Cannabis & Migraines: How to use CBD & THC for Natural Migraine Treatment

Before we get into using cannabis and CBD for treating migraines, let’s go over some basics.

Migraine Basics

Migraines are an excruciating recurring type of headache that is:

Complex – it is difficult to diagnose them because of unclear causes.

Unique – each one varies in nature based on family history and DNA.

Prevalent – in women more than men.

To learn more about the nature of migraines, check out our comprehensive guide to holistic migraine treatment. We explore various causes, triggers, and natural remedies for migraines.

How Should I use Cannabis & CBD for Migraines?

Understanding the triggers and symptoms of a headache is one of the most important prerequisites for creating a plan to avoid and treat them. Once you understand your specific triggers, you’ll be more able to use cannabis and CBD for your migraines. Here’s how to start.  

1. Speak with a Doctor who also Understands Cannabis

Doctors who understand cannabis, like those on the Heally platform, know how to guide you with specific strains, methods, or dosing for your ailment. If you want to utilize cannabis or CBD for migraines, speaking to the right doctor can make all the difference in your experience.

2. Start a Migraine Journal

Try journaling to record your migraine experience, including the efforts you take to make them go away. Understanding the pain and other triggers first can help you to start with other habits to reduce frequency and severity. Use this free migraine journal PDF to start. Record things such as:

• The food and activities of the day before the symptoms started.
• When the symptoms started.
• The type and location of pain (stabbing, throbbing, piercing, etc.)
• Whether or not there are other symptoms (such as nausea or vision problems).
• How long the attack lasts?
• What treatment do you take and how effective treatment is (or isn’t)?

3. Start Low and Slow

When experimenting with cannabis as a pain reliever you can take several routes. Some choose to utilize CBD only, THC, or a combination of the two. No matter which option you choose, finding the correct dose for your needs will take time, patience, and practice. And remember, it’s best to start with a doctor’s visit or consultation.

• When utilizing THC, start with a micro-dose of 2.5mg – 5mg and then wait to see how you feel. Take account of how it changes the sensation of your pain, whether or not your appetite improves, etc.
• Depending on your method, the time for the effects of cannabis to be felt will vary.  The effects of edibles can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 3 hours to fully kick in.
• You should not consume more until you understand how the dose affected you. A good rule of thumb during this time of experimentation is to consume an initial dose and try again another day after you’ve journaled the experience and slowly titrate your dose up.

CBD products for Migraines

Wander CBD Oil

Wander CBD Oil is an ingredient-driven, responsibly-sourced, all-purpose CBD oil. CBD is a potent analgesic (pain-relieving), has antiemetic properties (preventing nausea and vomiting), and has powerful anti-inflammatory effects. This oil contains no unnecessary additives like vegetable glycerin, pg (propylene glycol), or peg (polyethylene glycol).  All-natural ingredients, including hemp-derived CBD, fractionated coconut oil, cold-pressed sunflower oil, lemon, grapefruit, and lavender are sourced from producers who care immensely about their products.

Select CBD Relax – Lavender Vape Pen

Lavender is rich with Linalool, the same terpene found in some cannabis strains like Amnesia Haze, Lavender (aptly named), and LA Confidential. Linalool shows the ability to reduce neuropathic hypersensitivity and chronic inflammation which have been linked to migraines. Research shows that the scent of lavender lowers heart rate and blood pressure, putting you in a relaxed state. The Select CBD Relax vape pen utilizes the purest extract available, enriched with highly refined lavender essential oils to deliver an aromatic and relaxing experience.

Cannabis THC products for Migraines

Skywalker OG Kush

This Indica-dominant hybrid combines fruity blueberry aromas with earthy flavors. This strain is packed with Caryophyllene, a terpene that is also naturally found in black pepper, which is a natural analgesic that can reduce the symptoms of a migraine.

Skywalker OG Kush delivers euphoric sedation while creating an uplifting high. OG Kush hybrids are often known to deliver relief from stress, depression, and pain. With this cannabis strain, it is important to catch the migraine before it becomes full-blown.

Level Hybrid Pro tabs

The Hybrid Protab is an orally consumed concentrate tablet that contains 25 mg of THC per tablet. One study showed that between 25 mg and 200 mg of THC helped to reduce the pain caused by acute migraines in those who had a history of childhood migraines.

If 25 mg is more than the dose you’re looking for, the tablets are scored down the middle, allowing for a smaller dose. This extra-strength, fast-acting tablet is infused with steam-distilled hybrid terpenes to provide a classic high balance for both body and mind.

Once you figure out the right dose for you, try different methods of application. Here are some popular options from Leafly. Migraine headaches may remain a complex and misunderstood ailment, but learning how to avoid and treat them is partially in your control if you pay attention to the warning signs.

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By Bri Smith