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Cluster headaches are often described as one of the most intense and debilitating types of pain a person can experience. Yet, unfortunately, many people still struggle to find effective relief.
Since 2018, medical cannabis has been legally available when prescribed by a specialist doctor through licensed clinics like Alternaleaf for 50+ conditions. You can find out if you’re eligible by completing the quick questionnaire on our website.
Below we’ll be exploring some potential cluster headache treatment options, and where cannabis for headache relief comes in. But first, we need to understand what cluster headaches are, how they behave, and why they’re so different from other forms of head pain.
Medical Cannabis for Cluster Headaches: Understanding the Condition
So, what is a cluster headache?
It’s an intense, recurring headache that happens in cyclical patterns, often causing severe pain on one side of the head. Symptoms include watering eyes or nasal congestion. They differ from migraines in both duration and pattern: cluster headaches typically arrive in rapid, repeated attacks, while migraines tend to last longer and build gradually.
Medical cannabis for cluster headaches UK is an option that can be considered to potentially find relief from this condition. It’s typically prescribed when other conventional treatments have not been effective or have caused unwanted side effects. This ensures that patients receive it only when clinically appropriate, as part of a regulated and supervised care plan.
However, keep in mind that it should only be considered under the guidance of a specialist doctor, like the caring clinicians at Alternaleaf, who can assess suitability and oversee treatment safely.
Can Medical Cannabis Help Relieve Cluster Headache Symptoms?
There is some evidence that shows medical cannabis may help relieve symptoms of cluster headaches for some people. For example in this survey of 139 cluster headache patients, about 25.9% reported some relief from cannabis use, while most others said the effects were uncertain.
Now, let's cover a bit of background information. The cannabis plant is complex. It contains over 100 cannabinoids which are active compounds that can cause effects throughout the body.
CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants and it’s known for its potential therapeutic benefits without causing a "high."
THC (tetrahydrocannabinolis) can produce a ‘high’, both can influence the ECS, and therefore both have the potential to impact pain, nausea and more. Side note: whilst there is evidence to give a general idea of how both THC and CBD may react with the body, they can affect every individual differently.
But how does medical cannabis work in the body? Well, that’s all down to the endocannabinoid system, or the ECS, which is a messenger and receptor system that experts believe plays a big role in homeostasis (the management of balance) within the human body. Research suggests that the ECS influences and modulates mood, appetite, sleep, pain, and much more.
One of the core components of the ECS are the cannabinoid receptors, which includes CB1 and CB2. They’re one of the main reasons behind why medical cannabis has the potential to work positively on so many different conditions.
CBD helps manage pain and inflammation by interacting with the ECS. The CB1 and CB2 receptors regulate pain and immune responses. Instead of attaching to these receptors, CBD influences them indirectly, helping enhance or inhibit their activity. CBD also increases the levels of natural endocannabinoids in the body by preventing their breakdown, which may boost their pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects.
This study shows how THC has the potential to ease the symptoms of nausea by interacting with the CB1 receptors. And nausea may be a symptom of cluster headaches for some people.
Both THC and CBD, along with other active compounds like terpenes (the part of any plant that produces the smell) and flavonoids, can also actually work together to potentially produce effects. This phenomenon is known as the entourage effect.
It’s important to know that evidence on medical cannabis, including THC and CBD for headache pain, as well as other conditions, is still emerging. More clinical studies are needed, and remember that medical cannabis may result in different effects for different people.
Who Can Be Prescribed Medical Cannabis for Cluster Headaches in the UK?
To be eligible for a UK medical cannabis prescription, you’ll need a diagnosis of a qualifying condition and evidence of being offered at least two conventional treatments for that condition. Medical cannabis can only be prescribed by specialist doctors, and prescriptions are only available to eligible patients under doctor supervision.
It’s only prescribed when other conventional treatments have not been effective or have caused unwanted side effects. This ensures that patients receive it only when clinically appropriate, as part of a regulated and supervised care plan.
If you’re pregnant or have a history of psychosis or schizophrenia, you won’t qualify. Treatment is carefully monitored and tailored to individual needs, and you can easily find out if you qualify by completing our 30 second eligibility checker.
We’ll decide if you’re likely to qualify for treatment or not based on the information you tell us. And if you are likely to qualify, you can book an initial assessment with one of our pharmacists. You’ll then have a doctor consultation where your medical history is assessed. If you’re approved, your medication will be dispensed from your chosen pharmacy.
That’s a light overview of the process. It’ll be explained in a lot more detail during your appointments, and we’ll send you more information via email after you book your first appointment with us. We’ll give you medical oversight from specialist clinicians at every stage of your medical cannabis journey.
Which Strains and Cannabinoids Can Be Considered for Cluster Headaches?
Finding out what the best strain for cluster headaches is, isn’t a simple answer. This is because it can vary massively depending on the patient and their individual needs. Remember, everyone is different.
When you become a patient with a licensed clinic like Alternaleaf, our caring clinicians will prescribe you a strain of medication that’s suitable to you and your individual needs. It’ll contain varying levels of THC and/or CBD, as well as other active compounds like terpenes (the part of any plant that produces the smell) and flavonoids. These can work together to produce effects, a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.
Your medication will depend on your tolerance, symptoms, and medical history. Our clinicians are experts for a reason, so they’ll look at you as an individual and take everything they need into account. Remember, strain selection is guided by medical need and it’s important to always consume medical cannabis under clinical supervision, to ensure you’re getting the best care possible.
FAQs
What causes cluster headaches?
We don’t know what causes cluster headaches. Some people, however, may notice certain things trigger cluster headaches, such as certain strong smells, drinking alcohol or smoking, even exercise. It may be useful to make a note every time you experience them, to try and work out if anything triggers you.
How long do cluster headaches typically last?
Cluster headaches can happen multiple times a day and this can continue for weeks or months, or they may stop for a while. These headaches can last anywhere between 15 minutes and 3 hours.
What’s the difference between cluster headaches and migraines?
Migraines and headaches can differ in both duration and pattern. Cluster headaches typically arrive in rapid, repeated attacks, while migraines tend to last longer and build gradually.
Summary
So, that’s a rough overview of how you may be able to consume some cannabinoids for headache relief. The best thing to do is speak to your Doctor or clinician, or seek the help of a licensed medical cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf if you’re considering medical cannabis treatment. Find out if you’re eligible by heading to our website and completing our 30 second eligibility checker.