Medical Marijuana and Vertigo

Constant dizziness, nausea, and headaches are the reality for those suffering from vertigo every day. Feeling off-balance is not only uncomfortable, but it can be horribly disorientating, too. Because of this, those with vertigo seek treatment in all kinds of ways and places. Recently, people have started looking into the relationship behind medical marijuana and vertigo. More specifically, does marijuana help with vertigo?

We know, we know: this sounds a bit unconventional, but evidence shows clear promise behind using medical marijuana for vertigo. If you’re feeling unsure, let us help clear things up a bit. 

What is Vertigo and What Causes It? 

Before we discuss medical marijuana and vertigo, let’s talk about the disorder itself. So, what is vertigo, and what causes it?

Vertigo is a disorder within the inner ear that causes feelings of being off-balance, dizziness, nausea, and more. Usually, those experiencing episodes of vertigo feel as though the world around them is spinning. 

There are a few different causes of vertigo, but they all stem from inner ear complications. The first cause, called BPPV, stands for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. BPPV happens when calcium particles move locations and build up within the inner ear. This confuses the brain, as the inner ear sends signals to the brain regarding gravity; thus, you’re left feeling dizzy and off-balance. Unfortunately, doctors do not know why BPPV occurs, but it could have to do with age.

Meniere’s disease can also cause vertigo. This disease creates a buildup of fluid and pressure in the inner ears, often resulting in dizzy spells, nausea, and even tinnitus. 

Finally, viral infections can create excess inflammation in the inner ear, impacting the nerves that help with balance. This is called vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis. 

There are some other, less common causes of vertigo, such as head or neck injuries, migraines, medications, and brain injuries like strokes and tumors. 

What are Common Symptoms of Vertigo?

Patients suffering from vertigo often experience the following symptoms:

• A sense of imbalance or dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Loss of balance and coordination
• Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Headaches
• Sweating
• Difficulty concentrating

How to Treat Vertigo

When it comes to treating vertigo, you can choose to do so at home or seek medical attention. Typically, when the situation is severe enough, you want to consult with your doctor just in case there might be an underlying condition causing vertigo.

Doctors tend to prescribe patients medications to help treat vertigo. These medications are specific depending on what’s causing the inner ear complication, but they can typically remedy the situation over time. Along with medication, other doctors will walk you through simple head movements or exercises that can help with vertigo. 

A lot of people with vertigo find undergoing vestibular rehabilitation training (VRT) highly beneficial. VRT works to improve balance and stability in those with vertigo through gentle exercises. 

Simply put, it’s best to discuss with your doctor potential treatments and what works best for you. If you’re comfortable, you can also bring up medical marijuana and vertigo. Even though they may not be fluent in the relationship, it can’t hurt to inquire about using medical marijuana for vertigo symptoms.  

Does Marijuana Help With Vertigo? 

This brings us to the million-dollar question: does marijuana help with vertigo? While MMJ can’t treat the causes of vertigo, it appears to be incredibly helpful for helping with vertigo symptoms. Let us explain. 

For many people, vertigo not only causes dizziness, but it causes headaches, nausea, and overall discomfort along the way. While some vertigo medications address these side effects, not all of them do. Thankfully, cannabis does. 

When consuming medical marijuana for vertigo, the cannabinoids in the plant work to regulate your body and bring relief. One of the most common benefits of MMJ is its ability to help with nausea and stomach upset. The anti-nausea properties in cannabinoids function to calm dysregulation, reduce nausea, and calm vomiting. For those with vertigo, finding a natural way to combat the constant stomach sickness can be life-changing. And, not only does it help calm the stomach, but cannabis is known for its appetite stimulation. So, there’s a good chance you’ll actually look forward to consumption — and not worry about vertigo’s effects on your tum.

As we mentioned, vertigo often results in headaches. These headaches only exacerbate vertigo symptoms, making you feel more uncomfortable, more uneasy, and even less like yourself. Thankfully, as Elevate Holistics have previously discovered, medical marijuana can be an excellent option for combating headaches. Whether it’s a migraine or pressure headache, studies demonstrate that the analgesic properties of marijuana have incredible potential for relieving headache pains. 

LEARN MORE: Medical Marijuana and Intractable Headache Syndrome | Best Strains for Pain

How Does Medical Marijuana Treat Dizziness?

It’s essential to establish that medical marijuana cannot treat dizziness. However, it may be able to help. 

Cannabinoids in MMJ work alongside the endocannabinoids in your endocannabinoid system to help keep your body on track. Some studies suggest that there are cannabinoid receptors in the central vestibular system — the system responsible for inner ear balance. Thus, consuming MMJ may allow the cannabinoids to work with these CB receptors and re-regulate the central vestibular system.

