Migraines are epidemic in the U.S. About 13 percent of the population experiences them, and the pain can at times be crippling. Most migraine sufferers will tell you that they’ve tried everything to relieve the throbbing and agony, but most people simply have to ride it out until the symptoms subside on their own. But it turns out that there may be a better way. A growing body of research suggests that cannabidiol, or CBD, a compound found in cannabis, may provide lasting relief.

Two recent studies have shown promise for treating severe headache disorders like migraines. One 2017 study published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research looked at the impact of orally administered cannabis on treating headaches and other conditions. Over 26 months, 26 headache-suffering participants were treated for their symptoms. The participants were given either ibuprofen or nabilone (a form of oral cannabis). The cannabis treatment was found to provide more effective and longer-lasting relief. A separate study, published in Pharmacotherapy, examined 48 migraine sufferers and found that cannabis treatment led to fewer migraines overall.

While these two studies looked at whole cannabis treatment and not CBD specifically, they reinforce the pain management findings of other studies specific to CBD. Since CBD has no side effects and doesn’t get the user high, it may be an optimal treatment approach for people who want the benefits but are averse to the high produced by THC (due to personal preference, job requirements, or any other reasons). CBD on its own has been demonstrated to have significant pain relief potential, and the recent cannabis studies demonstrate tremendous potential for migraine sufferers.

If you’re interested in trying CBD for yourself, you’ll need to choose the preparation that works best for you. CBD is available in pills, edibles, suppositories, and a number of other forms. The following methods may be among the most effective for migraine sufferers:

Edibles

Because much of the research for headache sufferers has focused on oral preparations, edibles are likely the best place to start. CBD is available in specially prepared cookies, brownies, lollipops, gummy candies, and more. Use as directed.

Vape Oils

If you’re already interested in the vaping lifestyle or willing to make the investment, this method can be extremely effective for its simple, fast-acting delivery system. Since the CBD doesn’t need to be metabolized by the liver, you can often feel the impact almost immediately. There are many coupons for CBD vape juice available online.

Tinctures

For many seasoned CBD enthusiasts, tinctures are seen as the gold standard. They’re produced by steeping the cannabis isolates into a powerful grain alcohol and then treated at a low heat. The resulting liquid delivers a potent dose of the cannabinoid molecules, and all it takes is a drop of liquid under your tongue to generate results. Tinctures are known for being extremely concentrated, so it can be tricky to get the ideal dosage. If you’re comfortable with this method, though, you won’t find a more effective delivery system.

Finding the Right Dosage

Cbd oil for anxiety – Regardless of how you consume your CBD, experts recommend a dosage between 2.5 and 20 mg per day., For beginners, it’s usually best to start on the lower end of that scale and gradually increase the dosage as needed. With a bit of trial and error, you may experience greater migraine relief with less effort.