While one in five women and one in five men suffer from migraines, current treatments including painkillers and anti-sickness tablets remain ineffective for many sufferers.
Now, scientists are testing whether cannabis could be used to treat migraines, in what is believed to be the first trial of its kind.
Researchers from the University of California, San Diego, are testing several compounds found in cannabis, including THC and CBD, on participants who suffer from severe migraines.
The team hopes the findings from the trial could help pave the way for a treatment for patients whose lives are disrupted on a regular basis from migraines.
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Scientists are testing whether cannabis could be used to treat migraines, in what is believed to be the first trial of its kind
Migraines are a common condition that tend to start in early adulthood, although the cause remains unclear.
The NHS explained: ‘A migraine is usually a moderate or severe headache felt as a throbbing pain on 1 side of the head.
‘Many people also have symptoms such as feeling sick, being sick and increased sensitivity to light or sound.’
There are several treatment options available, including painkillers and anti-emetics to help with the nausea.
However, these are ineffective for many people, who are forced to deal with the painful episodes regularly.
Now, researchers in California have launched a small scale trial to see if cannabis compounds could be effective to treat migraines.
Dr Nathaniel Schuster, who is leading the trial, said: ‘Many patients who suffer from migraines have experienced them for many years but have never discussed them with their physicians.
‘They are, rather, self-treating with various treatments, such as cannabis.
‘Right now, when patients ask us if cannabis works for migraines, we do not have evidence-based data to answer that question.’
So far, approximately 20 participants have been enrolled who experience migraines every month, are not regular cannabis users and are aged 21-65.
Migraines are a common condition that tend to start in early adulthood, although the cause remains unclear
Each participant will receive one of four vapourised treatments – one with THC, one with CBD, one with a combination of the two, or a placebo.
Dr Schuster explained: ‘Vaporized cannabis may be more effective for those patients who have nausea or gastrointestinal issues with their migraines.’
CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are the most common cannabinoids found in cannabis products.
THC is the main psychoactive compound in marijuana, and is what makes people feel ‘high’, while CBD is thought to work with other elements in the body linked to feelings of wellbeing.
One of the participants in the trial is Allison Knigge, who regularly experiences migraines but has found no treatments to be effective.
Ms Knigge said: ‘I am proud and grateful to be part of a study that could lead to more tools in the toolbox for those of us who suffer from migraines.
‘It could mean one more option when all other options have not worked. This is truly significant for patients whose lives are disrupted on a regular basis from migraines.’
The team hopes to enroll a total of 90 participants going forwards, although a timeline for the trial remains unclear.
