Research shows that marijuana may help relieve migraine headaches for some people, particularly in terms of reducing pain, nausea, and migraine frequency. However, it’s important to note that results vary by individual.
What the Research Shows
• Pain relief: THC and CBD, the active compounds in cannabis, can modulate pain through the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in pain signaling.
• Reduction in migraine frequency:
A 2016 study in Pharmacotherapy found that medical cannabis reduced the average number of migraines from 10.4 to 4.6 per month.
• Some patients also reported faster relief when cannabis was used at the onset of an attack.
• Anti-nausea effects: Cannabis may also help manage nausea and vomiting that often come with migraines.
Pros and Cons
Overuse headaches: Frequent cannabis use, especially high-THC products, may contribute to rebound headaches (called medication-overuse headaches).
Variability in response: Some people experience worsened symptoms, especially with certain strains or dosages.
Limited standardized dosing: Most studies rely on patient self-reporting, and products can vary widely in THC/CBD content.
Legal issues: Marijuana is still classified as a Schedule I drug federally in the U.S., though many states, including Louisiana and Mississippi, allow medical use for migraines.
Delivery Methods
• Inhalation (smoking/vaping): Using flower can provides faster relief, often within minutes — good for stopping an attack in progress.
• Edibles or oils: Slower onset but longer-lasting effects — may help with prevention.
• CBD-only products: May help some users avoid the psychoactive effects of THC while still benefiting from anti-inflammatory or analgesic properties.
Some Products to Consider
1. ACDC (High-CBD, Low-THC) Why it helps: Anti-inflammatory, relaxing, without intoxication. Good for: Daytime use, tension-type migraines. CBD:THC ratio: Often 20:1
2. Harlequin (Balanced CBD:THC) Why it helps: Combines pain relief with mental clarity. Good for: Stress-related migraines, light daytime use.
3. OG Kush (High-THC, Indica-dominant). Why it helps: Potent for pain and sleep. Good for: Nighttime use when migraines disrupt rest
4. Blue Dream (Hybrid). Why it helps: Relaxing but not sedating; helps with mood and nausea. Good for: All-day relief, especially if migraines are linked to stress
5. Purple Kush / Granddaddy Purple (Indica). Why it helps: Strong body-high, muscle relaxation. Good for: Severe migraine attacks and sleep aid.
Summary
Cannabis may help reduce the severity, frequency, or associated symptoms of migraines for some individuals, especially those who don’t respond well to traditional medications. However, medical supervision is strongly recommended. If you’re ready to get started on your healing journey with medical marijuana, click the button below. The Healing Clinics will be with you every step of the way!
Our patients shared their outcomes with different medical marijuana products, allowing us to compile which products were customer favorites for each condition. There are so many choices that getting started can be confusing. Contact The Healing Clinics and let us help you through your healing journey. In the meantime, take a look at this valuable resource from our patients.
Cannabis for Migraines
Percent of Patients
Migraine Headaches=Edibles
38.54%
Migraine Headaches=Flower
34.38%
Migraine Headaches=Vaporizers
16.67%
Migraine Headaches=Tincture
4.17%
Migraine Headaches=Concentrates
3.13%
Migraine Headaches=Topicals
3.13%
Information shared in this table is compiled from patient feedback and is under copyright by The Healing Clinics, LLC. Any sharing or use without prior approval or proper attribution is prohibited. Please contact info@thehealingclinics.com for more information.