Migraines are specific headaches that present severe pain, usually described as a throbbing, pulsating, and burning sensation. The worst part is that migraines are often followed by vomiting, nausea, and extreme light and sound sensitivity. They can even last up to a couple of days.
There are some warning symptoms presented as auras, which occur before the actual migraine. Aura refers to certain visual disturbances, especially flashes of light, sound, and tingling of the limbs.
Migraines are tough to treat, as most prescriptions are reportedly ineffective or have substantial side effects.
The University of Colorado recently published a study claiming that cannabis helps treat and prevent migraines, as more than 40 percent of subjects reported positive effects.
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Why Does Marijuana Treat Migraines?
Almost thirty years ago, researchers figured that marijuana is capable of balancing human pain and inflammation processes. Later on, doctors figured out that marijuana helps with any headaches, including migraines.
So how does consuming weed help fight migraines
First and foremost, marijuana numbs and reduces pain center receptors, aka nerve signals. It also relaxes muscles, reduces inflammation and blood pressure dilated vessels. Besides these apparent migraine symptoms, marijuana helps with fatigue, insomnia, irritability, lack of concentration, and general aches. Marijuana is most effective if you use it right when the headache starts before the actual full-blown migraine kicks in.
Those suffering from migraines should consider using marijuana as a pain reliever and a remedy as long as you pick the right strain.
Do All Strains Work?
It’s important to state that no not all strains will help with treating a migraine. The wrong choice can even lead to creating headaches, thus producing a contrary effect. That’s why we made a list of the best marijuana strains for migraine treatment.
1. Purple Kush
Since migraines can keep you up all night and cause disturbed sleep, choosing an Indica oriented strain like Purple Kush might be right. Being quite common and available on the market, it represents a pure Indica strain with around 20 percent of THC and 0.001-0.1 percent of CBD. Users report that consuming Purple Kush results in a relaxing numbing sensation, full-body rest, and deep and calm sleep. As said before, stoners claim there is no need to worry about migraines when it comes to Purple Kush.
2. Og Kush
Og Kush is on the list because the high percentage of THC (around 20 percent) also produces a hefty body and head high. This strain is considered an analgesic as it enforces long-term pain reduction treatment and has an instant effect. Since it’s a hybrid, you will be able to function socially for some time but keep in mind that it will be tough to remain awake in a couple of hours, especially when it comes to Og Kush.
3. White Widow
White Widow is one of the most popular strains globally and has legendary potency while providing a balanced, hybrid high (Sativa uplifting and Indica soothing effects).
These mentioned effects regarding Indica features are significant for effectively treating and withholding migraines. White Widow contains around 18 percent of THC, which provides a long trip-and we all know how long migraines can last.
The rapid onset is responsible for efficient pain management. The flavour is also quite spicy and sweet, offering an extra reason to choose White Widow as your preferred option.
4. Lemon Kush
Daily stoners will enjoy this one as Lemon Kush is a stoning, dominant Indica strain while producing gentle and powerful trips. Users report that Lemon Kush is one of the most popular options regarding migraine treatment as the tension and pain are relieved in minutes. Besides migraines and headaches, this strain is known to also help with anxiety and nausea. The aroma is, as the name says, very fruity and pleasant.
5. Kryptonite
Kryptonite is probably the most potent strain on this list. This mostly Indica strain holds 25 percent of THC, making it actual migraine kryptonite.
Kryptonite is super tasty to smoke when talking about the smoke quality, and most consumers describe it as sugary or sweet. However, this strain is recommended for heavy migraines as it has a high percentage of THC and offers instant relief within minutes.
6. Pineapple Express
Like the movie’s name, Pineapple Express is famous worldwide and presents one of the most delicious flavoured strains out there. Most users recommend it for fighting chronic pain, including headaches and infamous migraines. Pineapple Express contains around 17 percent THC while being a hybrid; thus, expect an uplifting and energetic trip.
7. Purple Urkle
Purple Urkle is almost designed for fighting headaches, especially since it is an Indica dominant hybrid. Reviews state that the trip is powerful, calming, relaxed, and sleepy. As it has a fast onset, this strain is one of the top choices for dealing with intense migraines. The hit is challenging, fast, and deep, so presume you’ll be tucked in your bed soon without any painful headaches.
8. AK-47
This hybrid will provide an instant, potent, and tasty trip since AK-47 has truly elevated THC levels. AK-47 is one of the most popular strains worldwide because of its high smokeability and excellent taste.
This strain is also very well balanced in terms of THC CBD ratio and helps fight persistent migraines.
9. Remedy
The Remedy is a unique strain on this list, as the name implies since it does not contain much THC. However, Remedy has around 15 percent of CBD, responsible for that mellow, soothing, and calming effect.
The Remedy is not a conventional strain since it won’t produce a staggering high while making you highly functional and fighting the migraine.
Summary
Migraines can range from mild to extreme and unbearable headaches presenting a functioning problem for many people globally. Symptoms are not easy to deal with, especially when it comes to nighttime and sleeping since migraines make it impossible to fall asleep.
Although there is a wide range of medications designed to fight migraines out there, most of them have dangerous side effects or don’t work on everyone. If you are fighting consistent migraines, consider using alternative marijuana.
Research shows that cannabis has a positive effect on controlling and preventing migraines as long as you choose the correct strain and use it on time. Even the University of Colorado confirmed that the subjects felt instant relief after consuming marijuana regarding the matter.
Picking out the wrong strain, not meant for migraine treatment, can even cause the exact opposite effect. Therefore, it is essential to thoroughly check out every option as some strains work differently from others depending on the kind and THC CBD ratio (Indica, Sativa).
Some of the most popular strains for preventing, controlling, and fighting migraines include Purple Kush, OG Kush, White Widow, Lemon Kush, Kryptonite, Pineapple Express, Purple Urkle, AK-47, and Remedy.
Depending on the consumer, each of them varies in strength, potency, and type. Indica dominant strains hold that full-body high is suitable for the immediate elimination of migraines and ease falling asleep.
Sativa-based strains offer an energetic and uplifting high while withholding and controlling any migraine-related problems. Whichever suits you best, explore all available options, and choose the right strain according to your own needs and preferences.
If you would like to learn about strains that give you productivity, be sure to read another article we wrote on that subject.
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