Any mom, any town, USA. I am your neighbor/co-worker/PTO member/non-traditional grad school candidate/aspiring chef/stoner mom.

These are a few of my favorite things – Part Deux

If you don’t already know, I reside in a state that has legalized both recreational and medical cannabis use. Initially, I started to explore recreational use to see if medical use could be a viable treatment for migraines (I mean, I also happen to enjoy consuming cannabis – migraines weren’t my only motivation). However: in the last six months, I haven’t had a single migraine – not one (knock on wood). It took some time to figure out what works, and what doesn’t work (be very patient with the process). Like all things physiological, every day is a new day. What works one day may not the next…so on.

Roughly 3 million Americans get migraines every year. The severity (and frequency) varies from age group to gender – but, the most obvious thing (to me) is the age of onset. Puberty. Teenagers (14-18 years): very common. In thinking back, I’m fairly certain my first migraine was around 14 and most likely hormonal. I remember sobbing to my mother who was attempting to leave for a work conference (she was a healthcare provider, now retired). I still feel bad – a sobbing teenager doesn’t help anyone’s cause.

By comparison to some migraine sufferers I know, I do consider myself lucky. A few of my friends/co-workers get them on a weekly basis. Most are women (once again, the hormonal link is most likely to blame).

So, two years ago I had my first migraine in nearly five years (there were a dozen – or, so – after my daughter was born). I woke up with intense pain and nausea (shit’s always fun). Like clockwork, I started to notice a trend: these a-hole things liked to show up just before a period started. Around 3-4 days before. I began to have anxiety over that “time” of the month – would I end up with a debilitating migraine, wouldn’t I. If you’ve never had a migraine, consider yourself lucky. It goes beyond pain. Not only do I have crippling pain – I become horribly nauseated, and sensitive to light. Again – I consider myself blessed as this generally lasts around 24 hours. I know people who suffer for 2-3 days – every single time.

In the past, I have been prescribed Sumatriptan (generic for Imitrex, taken orally) and Ondansetron (generic for Zofran, also taken orally). While both medications do help, there is a steep (physical) price tag for Sumatriptan (for me). I feel wobbly and “out on one’s feet” the next day. While it does work, I feel disoriented for at least 24-48 hours after. Obviously, not ideal when you need to be a functional adult.

So, what seems to be working? Well, my first list of “favorite things” definitely has some tried and true remedies. Let me throw out two more.

Dr. Solomon’s CBD Rich Salve. This one is a 5:1 CBD:THC ratio. This is a transdermal salve that I use on my neck, temples, and forehead if I feel any inkling of a migraine headache (a stiff neck is one of my first cues). For me, this one works FAST. Like any cannabis company, they offer many highly-rated products – this just so happens to be the one I use. Also, like any salve, this one could be multi-purpose (muscle aches, strains, etc.) https://www.doctorsolomons.com

Another is Beboe’s Downtime Vape Pen. Goop’s Founder, Gwyneth Paltrow, has spoken to this product in depth. Interestingly, Paltrow was initially mocked for her alternative therapies/treatments. She’s since gone on to gain millions of devoted followers, and is an advocate of responsible cannabis use. Beboe’s Downtime Vape Pen looks glamorous (like a throwback to the 40’s/50’s), and comes in around 65 percent THC to 15 percent CBD. As the pen is disposable, it is pre-dosed. This is something I like to have on hand – because it is that good. While a bit expensive, I have found it on sale at dispensaries. This is the pen that I reserve for when I feel a migraine headache coming on – occasionally, when I’m having a hard time falling asleep, too. A friend of mine swears by it for insomnia – which is plausible.

Science nerd alert: this particular pen contains the terpene β-caryophyllene. Terpenes are naturally occurring chemical compounds found in cannabis. Preliminary research has indicated that specific, isolated terpenes may be beneficial for a plethora of health conditions (pain being one of them). And, you got it – β-caryophyllene just so happens to be one of them. https://www.beboe.com

I have a deep appreciation for both products, as they’ve reduced my need for prescription migraine medications. Advil, as well. The likelihood of me having a migraine in the future is likely – I doubt I’ve “cured” myself. However, I will take as much remission as I can and continue to experiment if need be.


~SM