While there’s significant evidence behind medical marijuana and vertigo symptoms, there isn’t much in terms of MMJ and dizziness. The community still requires more research to draw concrete conclusions.

However, it is important to note that some consumers report increased dizziness with cannabis use. You have to make sure to start low and slow with your doses and not consume more than your body is comfortable with. 

Best Strains for Vertigo

Now that you know about medical marijuana and vertigo, let’s discuss some of the best strains for vertigo that you can try with a medical card. When looking for the best strains for vertigo, you’ll want to find a strain that combats nausea and fights pain. Many strains have these properties, but some are better than others. To help you find what’s ideal, we’ve broken down three of our favorite strains for vertigo symptoms.

Green Crack

Green Crack is an energizing sativa strain that’s wonderful for combating pain — especially from headaches. Many people turn to Green Crack specifically to help with headache discomfort, as its uplifting, buzzy properties help alleviate these pains effortlessly. This invigorating strain is ideal for helping you get off your feet and accomplish the things you want to, not letting your vertigo hold you back. But, make sure to keep in mind the THC levels of Green Crack: this flower isn’t for beginners. 

Blue Dream

If you’re looking to fight dizziness and nausea, then Blue Dream is the perfect strain for you. Blue Dream is an indica-dominant hybrid that many people turn to for pure relaxation, pain relief, and comfort. This is one of the most popular medical strains for nausea specifically, so it’s common for those with vertigo to try this berry-like bud. We’d suggest enjoying this strain as the day winds down, simply because of how relaxing it can be. 

Sour Diesel

Finally, Elevate believes one of the best strains for vertigo has got to be Sour Diesel. This sativa marijuana strain is great for providing uplifting effects while combating pain. Many people report feeling more balanced and motivated with Sour D, making it fantastic for those suffering from vertigo symptoms. The effects of this strain are quite cerebral, and they can fight headache pains like none other. But, you have to be okay with the pungent, gas-like flavors of Sour Diesel.  

What About Edibles for Vertigo?

Medical marijuana edibles such as tinctures, topicals and edibles offer patients suffering from vertigo a natural way to ease their symptoms. Edibles, particularly those that feature a high cannabinoid or THC content can be an effective way to provide relief from dizziness, nausea and anxiety associated with the condition. Some of the most recommended marijuana edibles for vertigo include:

• Cannabis oils – Cannabis oils are highly concentrated forms of cannabinoids and terpenes and can be administered under the tongue for fast-acting relief of vertigo symptoms.
• Tinctures – Tinctures contain powerful compounds found in marijuana plants like THC, CBD and CBN that help target certain receptors in the brain that are responsible for producing symptoms of vertigo.
• Edible baked goods – Edible baked goods like brownies, cookies and even gummies are cannabis-infused treats that offer a tasty way to enjoy the effects of medical cannabis without smoking it or vaporizing it.
• Topicals – Topicals are cannabis-infused creams and balms that can be applied directly onto painful areas of the body to reduce inflammation and soothe the discomfort caused by vertigo.

Should I Get Medical Marijuana for My Vertigo?

So, the question remains: should you try medical marijuana for vertigo? Is it worth it?

While we can’t speak for everyone, many patients find that medical marijuana is an excellent help for their vertigo symptoms. Again, this will not cure or treat your vertigo, but a lot of people find that MMJ does wonders for alleviating side effects and granting a bit of relief. 

If you find that your vertigo’s symptoms make it difficult to enjoy everyday life, medical cannabis products may be the best choice for you. 

Every person is different in terms of their reactions to medical cannabis, but medical marijuana and vertigo appear to demonstrate a beneficial, healthy relationship that doesn’t pose much risk in trying. 

How to Get a Medical Card for Vertigo

If you’re interested in getting your medical marijuana card for vertigo, Elevate Holistics is here to help. While you can’t technically get your medical card just for vertigo, the symptoms that it brings can easily qualify for medical marijuana — and the experts here at Elevate Holistics know that firsthand.

Some medical marijuana doctors simply don’t know cannabis the way we do. Our physicians are all board-certified and fluent in the cannabis community; this way, they can help you with any questions or concerns you may have. Whether you’re interested in the relationship between medical marijuana and vertigo or MMJ and a different qualifying medical condition, Elevate and our experts are here to help.

Ready to get a medical card for yourself? Simply click the button below to find your state and book an appointment. Then, you’ll meet digitally with one of our physicians and get the medical recommendation you need for your MMJ card. It really is that easy.