In what will be the first known clinical trial of cannabis as a cure for migraines, UC San Diego is seeking migraine sufferers to be a part of the study.

A team at UC San Diego Health is conducting the first known randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial looking at cannabis as a potentially effective treatment for acute migraines.

More and more patients are turning to cannabis products that have THC and/or CBD to help their migraines.

“Many patients who suffer from migraines have experienced them for many years but have never discussed them with their physicians,” remarked Dr. Nathaniel Schuster, a pain management specialist and headache neurologist at UCSD Health and investigator at the UCSD Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research.

“They are, rather, self-treating with various treatments, such as cannabis,” he said.

“Right now, when patients ask us if cannabis works for migraines, we do not have evidence-based data to answer that question.”

Roughly 20 participants are currently enrolled in the clinical trial, including Allison Knigge.

“I would describe my migraines as a piercing pain,” said Knigge. “It feels like my brain is being squeezed. It causes extreme sensitivity to light and sound and horrible nausea. There have been times when I have been at a pain level of 6 or higher for approximately 25 days out of the month. They impact my quality of life.”

Knigge said she tried several medications over the years, but none have been able to fully manage her migraines.

“When Dr. Schuster introduced the trial to me, I decided I wanted to participate,” she said. “I was at a point where I was willing to try anything that could help manage my migraines.”

The team’s goal is to enroll 90 participants who will be randomized to treat four separate migraine attacks with four different treatments; one each with THC, CBD, a combination of the two and a placebo. The products will be administered via a vaporizer.

“Vaporized cannabis may be more effective for those patients who have nausea or gastrointestinal issues with their migraines,” said Shuster.

“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,” Knigge said. “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.”


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like

‘The Doctor’—A Documentary About a European Pioneer in Cannabis Legalization
01 June 2022
Oregon Law Enforcement Seizes Illegal Cannabis Plants, Leaves Four Plants Behind
08 August 2022
A Russian Bill May Legalize Cannabis Imports for Medical Research
30 January 2019