If you’ve ever had a migraine, you know it’s more than just a “bad headache.” With symptoms like severe head pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound, migraines can be debilitating. While traditional medications commonly used to treat migraines can offer relief for some, they don’t always work and can cause unwanted side effects. With more migraine sufferers seeking natural, effective alternatives, interest in cannabis as a potential treatment for migraine relief is on the rise. Increased research into the connection of cannabis and migraines has led to some exciting discoveries that suggest it contains some serious therapeutic promise to reduce the length, frequency, and severity of this agonizing condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Here we’ll take a deeper look into cannabis and migraines exploring how it works, recent research, the best cannabis products for migraine relief, and more.
Exploring the Potential of Cannabis for Migraine Relief
Migraines affect over 10% of people worldwide, making these severe headaches the third most common global medical condition. According to estimates by the American Migraine Foundation, at least 39 million Americans live with migraine headaches. They can last anywhere from several hours to several days, and while not everyone experiences a migraine the same, some of the most common migraine symptoms include: - Moderate to severe head pain that can be excruciating - Throbbing, pounding, pulsing, piercing pain that can feel like the head is exploding - Pain in the head on one or both sides, in the front and/or back, behind the eyes, and other parts of the face - Sensitivity to light, sound, and sometimes smell - Moderate to extreme nausea and/or vomiting - Making any movements makes pain worse About 25-30% of people who experience migraines also experience migraine auras. It’s a symptom that can occur before or during the migraine and last 5-60 minutes. They can cause visual disturbances like bright lights, shapes, lines, temporary visual loss, ringing in the ears, and numbness or tingling in the face, arms, or legs. Treatment for occasional or mild migraines usually involves over-the-counter pain meds like ibuprofen and acetaminophen or anti-nausea drugs. Severe, chronic migraines typically require triptans, a class of prescription medications that influences serotonin receptors in the brain. While they can help manage pain once a migraine has started, they don’t help prevent a migraine from happening, and many people only experience partial relief. Triptans can also cause side effects like dizziness, nausea, numbness or tingling, flushing, chest pain, increased heart rate, stomach pain, and more. In serious cases, they can lead to cardiovascular disease, and stroke. Cannabis could be a natural alternative to both OTC and prescription meds commonly used for migraine relief. Early research shows cannabis was “highly esteemed” as a migraine treatment from 1843-1943 in Europe and North America. In his 1912 textbook, The Principles and Practice of Medicine, Sir William Ossler (largely considered the father of modern medicine) wrote that cannabis was “probably the most satisfactory remedy” for migraine. In a 2016 study, almost 40% of 121 individuals suffering from migraines said cannabis prevented and decreased the frequency they experienced migraines. But does cannabis really help with migraines? While more research is needed, there’s some evidence that says it just might.
How Cannabis Could Help with Migraine Relief
The potential of cannabis for migraine relief is largely connected to the way various cannabinoids and other plant compounds interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). It plays a large role in maintaining several physiological processes, including pain perception and inflammation, both of which are largely connected to migraines.
Cannabinoids and Migraines
It’s the influence of cannabinoids, such as THC, CBD, CBG, etc. on CB1 and CB2 receptors in the ECS, which studies show help regulate pain and inflammation, that are thought to be largely responsible for the potential of cannabis for migraine relief. Studies show CB1 receptors are largely associated with pain perception, and that both CB1 and CB2 receptors are involved in inflammatory processes. That said, there’s research to support that CB2 receptors are primarily responsible for regulating inflammation and immunity. The way cannabinoids interact with CB1 receptors also plays a large role in the antiemetic effects of cannabis. A 2001 study found that when CB1 receptors are activated in the brain, particularly in an area known as the dorsal vagal complex which is involved in vomiting reactions, it blocks the body’s urge to vomit. This is largely connected to the activation of CB1 receptors reducing the release of serotonin, as research shows low levels of serotonin are commonly associated with migraines. Ultimately this could create a sort of dual support for migraine relief by potentially preventing migraines and reducing nausea and vomiting during a migraine attack.
Terpenes and Migraines
Terpenes are also believed to play a role in the potential of cannabis for migraine support. Not only do terpenes like myrcene, linalool, and beta-caryophyllene contain their own anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential, they’re suggested to work synergistically with cannabinoids to enhance pain relief and support inflammation. This is known as the entourage effect, a widely accepted theory that cannabis compounds, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, work better together than isolated compounds. With evidence that suggests whole-plant cannabis extracts are superior over individual compounds, cannabis extracts like RSO and others rich in high concentrations of beneficial cannabis compounds, could offer enhanced relief for migraine sufferers because of their potential entourage effect influence.
What the Latest Research Says About Cannabis and Migraines
Recent research shows a growing body of evidence supporting cannabis’s potential in reducing migraine frequency and intensity. One recent study found cannabis use led to a significant reduction in the number of monthly migraines participants experienced. A 2022 review that examined the efficacy and safety of medical marijuana in migraines showed high satisfaction rates among migraine sufferers using cannabis for relief, with several reporting beneficial short-term and long-term therapeutic effects. Some even experienced improvements in mental and physical well-being after using cannabis long-term. In a 2024 review, researchers explored the potential effects of various cannabinoids on immune cells as a therapeutic target for migraine relief. While they noted that the study of cannabinoid-based treatments on migraines is limited, they did say “clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of cannabinoid-based therapies for migraine are encouraging.”
