Does CBD work for migraines?

May 20, 2025The nama Team

Cannabidiol (CBD) tackles migraine pain by interacting with cannabinoid receptors that regulate inflammation and pain signaling. It calms inflamed nerves, relaxes constricted blood vessels, and interrupts pain signals before they overwhelm your brain. 

A 2021 study explains that migraine sufferers reported 76% pain relief from cannabis products rich in CBD compared to just 51% from conventional treatments.

Does CBD work for migraines?

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Benefits of CBD for relieving migraines

Small doses of cannabis deliver powerful relief for migraines without the mental fog of prescription drugs. The cannabis plant contains compounds that target these crushing headaches, and CBD is among the most potent pain-relievers

According to a 2022 review, CBD reduced migraine frequency from 10.4 episodes per month to just 4.6, which is a dramatic improvement for chronic sufferers. The study also found that CBD provided similar relief to amitriptyline, a common prescription migraine preventive, but with fewer side effects.

Here's how CBD works against even the most stubborn migraine headaches:

  • CBD shuts down pain signals by binding to cannabinoid CB1 receptors in your brain. This prevents migraines before they take over your day and wreck your plans.
  • The inflammation in blood vessels that kicks off migraine attacks cools down fast with CBD. CBD has strong anti-inflammatory properties, as well, addressing a root cause of migraines that many medications miss.
  • CBD makes your brain's serotonin balance shift by targeting the exact chemical imbalance that triggers those pounding, throbbing headaches.
  • CBD calms the hyperactive nerve pathways that cause migraine pain. Okusanya, et. al. found CBD targets the trigeminal ganglia and reduces neuroinflammation at this critical migraine trigger point. 
  • Research by Poudel and team showed that CBD also reduces nausea and vomiting associated with migraine attacks. It regulates serotonin receptors in the brain's chemoreceptor trigger zone and blocks the nausea response at its source. 
  • CBD melts away the stress and anxiety that often trigger migraines. This dual action prevents new attacks and reduces their severity, addressing the psychological factors many treatments ignore.
  • CBD improves sleep quality for migraine sufferers. It regulates sleep-wake cycles and reduces nighttime pain sensitivity that often prevents deep, restorative sleep in people with chronic pain conditions. A 2021 case study suggests CBD might provide dual benefits for migraine patients by addressing anxiety-triggered attacks while improving sleep quality.

Quality sleep is perhaps the most underrated migraine prevention tool because poor sleep triggers attacks in most chronic migraine sufferers. Our CBD gummies for sleep combine premium hemp-derived cannabinoids with sleep-enhancing melatonin to give you maximum-strength relief while silencing the pain pathways that trigger migraines.

How much CBD should I take for migraines?

The CBD dose you should take depends on migraine severity and how your body responds. Okusanya, et. al. reveal that a minimum of 25 mg of CBD daily benefits most people. If you suffer from severe chronic migraines, you can do with higher amounts. 

Don’t worry about taking too much. Even doses up to 600 mg of CBD cause no serious side effects, which makes CBD much safer than prescription migraine medications. Consult a healthcare provider before changing your migraine treatment plan.

How fast does CBD kick in for pain?

Consumption method affects CBD onset time and relief duration. Vaping provides almost instant effects (2–5 minutes) but fades within 1–2 hours, while tinctures under the tongue work in about 15 minutes with a moderate duration.

Microdosed gummies take a bit longer to kick in, about 30–120 minutes, but they provide steady, consistent relief that lasts 6–8 hours. On days when migraines disrupt your routine, this extended relief keeps you functioning without the need for frequent redosing.

Our broad-spectrum CBD gummies offer pure CBD benefits without THC. You can rely on them when you need pain control without the potential psychoactive effects of THC or drug testing concerns. If you want more comprehensive migraine relief, our full-spectrum CBD products contain the complete hemp plant profile, including trace THC, creating an entourage effect that amplifies pain-fighting properties for stubborn headaches.

Try our Euphoria gummies with 10 mg of THC and 10 mg of CBD in each delicious strawberry-flavored dose for maximum-strength migraine relief when. If migraines keep you up at night, our Sleep Plus gummies combine full-spectrum cannabinoids with 3 mg of melatonin, so you can wake refreshed and pain-free.

Can CBD cause headaches?

