After battling a migraine attack every month for years, I finally found relief with cannabis. It's the only thing that helps relieve my migraine pain.

Migraine relief is hard to come by. If you’re a migraine sufferer (or know a migraine sufferer) you might have tried everything to relieve the pain associated with a migraine attack.

After battling a migraine attack every month for years, I finally found relief with cannabis. To this day, it’s the only thing that helps relieve my migraine pain.

I’ve learned that not all dried cannabis or cannabis products help to effectively relieve migraine pain though.

So through research both on and off the web, I’ve been able to narrow down a few strains that help to take the edge off migraines.

Which strains work best when using cannabis for migraines? Well read on and I’ll tell ya!


If I’m battling a bad migraine and use cannabis, I’m at least able to relax and get some rest, instead of being curled up in a ball wishing for death.

How does Cannabis Affect Migraines?

need cannabis for migraines

While symptoms of migraines vary, the condition, for many, can put them out of commission for days or weeks at a time.

When you have work, errands, or even kids to take care of, this can make the attack that much more stressful. In turn, stress can make the migraine attack worst.

Fortunately, migraine sufferers have reported that using cannabis for migraines has helped to give relief.

The science behind using cannabis for migraines and headaches

Most of us know that THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the cannabinoid found in cannabis, is what gives that ‘high’ feeling.

When marijuana is consumed, cannabinoid receptors already naturally in our bodies take in THC. This adjusts our pain signals making users feel more relaxed.

This relaxed feeling helps reduce feelings of pain and discomfort in the body.

Another cannabinoid, CBD (cannabidiol), is also found in cannabis that is said to help relieve pain. The difference between the two is that CBD gives pain relief without the high.

CBD is also known to help reduce inflammation, and since headaches are believed to be the cause of inflammation in the cranium, it’s easy to see why CBD can be relieving.

The results of using cannabis for migraines

Migraine relief is one of the main reasons I use cannabis and that’s because it really does work for me!

Like most migraine sufferers, I’ve tried almost every over-the-counter drug for relief. And I’ve taken them back to back trying to knock out the pain in hopes of returning to a functional lifestyle.

When using cannabis for migraines, I no longer feel sensitive to light and noise. If the migraine isn’t bad, I can continue to work and carry on with my day.

If I’m battling a bad migraine and use cannabis, I’m at least able to relax and get some rest, instead of being curled up in a ball wishing for death.

And I’m not the only one who has reaped the benefits of using THC and CBD for migraines; a study of 127 frequent migraine sufferers showed that CBD cut pain down by almost half.

Results like this were similar in other studies on migraines and cannabis in recent years as well!

Say good-bye to OTC medication

Migraine sufferers are often pill poppers. Whenever I’ve gone to a doctor or pharmacy looking for relief, I’m directed to brands like Tylenol and Advil.

The problem with over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen, paracetamol, and acetaminophen is that if taken frequently, they can do more harm to your body than good.

using cannabis for migraines

Ibuprofen can cause kidney conditions, while acetaminophen is known for liver issues. Why deal with that when these things are less effective anyway?

The best cannabis strains for migraines

Since the type of cannabis used varies in effects, not every strain of cannabis will give you the same result.

As a matter of fact, some marijuana strains can actually trigger headaches for some.

The cannabis strains below are most likely to cause relief so you can get back to functioning like a normal human.

(You can also get migraine relief from chuckling at the ridiculous strain names.)

CBD Death Bubba

Given the medicinal qualities of CBD, CBD strains are highly recommended for combatting chronic pain like migraines.

CBD strains offer an additional benefit to migraine sufferers who want to avoid the ‘high’ feeling that comes with THC.

For some, CBD strains just don’t cut it and they need that bit of extra relief from THC as well. This is where CBD Death Bubba shines best when using cannabis for migraines.

A high CBD variation of the high THC strain “Death Bubba”, this remedy brings a relaxing high from its THC properties, with pain relief from the CBD.

Blue Dream

This is one of my go-to strains when using cannabis for migraines. Blue Dream is a “sativa-dominant” strain but its moderately-high THC level comes together with the CBD to give great migraine relief.

