Almost everyone experiences a different kind of headache at some point in their life. But repeated problems are clinically considered as a disorder. The most common type of problem is called tension headaches, which affect the nearly half population (40%) of the US annually. Also, migraines are common, which affects most women compared to men.

So, what causes a headache? It could be a sign of fatigue, stress, or other health issues such as high and low blood pressure, depressions, and anxiety. Headache can cause mild to moderate pain, nausea, sensitivity to light and smells, dizziness, and sometimes, blurred vision. Many people wasted their time from school, work, and other activities due to pain from headaches.

Fortunately, there are pain medications that can treat headaches. Most of them can be bought as an over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, such as acetaminophen, and ibuprofen. Other prescription medications like triptans to ease pain from migraines are also advised. There are home remedies that you can try to treat headaches, such as cold and warm compress, meditation, exercise, herbal tea, and essential oils.

If the pain is persistent, became chronic, and severe, then there’s another treatment for that: medical marijuana. Before you can purchase medical marijuana, a patient should hold a Medical Marijuana Card to acquire this kind of medicine legally.

Below is the overview of some common types of headaches and the effect of medical marijuana when used.

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are frequent for women than men. And most of them get a tension headache occasionally. Worst, some people have tension headaches 24/7. A patient who suffers pain from tension headaches complains that they feel dull, and constant pain on both sides of the head. Most often, it is accompanied by another pain in the face and neck and a painful pressure behind the eyes. Also, sensitivity to any light and sound during an attack.

Migraines

A person who experiences migraines will feel extreme throbbing pain on one side of the head – it could be from the left or right side. Same with tension headache, a person will experience more sensitivity with lights, sound, and even smells – which is the main culprit for nausea and vomiting.

According to a study, about one-third of migraine patients experience an aura before they felt the pain. Some of them may see flickering lights or white spots and other experience numbness and body muscle weakness.

Cluster Headaches

This type of headaches are uncommon, and only 1% of the population is diagnosed with cluster headache. But this headache is more severe and recurrent. Compared to other types of headaches, men are prone to develop a cluster headache.

People who experience this headache may feel an extreme burning or stabbing pain behind one eye. Also, eyes may water, and eyelids might swell. This headache is called “cluster” because it can happen up to eight times a day and can last for more than a week or even months.

Sinus Headaches 

This is often mixed up with migraines, but an accumulated pressure causes sinus headaches in the sinuses that came from infection or an allergy. The accumulate pressure can cause moderate to severe pain in the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, or forehead and sometimes can be accompanied by a fever or runny nose.

Treating these kinds of headaches listed above with medical marijuana is not common. History shows from the second up to the fourth century BC recommended the use of marijuana for headaches.