side effects like:
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Less appetite
- Drowsiness or sleepiness
- Liver damage
It can also mix badly with medications you're on, like blood thinners.
CBD's quality varies widely, too. Some commercial products:
- Make false or unproven or health claims.
- Have less CBD than advertised.
- Could be contaminated with things like pesticides, heavy metals, and THC.
Don't try CBD oil for migraine headaches without talking to your doctor first. If your migraine treatment isn't working, let the doctor know right away.
If your doctor says CBD oil might be safe for you to try, first ask them questions like:
- Can you recommend a dispensary that sells reputable, high-quality products?
- What type of CBD oil should I take? How much of it should I use? And how often?
- Is there a chance it could mix badly with any medications or supplements I take?
- Could it cause complications with my headaches or any other health conditions I have? (For instance, the FDA recommends against using CBD if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.)
Is CBD Oil Legal?
It mainly depends on where you live. Medical marijuana is legal for adults in 37 states as of August 2021. If you live in one of them, it's legal to buy CBD oil that comes from marijuana.
Hemp, which has much less THC than marijuana, is legal in the U.S. under federal law -- as long as it has 0.3% THC or less. Before you try to buy CBD oil that comes from hemp, though, you might want to check for any local or state restrictions.