Top 3 Potential Benefits of Cannabis for Migraines
1. Pain Relief
Migraine pain is often described as excruciating, with a deeply intense, pulsing, relentless ache that can be unbearable. With a large body of evidence that supports the analgesic properties of cannabis, it may help manage intense migraine pain. There’s research to suggest THC helps reduce pain as well as moderately strong doses of codeine, the cannabinoid may be effective in reducing the intensity of migraine headaches. In a 1974 survey, paraplegic patients reported smoking marijuana helped relieve headaches and phantom limb pain. A 1987 study found three cases where migraines occurred shortly after participants stopped using cannabis. Researchers noted that the vasodilation effects of cannabis combined with its ability to inhibit serotonin release are likely responsible, which would “have implications regarding potential therapeutic uses of cannabinoid derivatives.”
2. Anti-inflammatory Effects
There’s studies that suggest one of the main causes of migraines is what’s known as neurogenic inflammation, an inflammatory process that happens in the brain when it becomes stressed or overworked and causes neurons to stop working correctly. Cannabinoids are patented antioxidants and neuroprotectants, and there’s evidence to support that they contain several neural benefits, including reducing neurogenic inflammation. A 2020 study discovered that antioxidant therapy may reduce migraine frequency. In a 2016 study, researchers cited the inhibition of neural inflammation has been “proposed as one of the key therapeutic strategies for the treatment of migraine and other primary headaches.” It’s the anti-inflammatory potential cannabis displays that’s believed to be largely connected to its potential to prevent migraines or relieve uncomfortable symptoms..
3. Anti-nausea Properties
Research into the antiemetic properties of cannabis began in the 1970s after treatments for chemo-therapy induced nausea and vomiting proved ineffective, ultimately leading to the development of nabilone and dronabinol, two synthetic derivatives of THC that were approved by the FDA in 1985. With a large body of evidence suggesting effectiveness of cannabinoids to support nausea and vomiting, it may be an effective treatment for managing migraine-induced nausea and vomiting. In a 2022 review, researchers noted cannabis could offer both acute and preventive relief from nausea associated with migraines. One study of close to 2,000 migraine sufferers found medical cannabis “significantly reduced nausea and vomiting associated with migraine attacks after 6 months of use.” The same study also reported cannabis was 51% more effective in reducing migraines than non-cannabis products. A 2024 review looked at data from over 1,000 headache patients and discovered over 56% reported relief from nausea in migraine headaches. Not only does cannabis show to reduce nausea and vomiting in migraine when used over time, it may also offer acute relief during migraine.
What are the Best Cannabis Products for Migraine Relief?
Some cannabis products are known to be better at potentially managing migraines than others. Products like RSO, full-spectrum extracts, and cannabis flower are believed to have the most promise for the entourage effect. Because cannabis use may prevent the duration and frequency of migraines, regularly using such products could be a part of your regular wellness routine to aid with migraine prevention. In a recent study, the effects of different cannabis products to relieve nausea and vomiting in real time were investigated. It discovered over 96% of participants experienced relief within 1 hour and effects were “statistically significant” at 5 minutes. Flower and concentrates displayed the strongest results, with high THC, low CBD sativa-dominant or hybrid strains offering more relief than those labeled as indica. Joints also showed to provide increased symptom relief compared to pipes or vaporizers. A 2022 study of 2032 participants treating 21 different conditions with cannabis showed 88% of headache patients used cannabis for migraines. The majority said hybrid strains offered the best relief. Of the various strains used, most participants preferred “OG Shark,” a high-THC, low-CBD strain with a predominant myrcene and beta-caryophyllene terpene profile. While smoking cannabis flower may provide the most comprehensive relief for migraines and studies show vaped cannabis is beneficial for acute migraine relief , there are people who don’t care to smoke or have respiratory issues. In this case, products made with whole-plant extracts are often used as an alternative. RSO tablets, for example, are discreet and contain perfectly measured cannabinoid doses that are convenient to take on the go, making them ideal for managing sudden migraine onsets and relieving symptoms after they start. Edibles take longer to kick in than other cannabis products, but offer extended relief that some may find soothing for persistent migraine symptoms.
Are There Risks or Side Effects Using Cannabis for Migraines?
While the majority of people with migraines experience relief with cannabis, it can lead to side effects like dizziness and dry mouth in some users. For occasional consumers, the psychoactive effects of products with moderate to high THC levels could be uncomfortable. Everyone responds to cannabis differently, meaning potential side effects can vary based on the individual, product type, and dose. If you’re new to cannabis, it’s recommended to start with a low dose and gradually increase it until you experience the desired effects. Always talk to a doctor or healthcare professional before using cannabis for migraines, especially if using other medications to manage migraines or other conditions.
Final Thoughts: Is Cannabis a Good Option for Migraines?
If you suffer from migraines, cannabis could offer all-natural relief by supporting symptoms like pain, nausea, and inflammation. Some studies say regular cannabis use could even prevent migraines from happening. While research is promising, more studies are needed to determine ideal doses and products that could offer the best relief. As cannabis continues to gain attention as a natural migraine remedy, more people than ever are using it as a natural approach for safely and effectively managing their symptoms. For many, cannabis could just be the natural answer they've been seeking for this debilitating condition.