Medical Marijuana and Vertigo: Here’s All You Need to Know

Vertigo is a condition or a symptom where a person feels their surrounding objects are moving or spinning (swaying movement). The condition is quite common across the world and affects nearly 40 percent of American adults at least once in their lifetime, with a higher possibility of women getting it than men.  

Though vertigo is considered quite hard to be diagnosed, people have linked it with medical marijuana as one of its potential treatments. Now, the question is: does medical marijuana actually help relieve vertigo? 

Well, that’s what we will be discussing in the blog. Read on to know more about vertigo, medical marijuana and medical marijuana as a treatment for vertigo. 

Vertigo: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment 

In simple words, vertigo is the most common type of dizziness which is generally associated with nausea, vomiting, sweating and difficulties in walking. A person can suddenly get a vertigo attack which could last for a few seconds or for a longer period of time. The symptoms could be constant and may last for days, affecting your everyday life. 

Common symptoms of Vertigo are: 

• Dizziness
• Loss of balance
• Feeling sick 
• Weakness
• Headache
• Sweating
• Nausea

Types & Causes of Vertigo

Peripheral Vertigo: Being the most common form of vertigo, peripheral vertigo is caused by a problem in the inner ear, which controls sensory movement and balance. The most common disorders linked with inner ear problems that cause vertigo are: 

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
• Meniere’s Disease
• Vestibular Neuritis (Labyrinthitis) 

Central Vertigo: 

Central vertigo is a result of a problem in the brain. The condition could be triggered by different medical conditions including brain injury, multiple sclerosis, brain tumors, migraines, trauma, infection, etc. 

Treatment

Treatment options for a person with vertigo could depend on the underlying cause. A combination treatment of vestibular rehabilitation therapy and medications ( such as meclizine) has proven effective. 

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Different forms of exercises, surgery, medications, and essential oils are some of the common treatments available for vertigo.  

Know About Medical Marijuana 

Medical marijuana or medical cannabis is a term referring to the use of marijuana for the treatment of certain medical conditions, such as anxiety, glaucoma, AIDS, cancer, and many others. Over the past few others, medical experts have also linked medical cannabis with vertigo. 

Speaking of cannabis, it’s a complex plant containing hundreds of chemical compounds including cannabinoids. CBD (cannabinol), THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), CBG (cannabigerol) are a few of the most prevalent cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant which can be consumed in a variety of ways from CBD oil tinctures to smoking in the form of a cigarette.

These are known for their unique therapeutic properties and are the reason behind the medicinal properties of cannabis plants. Thanks to the legalization of medical marijuana in most U.S. states, patients with debilitating medical conditions and a doctor-certified online medical card can access legal medical products. 

How Does Medical Marijuana Work in the Human Body? 

Our body has an endocannabinoid system with endocannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2 are the two primary receptors) mainly present in the central nervous system. 

When a person ingests cannabis, THC and other cannabinoids in marijuana bind with CB1 and CB2 receptors which are responsible for influencing different functions like pain, pleasure, etc. So, this is how marijuana affects the cells and controls various functions. 

How Does Medical Marijuana Help Treat Vertigo? 

Although rigorous research on medical marijuana for vertigo is still in its fancy stage, anecdotal reports from CBD users report a good response for managing vertigo-induced dizziness. 

Let’s explore further how medical cannabis can help manage the symptoms associated with vertigo. 

Relieves Nausea and Vomiting

The scientific community has been researching the effects of cannabinoids for a long time now. A study conducted on victims of nausea reported that 20 participants experienced significant nausea relief after consuming different types of THC. 

Anxiety 

Anxiety is the most common side-effect in patients with vertigo. If your vertigo attack persists for a longer period of time, it could be distressing and discouraging leading to symptoms of anxiety. And marijuana has been a great source of managing anxiety symptoms like disturbed sleep patterns, muscle tension, and so on. 

Headache 

Headache is another common and troubling symptom of vertigo. Research suggests that CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids by interacting with your ECS receptors can stop the inflammation that often results in headache pain. 

Controls Jerking Eye Movements

Uncontrollable shaking movements including jerking eye movements is a common symptom of various medical conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease and of course, Vertigo. Medical marijuana has been known to help people manage uncontrollable movements when taken with utmost care and advised dosage. 

Which Is the Best Way to Use Medical Marijuana for Vertigo? 

Now, which is the best way I can use medical cannabis for vertigo? Which is the best form? 

Here are some of the best ways how one can consume medical marijuana for the treatment of vertigo: 

1. Smoking: Smoking is the most common method of ingesting cannabis as it provides the user with instant effects. 
2. Vaping: Compared to smoking, vaping is considered less harmful yet effective when it comes to feeling the effects of cannabis. 
3. Edibles: Gummies, candies, chocolates, and cookies are the most common forms of edibles available in the market. Though edibles hit you quite late when they do, the effects are pretty intense. 
4. Tinctures: CBD oil tinctures are way too popular and common for managing chronic pain, anxiety, stress, etc. 

Well, speaking of how vast cannabis and its effects are, what product works for your friend might not work the same for you! With cannabis, you have to be patient and judge the process by yourself and see what works for you and what does not! 

Winding-up 

Medical marijuana for the treatment of vertigo is still in its early stages. Though there is limited research on the subject, researchers are now keen to study the matter rigorously to learn the long-term effects of cannabis plants on patients with vertigo. If you are thinking of using cannabis for vertigo, make sure you first consult with your primary physician or a medical marijuana doctor to know whether your condition requires cannabis treatment or not.