Evidence supporting the use of: Cannabis
For the health condition: Headache (cluster)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Cannabis has been explored as a potential treatment for cluster headaches, but the scientific evidence supporting its efficacy is limited and inconclusive. Some patients with cluster headaches report using cannabis to alleviate symptoms, and there are anecdotal reports and case series suggesting that it may help reduce headache frequency or severity in certain individuals. However, large, well-designed clinical trials are lacking, and the quality of evidence is generally low.
A 2019 review published in Current Pain and Headache Reports noted that while some individuals with cluster headaches self-medicate with cannabis, the majority of available evidence comes from patient surveys and case reports rather than controlled studies. Survey data shows mixed results, with some patients reporting benefit and others experiencing worsening of symptoms or no effect. A few studies indicate that cannabis might help with pain relief through modulation of the endocannabinoid system, but definitive mechanisms and efficacy remain unclear.
Major headache societies, including the American Headache Society, currently do not recommend cannabis as a standard treatment for cluster headaches due to insufficient evidence. More research, especially randomized controlled trials, is needed to clarify the potential role of cannabis in cluster headache management. For now, its use remains primarily off-label and based on individual patient experiences rather than robust scientific validation.
Other health conditions supported by Cannabis
Abdominal PainAcquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Addictions (general remedies for)
Addictions (tobacco smoking or chewing)
Alcoholism
Alzheimer's Disease
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Crohn's Disease
Depression
Dysmenorrhea
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
Headache (cluster)
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Inflammation
Insomnia
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Lupus