Should CBD be used for migraine?

Abstract

In the US, approximately 40 million people, or 12% of the nation's population overall, suffer from migraine. Globally, the prevalence of migraine is estimated at 1.1 billion cases; the condition ranks as the second leading cause of disability-adjusted life years behind chronic lower back pain and is the top cause of years lived with disability among women ages 15 to 49 years worldwide. Studies have shown that people with migraine lose an average of 3.51 ± 0.1 hours of productive time per week, thereby impacting their ability to work and achieve financial stability or success. The burden of disease extends to other key aspects of life, including personal relationships and overall well-being. Given migraine's prevalence and burden, it is prudent for clinicians to be aware of the variety of potentially effective strategies to relieve the condition. This article provides an update on clinical evidence for the use of cannabidiol in the prevention and treatment of migraine headaches as an adjunct or alternative to primary treatment modalities.

Keywords: CBD; THC; alternative medicine; cannabidiol; cannabis; migraine.