CBD oil is one of the most exciting commodities to hit the market since, well, ever. Admittedly, it’s at a bit of a disadvantage because it’s so new to the game. Makers are touting its ability to cure everything from acne to insomnia to stress and beyond — all before scientists have had a chance to perform enough studies to verify any claims.
However, one area where it does show lots of promise is in the treatment of pain. CBD interacts with our bodies’ endocannabinoid systems (basically, a series of receptors that affect our mood, anxiety and stress levels, and pain) in unique ways.
Below, we’ll look at what CBD oil is, what the science says about its ability to help with migraines, and the best way to take it.
What is CBD Oil?
Before you dive headfirst into the wild, wild west that is CBD in the early 2020s, let’s make sure you understand the basics.
CBD Stands for Cannabidiol
Cannabidiol is a cannabinoid, one of the hundreds of unique chemical compounds present in the cannabis plant.
CBD is Primarily Sourced from Hemp
If you’re buying CBD oil for migraines, you’re buying CBD that’s been extracted from industrial hemp. Industrial hemp is used here because it’s rich in CBD and legally must contain less than 0.3% THC by volume. This leads to our next point…
CBD Will Not Get You Hgh
Got it? Good.
CBD is Not a Recreational Product
Taking CBD oil is not done for recreation — it’s a health supplement. Yet because scientists haven’t had enough time to properly study its effects and long-term safety, we still don’t have conclusive evidence on either. Until then, we’ll have to go on early research results.
CBD and Migraine Pain
CBD interacts with our endocannabinoid systems in several helpful ways. It shows promise in its ability to relieve inflammation, muscle soreness, arthritis, knee pain, epileptic seizures, and more. But most pertinent to the topic at hand, CBD may provide relief from migraines.
Migraines are an affliction for as many as 1 billion people worldwide. Its debilitating headaches and sensitivity to light can last between 4 and 72 hours, rendering you unable to perform simple tasks and function normally.
Research shows that CBD may provide migraine relief since it’s effective for certain neurological symptoms.
Currently, no migraine research has been performed on CBD in isolation — all research has included CBD and THC in combination. However, some studies have demonstrated that CBD has beneficial effects on acute and chronic pain like migraines.
A 2017 study included 48 people with chronic migraine. All of these individuals were given two compounds: one with 19% THC and the other with 9% CBD. Amazingly, doses of 200 mg were associated with a 55% reduction in reported pain.
The study’s second phase included 79 people with chronic migraine given either the 200-mg daily dose of THC-CBD in combination or 25 mg of an antidepressant. Those from Phase I receiving the THC-CBD combination experienced 40.4% fewer migraines and 43.5% lower pain intensity — particularly among those who had experienced migraines since childhood.
Tips for Buying CBD Oil for Your Migraines
If you’re looking to buy CBD oil to help with your migraines, follow these tips:
1. Choose Full-Spectrum CBD Oil
Cannabinoids work better together than they do in isolation. For that reason, it’s good to choose CBD oil that contains the full spectrum of cannabinoids present in the plant. For reference, broad-spectrum CBD oil has had some compounds removed (usually THC), and isolates have only CBD.
2. Choose Third-Party Lab-Tested CBD Oil
The FDA doesn’t currently regulate CBD oil. That means there’s little oversight protecting you from low-quality products. The answer? Buy CBD oil that’s been tested by a third-party laboratory.
3. Organic and US-Grown is the Way to Go
One protection you can depend on is that US-grown CBD does face certain regulations. It’s best to buy CBD grown in the USA to enjoy these protections. Buy it organic to avoid the chance of ingesting pesticides.
When you try CBD for your migraine pain, start small and work your way up slowly. Starting with 20 mg to 40 mg per day is a great launch point. From there, try increasing it in increments of 5 mg per week. Good luck in conquering your migraine pain!