Scientific evidence shows CBD doesn't trigger headaches. Cuttler's study of over 19,000 cannabis sessions documented that nearly 90% of patients with chronic migraines experienced a 50% reduction in migraine-related pain. A 2021 review of medical cannabis across 34 studies confirms CBD "decreases migraine duration and frequency of attacks," highlighting its efficacy rather than listing headaches as a concern. 

CBD may cause some minimal side effects, such as dry mouth, mild fatigue, and occasional digestive issues, but these are temporary and only happen to people who are sensitive to cannabis and cannabidiol or have an underlying medical condition. 

If you do experience a headache following your CBD dose, maybe it’s poor product quality, not the CBD itself. Many poorly manufactured products contain contaminants, heavy metals, and pesticides that can cause many symptoms, including headaches. 

That's why namaCBD™ provides comprehensive third-party testing for every product, so you know you’re getting pure, potent relief without negative effects or health concerns.

Who should avoid taking CBD?

Despite CBD’s benefits for migraine sufferers and other health conditions, some people should limit or avoid CBD entirely. These include:

  • People taking medications that interact with CBD: This includes blood thinners, anti-seizure medications, and certain heart medications. CBD can affect how your liver processes pharmaceuticals and may cause dangerous side effects or reduce their efficacy. 
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women: There is insufficient research on its effects on fetal development and infants.
  • Those with extreme sensitivity to cannabis compounds: These people might experience negative effects even from non-psychoactive CBD, including dry mouth, fatigue, or digestive discomfort.
  • People with a history of medication overuse headaches: Any substance that affects pain pathways requires careful consideration in these cases.
  • Individuals scheduled for surgery: Stop using CBD at least two weeks prior because the compound may interact with anesthesia medications and affect surgical outcomes.

If you’re subject to regular drug testing, you may want to avoid products with full-spectrum CBD. They typically contain trace amounts of THC that could trigger a positive result.

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Best nama CBD products for migraine relief

We've developed a lineup of CBD-powered edibles that target migraine pain at its source. Our precision-formulated products deliver cannabinoid relief without disrupting your day.

  • Pain Plus gummies combine 10 mg CBD with complementary cannabinoids CBC, CBN, THC, and CBG to create the entourage effect that blocks pain signals while reducing the inflammation and tension that trigger migraines. 
  • Bliss gummies deliver an equal amount of CBD and THC (5 mg each) that calms neurological overactivity while addressing sensitivity to light and sound that makes migraines so debilitating.
  • Energy gummies feature a CBD-dominant formula (5 mg CBD, 2.5 mg THC) that soothes migraine intensity without sedation. Added B12 and L-theanine support cognitive function even during an attack.

Our CBD products contain non-GMO American hemp cultivated through partnerships with small organic farms in Colorado and New Jersey. Every batch undergoes comprehensive third-party testing for potency and purity, with certificates of analysis available for complete transparency.

These federally compliant CBD and THC gummy formulations ship to 48 states, but check your local regulations to make sure Delta 9 is fully legal in your state. 

Experience the power of cannabinoid science with products designed to work with your body's natural systems. Order today and reclaim your days from migraine pain.

CBD for migraines FAQ

CBD interacts naturally with your endocannabinoid system (ECS) and other brain systems without causing harm or creating dependency. 

  • CBD activates cannabinoid CB1 receptors throughout your brain, helping regulate mood, memory, and cognitive function without psychoactive effects.
  • Your brain's neural pathways linked to anxiety become calmer with CBD, reducing extreme sensitivity to everyday stressors.
  • Inflammation in brain tissue decreases with CBD use, which may protect against neurodegenerative conditions and cellular damage.
  • CBD reduces excessive glutamate release in your brain, preventing the excitotoxicity that contributes to many adverse events in neural tissue.
  • New neuron formation (neurogenesis) increases in your hippocampus with regular CBD exposure, which may enhance memory and learning capacity.
  • Natural protective compounds in your brain increase when CBD stimulates your endocannabinoid system to create greater resilience to all forms of stress.
  • Disrupted brain wave patterns often normalize after CBD administration. This can boost concentration and mental clarity.
  • CBD creates a neuroprotective shield against oxidative damage that can accelerate brain aging and cognitive decline.
  • Your brain's blood flow often improves with CBD use, encouraging oxygen and nutrient delivery to all neural tissues.

