Did you know migraines are being classified as a women's health issue? More than 70% of American migraine sufferers are women, with women also reporting longer and more frequent migraine attacks. Still migraines remain a bit of a mystery, and most sufferers don't even are diagnosed and under-treated.

Check out how some people use cannabis to treat migraine headaches and the advantages it has over traditional meds.

What is a Migraine?

The simplest explanation is a severe headache accompanied by nausea and vomiting. However, if we look at the facts, we can see that it’s not so simple at all:

• About 10% of Americans suffer from migraines. This is over 30 million people!

• Migraines are a severely disabling disease and a leading cause of disability.

• There’s no known cure and they are difficult to treat.

• Migraine affects about 28 million women in the U.S.

• 85% of chronic migraine sufferers are women.

Cannabis for Migraines

We have found medical cannabis helps prevent migraines, and for some, it helps stop migraines that have already begun.*

How Does Cannabis Help?

The symptoms of migraines include severe pain and nausea. Marijuana is known to be a powerful pain reliever and can also help combat vomiting and nausea. Besides its analgesic properties, marijuana has anti-inflammatory qualities that can treat the chronic inflammation known to trigger migraine headaches. Finally, marijuana helps to offset the harmful effects of stress, which can worsen or induce migraines.

Cannabis Benefits for Migraines

• Immediate relief with smoking or vaporizing*

• Easy to control dosing

• Few long-term side effects (especially when compared to pharmaceuticals)*

• Fewer drug interactions*

• Reduced risk of addiction

Cannabis Versus Traditional Medications

While there are some traditional treatments for migraines, there are some things to weigh them against. For example:

• Overdose Risk

• Drug Interactions

• Cardiac Side Effects

• Kidney and Liver Damage

• Risk of Stroke

• Stomach Ulcer and Pain

Cannabis Strains for Migraines

Let’s start this out by saying that every strain will affect everybody differently. We suggest you visit your medical cannabis shop and consult with the budtenders there. That being said, the following strains have been known to help diminish migraine symptoms or stop them altogether*:

• Bubba Kush

• Northern Lights

• Girl Scout Cookies

• Sour Diesel

• Cannatonic

• Harlequin

Have you ever used cannabis to treat a migraine? Let us know in the comments!

Original article by Bjorn Wallman published on The Weed Blog

*DISCLAIMER: While there is overwhelming evidence that supports a connection between cannabis and the human body, we’re still waiting for clinical backup & FDA approval. The statements made regarding products listed have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your health care professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.