Migraines are far more debilitating than typical headaches, often disrupting daily life.
More and more people are turning to cannabis to manage their chronic pain, with migraines being the top reason among headache patients. Cannabis is such a powerful tool for migraine and pain relief that many patients even use medical marijuana in place of over-the-counter drugs, antidepressants, and painkillers.
While medical marijuana is gaining more attention as a migraine treatment, its pain-relieving use actually dates back thousands of years.
Keep reading to discover how cannabis may help during a migraine attack, whether sativa or indica strains are more effective, and which terpenes and strains offer the most relief.
Research reveals promising results for cannabis in effectively relieving migraine symptoms.
According to research, medical cannabis users even prevented about 11.6% of acute migraine attacks using cannabis. They saw notable reductions in migraine-related nausea and vomiting after six months of use, along with a slight drop in migraine frequency.
A 2020 study in the Journal of Pain finds that cannabis can reduce migraine severity by nearly 50%. The study also cites prior research suggesting that medical marijuana may reduce migraine frequency long-term in over 66% of patients, and is linked to decreased debilitation due to symptoms and reduced use of anti-migraine medications, according to these studies.
In another 2020 study, ninety-four percent of users reported migraine symptom relief within two hours or less of using cannabis, depending on the strain, demonstrating its high effectiveness.
As marijuana continues to be legalized, researchers will find it easier to study how cannabis can best provide migraine relief to users.
Many people with migraines actively explore whether sativa or indica strains provide better relief. Since crossbreeding has blurred the lines between the two, choosing a strain now depends more on its cannabinoid and terpene profile than its label.
Although research continues, many people report experiencing migraine relief from indica and hybrid strains, particularly those with higher cannabidiol (CBD) levels. Indicas are often preferred for their calming and pain-relieving effects, likely due to their sedating terpene content.
Hybrids that balance tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD may also be effective for some. Strains containing both cannabinoids, especially those emphasizing CBD for its anti-inflammatory properties, generally provide more balanced and comprehensive relief.
One study finds that hybrid strains are popular among people treating migraines and pain, likely because of their potent anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, and pain-relieving effects. Particularly noted are strains high in beta-caryophyllene and myrcene, which accentuate these effects.
Your best cannabis option for migraine relief depends on your symptoms and goals, and each offers its own effects and benefits.
Indica strains are widely recognized for their calming and sedative effects, making them a common choice for managing pain and promoting sleep. Their typically higher myrcene and linalool content may enhance these therapeutic benefits.
Sativa strains provide uplifting and energizing effects, which may be less ideal for those seeking migraine relief through relaxation and pain reduction. However, some sativas offer effective pain relief without the “couch-lock” effect of indicas, coming from their contrasting higher myrcene content.
Hybrid strains combine traits of both indica and sativa, offering a balanced experience. This blend can be beneficial for relieving pain and anxiety while maintaining a mild sense of alertness.
CBD, a non-intoxicating cannabinoid, shows promise for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, making it an essential component in cannabis-based migraine relief.
Always start with a low dose, especially if you’re new to cannabis. Taking too much, especially of indica strains, can lead to a “couch-locked” feeling that makes it hard to move or concentrate, which can be unhelpful during the day.
Several cannabis terpenes actively help reduce migraine symptoms by lowering inflammation, relieving pain, and calming anxiety. Several terpenes and cannabinoids also target serotonin receptors, which may also help migraines and depression.
A 2018 study identified myrcene and caryophyllene as two of the most effective terpenes for easing headache-related pain. Because inflammation may contribute to migraine onset, strains with potent anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects can also offer meaningful relief.
Here are some of the top terpenes for migraine relief, how they work, and their key benefits:
Benefits: Beta-caryophyllene relieves pain and reduces inflammation.
How It Works: It uniquely functions like a cannabinoid by binding to CB2 receptors, primarily found on immune cells. This activation helps regulate inflammation, a key factor in migraine pain, potentially lowering the frequency and intensity of migraines.
Benefits: Myrcene promotes relaxation, eases pain, and supports sleep, helping the body recover from migraine episodes.
How It Works: It also enhances the effects of other cannabinoids through the entourage effect, encouraging rest and reducing pain. It may also increase cannabinoid delivery to the brain, but this isn’t fully known yet.
Benefits: Limonene elevates mood and reduces stress, which can help prevent migraines triggered by anxiety or emotional tension.
How It Works: It lowers anxiety and stress levels while delivering anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. It is also known for its antidepressant features in animal and small clinical studies.
Benefits: It promotes relaxation and better sleep, essential during migraine recovery.
How It Works: Linalool calms the nervous system and relieves pain, making it especially helpful for migraines related to stress.
Benefits: It eases inflammation and stress, two common migraine triggers.
How It Works: Pinene fights inflammation, opens airways, and relieves mild anxiety—factors that may reduce the severity of stress-related migraines.
However, it’s crucial to remember that the effects of terpenes can vary from person to person. Terpene profiles also differ from strain to strain, even within generations, making consistency difficult to achieve.
READ: Understanding Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrid Cannabis Strains
When managing migraines with cannabis, the way you consume it matters.
While many options exist, inhalation and ingestion are the most common cannabis consumption methods for migraine relief. Each consumption method offers its benefits and drawbacks.
Many people choose smoking—using joints, pipes, bongs, or vaporizers—as a way to quickly treat migraines with cannabis.
Inhaled THC takes effect rapidly, often within minutes, making it ideal for addressing acute migraine pain, anxiety, or nausea. The high and therapeutic benefits typically peak within 30 minutes and can last two to four hours, depending on the strain’s potency and individual tolerance.