Pure CBD won't trigger a positive drug test since standard tests screen for THC metabolites, not CBD. However, full-spectrum CBD products contain trace amounts of THC (under 0.3%) that could accumulate in your system with regular use. If you're subject to drug testing, choose broad-spectrum or CBD isolate products that contain zero THC. 

Always purchase from reputable companies, like nama, that provide comprehensive lab reports verifying THC content. Unregulated CBD products sometimes contain more THC than labeled, risking a positive result. For absolute certainty before important drug tests, consider temporarily switching to THC-free options.

CBD can quiet mental chatter without psychoactive effects or feeling "high." It moderates excessive neural activity and reduces anxiety signals in your brain. For migraine sufferers, this mental quieting helps prevent the spiraling thoughts and stress that can trigger or worsen attacks. 

Users report CBD helps them "turn down the volume" on racing thoughts, worry, and the hypervigilance about potential migraine triggers. This calming effect improves sleep quality too, breaking the insomnia-migraine cycle that traps many chronic sufferers. Unlike THC, CBD promotes mental clarity rather than cloudiness.

CBD may influence cardiovascular function, but current evidence suggests these effects are generally mild and positive for most users. In research studies, CBD has demonstrated the potential to reduce blood pressure and heart rate in stressful situations. For migraine patients with cardiovascular concerns, CBD offers advantages over many conventional treatments that can trigger adverse events affecting heart health. 

Small daily doses of CBD are fine for most people. Your body handles CBD well without building dependency or triggering the rebound effects common with many other supplements. Taking 10–25 mg daily gives you benefits without overwhelming your system, and many people maintain this routine for years without issues. Give your system a short break every few weeks to keep your receptors sensitive and responsive.

Sativa and indica classifications don’t predict migraine relief. What matters are the specific cannabinoid and terpene profiles. For CBD products targeting migraine headaches, look beyond these outdated categories to the actual cannabinoid content. CBD-dominant formulations with minimal THC provide relief without significant psychoactive effects, while balanced ratios offer enhanced pain control for severe attacks. 

Products containing CBD plus CBC or CBG show promise for targeting migraine-related pain through multiple pathways. Terpenes such as myrcene and linalool contribute additional therapeutic benefits. Focus on finding effective cannabinoid combinations rather than sativa/indica labels for consistent migraine management.

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Resources

Laurel P. Gibson, Leah N. Hitchcock, Angela D. Bryan, L. Cinnamon Bidwell, Experience of migraine, its severity, and perceived efficacy of treatments among cannabis users, Complementary Therapies in Medicine, Volume 56, 2021, 102619, ISSN 0965-2299,

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102619.

Okusanya BO, Lott BE, Ehiri J, McClelland J, Rosales C. Medical Cannabis for the Treatment of Migraine in Adults: A Review of the Evidence. Front Neurol. 2022 May 30;13:871187. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2022.871187. PMID: 35711271; PMCID: PMC9197380.

Poudel S, Quinonez J, Choudhari J, Au ZT, Paesani S, Thiess AK, Ruxmohan S, Hosameddin M, Ferrer GF, Michel J. Medical Cannabis, Headaches, and Migraines: A Review of the Current Literature. Cureus. 2021 Aug 24;13(8):e17407. doi: 10.7759/cureus.17407. PMID: 34589318; PMCID: PMC8459575.

Shannon S, Lewis N, Lee H, Hughes S. Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. Perm J. 2019;23:18-041. doi: 10.7812/TPP/18-041. PMID: 30624194; PMCID: PMC6326553.

Carrie Cuttler, Alexander Spradlin, Michael J. Cleveland, Rebecca M. Craft, Short- and Long-Term Effects of Cannabis on Headache and Migraine, The Journal of Pain, Volume 21, Issues 5–6, 2020, Pages 722-730, ISSN 1526-5900, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2019.11.001.

Jadoon KA, Tan GD, O'Sullivan SE. A single dose of cannabidiol reduces blood pressure in healthy volunteers in a randomized crossover study. JCI Insight. 2017 Jun 15;2(12):e93760. doi: 10.1172/jci.insight.93760. PMID: 28614793; PMCID: PMC5470879.

Further reading

The benefits of hybrid cannabis for migraine relief

Pain-relieving terpenes in cannabis

Microdosing THC and CBD for pain

Best nama edibles to soothe sciatica

Best type of CBD for joint pain relief

Does hybrid weed help with nausea?

Hybrid cannabis strains for inflammation relief

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