Its effects are quite potent, especially when it comes to pain relief, and since it has some energizing properties, it won’t knock you right out so you can keep functioning with your daily tasks.

That being said, it also gives more of a calming and relaxing feel along with the overall effects.

Moby Dick

Another potent strain, Moby Dick is great for pain relief and is a good strain to choose during the daytime.

Stemming from the ‘White Widow’ strain which is also recommended for migraines, it also packs some CBD but not by a significant amount.

Moby Dick usually gives a clear-headed feeling, which I think is what all migraine sufferers are after right?

My mom’s favourite way to relieve her migraines is through consuming some Blue Dream tea!

Nuken

Recommended by a dispensary, Nuken is a relatively new strain with high THC; perfect for getting your head and body to relax.

best strains when using cannabis for migraines

The Nuken strain usually gives a body high that relaxes your muscles which is great for migraine relief.

Just like Moby Dick, Nuken often gives a clear-headed feeling that helps you get on with your day.

But unlike other high THC strains, it won’t exactly have you feeling couch-locked right away – great for the evening.

Purple Kush

This legendary strain is helpful for migraines thanks to its high THC content.

While it doesn’t contain much CBD at all, the relief comes from this strain being super relaxing.

If you’re ready to just rid your pain and melt into a sofa, the numbing feeling of this strain will surely help keep migraine pain at bay.

Other recommended CBD strains of cannabis for migraines

There are a number of CBD strains like Charlotte’s Web and ACDC that have high CBD content and a lower THC content.

These CBD strains and others are commonly recommended for migraine relief. That said, I do need to add a boost of THC in order for these to really give me relief.

You can see more CBD recommendations here.

Are there cons to using cannabis for migraines?

Everything in life has some consequences. Here are some things to watch out for when using marijuana for migraines.

Side effects

As mentioned, THC is what gives you that ‘high’ feeling; so if you’re consuming cannabis with THC you can expect that you might feel a little sleepy, weak, or dizzy.

Some strains can also cause paranoia or anxiety.

This is the main reason most people stick to CBD and CBD strains since they can avoid feeling these changes in mood and appearance.

Smoking marijuana on a regular basis can also contribute to heart and lung issues in the long run.

Cost

A trip down to the pharmacy to get a bottle of aspirin won’t run your budget into the danger zone, but purchasing marijuana and cannabis products on a regular basis can be costly.

Depending on the product you use, where you purchase your product, and how much you need, the price can add up.

Stigma

Popping an Advil or Tylenol is pretty common to see. In fact, I’ve often asked someone and been offered painkillers without a flinch. That’s not the case when it comes to cannabis.

Since cannabis is still an illegal drug in most countries and states, it’s not as easy to smoke or consume marijuana in public, even in legal areas, given the stigma that still surrounds it.

While you may be using it for medicinal reasons, you may get the ‘pothead’ label. But that’s what we’re trying to squash here.

Here’s a video explaining a little more on medicinal marijuana and its stigma.

Fortunately, there are more and more products on the market that include CBD that are discreet.

Other marijuana products to use for migraine relief

  • Oils and Tinctures: Cannabis oils and tinctures are an easy way to take a dose of medicine. They can be applied directly under the tongue or added to teas and other beverages.
  • Cannabis Capsules for Migraines: You can easily swap out your current painkillers for a more natural alternative thanks to CBD and THC capsules. They’re already pre-dosed for your convenience.
  • Cannabis Topicals: Balms and lotions are rising in popularity as well. Creams, lotions and gels infused with CBD are known to help relax muscles and are sometimes recommended to migraine patients.
  • Edibles and Beverages: My mom’s favourite way to relieve her migraines is through consuming some Blue Dream tea! If you’re not up for any of the methods mentioned above, a nice, soothing cuppa can also do the trick.

To pack this up

Always be sure to do your research or consult with a doctor before trying any new methods of medication.

While using cannabis for migraines has worked immensely for me, not everything is right for everyone.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions below or through our contact page!


Have you tried using cannabis for migraines?