Despite its fast-acting benefits, smoking has some downsides. Combustion releases smoke and tar, which, while much less toxic than tobacco smoke, can still irritate the lungs and airways.
Vaping provides a safer alternative. Vaporizers heat cannabis just enough to release cannabinoids and terpenes without combustion, which reduces toxins and preserves more therapeutic compounds.
However, vaping is not risk-free. Vaping at temperatures above 403°C (757°F) can release benzene, a carcinogen. Dry herb vaporizers don’t go this high, but these extreme temperatures and conversions can occur in dabbing (flash vaporizing concentrate), e-liquid vaping, and smoking. Both smoke and vapor may also trigger coughing, which can temporarily worsen migraine symptoms until the THC kicks in.
Edibles offer another practical option for migraine relief. Ingesting easily-measurable cannabis allows THC to be absorbed through the digestive system, making it less harmful to the body compared to smoking.
Edibles provide longer-lasting relief, with effects peaking between two and four hours and potentially lasting up to 12 hours. This makes them an excellent option for preventive dosing or managing prolonged migraine episodes.
Edibles and orally-consumed products come in numerous forms, including:
The major drawback of edibles is the delayed onset. It can take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes, or longer, to feel the effects, making them less ideal for immediate migraine relief.
Edibles also carry a higher risk of overconsumption. Since the effects take time to kick in, many beginners mistakenly take more, only to experience unpleasant side effects.
Following the “start low and go slow” rule to avoid this. For less experienced cannabis consumers, begin with 2 to 5 mg of THC, and wait at least 90 minutes before increasing your dose.
A study exploring the use of marijuana for migraine treatment identified over 40 commonly preferred cannabis chemotypes (varieties).
OG Shark—a high-THC hybrid of unknown lineage—emerged as the most favored strain, mainly because it effectively relieves symptoms such as migraine-related nausea and chronic pain.
Most of the 40 cannabis strains identified in the study are high in THC, typically ranging between 15% and 25% potency. However, some strains—like Cannatonic—contain little to no THC and are rich in CBD. Others favored strains mentioned in the study offered a more balanced THC-to-CBD ratio.
In the same study, researchers observed that individuals with migraines who consumed 200 mg of oral cannabis containing 0.4% THC and 9% CBD during an attack experienced a 55% reduction in pain severity. When taken daily, this dose led to a 40.4% decrease in headache frequency, comparable to the 40.1% reduction seen with the pharmaceutical amitriptyline.
This is promising news, especially since CBD is non-intoxicating and can potentially help users find relief in situations like the workday. While 200 mg of cannabis with 0.4% THC may still cause mild impairment in highly THC-sensitive individuals, any psychoactive effects typically diminish as tolerance develops over time.
Some of the best strains, according to cannabis users and research, include:
Afghani – A classic indica known for its deeply relaxing effects and potent body high.
Alien OG – A robust hybrid combining intense cerebral stimulation with heavy body sedation.
Blue Dream – A well-balanced hybrid offering gentle euphoria and full-body relaxation, often used for stress and pain.
Bubba Kush – A heavy indica strain popular for its calming, pain-relieving properties.
Cannatonic – A high-CBD strain valued for minimal intoxication and substantial therapeutic benefits.
Chemdawg – A pungent hybrid known for its fast-acting cerebral effects and relief from stress, pain, and migraines.
Cherry Pie – A hybrid with relaxing and mood-lifting effects, commonly used for anxiety and pain relief.
Gary Payton – A balanced hybrid celebrated for its potency and effectiveness against stress and inflammation.
Jack Herer – A sativa-dominant strain offering clear-headed, creative, and energizing effects.
Lavender – An indica-dominant strain with calming, floral aromas and strong relaxation effects.
Mimosa – A sativa-leaning hybrid known for its mood-boosting and mildly energizing properties.
Northern Lights – An indica-dominant strain known for its relaxing and pain-relieving properties, making it a good option for nighttime use during a migraine.
OG Kush – A balanced hybrid famous for its stress-relief and pain-fighting capabilities.
OG Shark – A high-THC hybrid favored for its ability to ease migraine-related nausea and chronic pain.
Purple Kush – A pure indica with powerful sedative effects, ideal for sleep and pain relief.
Rockstar – An indica-dominant hybrid that alleviates pain and stress without heavy sedation.
Skywalker OG – A potent indica-dominant hybrid known for deep relaxation and euphoric effects.
Strawberry Cheesecake – An indica-dominant strain, known for its sweet, creamy berry flavor. It relieves physical pain while boosting creativity, making it ideal for managing depression and fatigue.
Trainwreck – A sativa-dominant hybrid offering intense euphoria and effective pain relief.
Warlock CBD – A balanced strain with therapeutic levels of CBD, often used for pain and anxiety.
White Widow – A legendary hybrid providing uplifting effects and moderate pain relief.
Cannabis shows promise in relieving migraines, offering a natural alternative to traditional pain management methods. Specific strains, terpenes, and cannabinoids like THC and CBD can help reduce migraine pain, alleviate nausea, and manage other migraine-related symptoms.
Terpenes like myrcene and caryophyllene can enhance these effects by targeting inflammation and anxiety. Although more research is needed, current evidence indicates that cannabis is a valuable tool for managing migraines.
Literally all the worst weed is on this list lol purple kush is so old school it’s hilarious it’s even being mentioned lol you definitely are not experienced in the canabis area and it shows. Smoking a couple doobies does make you an expert. Come back in a few years when you learn about TERPS because that’s what is what ppl look for in canabis as different terps help with different things. This is a horrible list lol literally the lowest graded weed you can get is on this list lol
A seasoned consumer knows that strains are subjective. But your opinions are noted.
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