Are you looking for CBD for migraines in Baltimore, but not sure where to get it or how it works? Well, you are not alone. Many people are looking for alternative ways to get migraine relief. There are an estimated 15% of individuals in the world that suffer from migraines. And, in the U.S. the fifth-leading cause for someone to show up at an emergency room is because of head pain.

So, you can see why many are looking for alternative ways to deal with this health problem. The question is, though, does CBD for migraines work?

The first question to answer is what CBD is. Cannabidiol or CBD as it is more typically referred is one of over 100 cannabinoids in the hemp plant. It is different from THC, which many of us have heard about in marijuana, in that you do not get a euphoric or high feeling from CBD. Rather, CBD has several effects including anti-pain, anti-inflammatory, and anti-anxiety properties.

How Does CBD For Migraines Work?

CBD for migraines works by interacting with our body’s endocannabinoid system. First discovered in the 1990s, the endocannabinoid system is a complex network of receptors located throughout the body including in the nervous system and the brain. The body naturally produces endocannabinoids, which are like cannabinoids like CBD. CBD can interact with this system in the body to reduce pain, inflammation, or enhance mood.

Endocannabinoid receptors are found in the pain processing areas of the brain. “Anandamide (an endocannabinoid) has been shown to target some of the same signaling pathways as triptans, a class of medications primarily used in the treatment of migraines and cluster headaches. This supports the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in the treatment of migraine.

What Are Migraines?

Generally, a migraine is a debilitating disorder most characterized by a pulsating headache often accompanied by a great variety of other symptoms such as sensory disturbances and nausea. Although the exact causes of migraines are not known, there are several theories about what may cause them. One idea is that changes in the brainstem and its interactions with the trigeminal nerve, a major pain pathway, might be involved.  Another thought is that imbalances in brain chemicals — including serotonin, which helps regulate pain in your nervous system may be the cause.

CBD For Migraines

Now that we have investigated what CBD is and how migraines work it is important for us to investigate how CBD for migraines may help those living in the Baltimore area.  A study published in Current Opinion in Neurology indicates that CBD could play a role in alleviating migraine pain. The research suggests that CBD can affect the signaling pathways of receptors that play a role in pain control.

Research also seems to indicate that CBD can reduce the release of certain proteins, which are linked to inflammatory pain and modulate the immune system response. This modulation of the endocannabinoid system with CBD could offer a new and innovative way to treat migraines.

Preventing Migraines

Some clinicians suggest using CBD as a preventative measure for migraines. It has become common for chronic migraine patients to use CBD in a preventative capacity. CBD helps to mediate a person’s overall stress level, which is helpful as migraine patients often become fearful of triggering an episode. Physiologically, CBD has a relaxing effect on the body, which makes it easier for an individual to adjust to stress.

CBD Oil and Topicals

There are two ways that you can take CBD for migraines. The first way is through a CBD oil. A CBD oil is a product that you take sublingually. This means that you place the oil underneath your tongue and allow it to sit there for 30 to 90 seconds for it to absorb in the glands in your mouth. This method has several positive effects. First, it gets into your bodily relative quickly. Most individuals usually say they feel the effects within 20 to 30 minutes of taking an oil. Because the oil is being absorbed into your circulatory system it means that it can interact with those endocannabinoid receptors in your nervous system and brain to reduce pain and inflammation associated with a migraine. It also has the added benefit of having that calming, anti-anxiety effect that CBD induces.

There are also topical CBD migraine treatments that can be rubbed on to an area that a person is experiencing migraine symptoms. Many put these topical robs on the back of the neck, behind the ear, or around the temples to induce relief. These products work right at the site of a migraine and work like other topical CBD products which have an anti-inflammatory effect. This is helpful for those suffering from a migraine or tension headache because some of the symptoms are caused by tightness in the area effected by the headache or migraine.

Where To Buy CBD For Migraines In Baltimore?

When you buy CBD for migraines in the Baltimore area there are a few things you should look for in the store. First, do they carry high-quality CBD products. This means that the hemp should be grown here in the United States because there are higher quality control standards in place than some other countries. Also, are the products all made from organic, non-GMO hemp. If the store does not know or does not use these kinds of products than you should go somewhere else.

In addition, to growing standards you should also be able to see the lab results for the products you are looking at. Lab results allow you to verify that the product is made with real CBD and that it is in the concentrations that is advertised on the labels. Unfortunately, because CBD is so new there are people that are creating products that are not made with real CBD. If you get a product that does not have CBD in it you could at best have something that will not help you, and at worst have something that may hurt you.

Finally, it is important to check the reputation of the store in the Baltimore area before you purchase. While it is not always true, if a store has many positive reviews from other customers, there is a high likelihood that you will also have a positive experience. The bottom line is this is your health and you want to make sure that what you are putting in your body is the best possible product for you.