CBD for migraine

Can You Use CBD For Migraines? Here Is What Science Says (Tips, FAQs)

Did you know that around 6 million people in the UK have migraines?

If you’re a migraine sufferer, you know how debilitating these headaches can be. 

What is worse?

There aren’t many effective over-the-counter prescription medications. 

The good news?

CBD is known to ease the chronic pain and inflammation from migraines!   

But which CBD products can alleviate your migraine pain?

Let’s find out!

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Can CBD Relieve Migraines?

Recent studies suggest CBD has excellent potential for effective migraine treatment.

How can it help?

CBD has certain medicinal properties that can reduce migraine symptoms:

  • It’s a potent analgesic (relieves chronic pain)
  • It’s antiemetic (prevents nausea and vomiting) 
  • It has effective anti-inflammatory properties

But hold on. 

There is NOT enough formal research on CBD for migraine treatment. 

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) HAS NOT approved its medical use for migraines — doctors can’t prescribe CBD. 

But don’t write CBD off just yet… 

CBD For Migraine Headache: What Do The Studies Say?

Here’s a snapshot of some recent studies:

  • A study by Axon Relief found that 86% of migraine patients experienced reduced migraine symptoms after using a cannabidiol formulation for 30 days. 
  • A 2018 medical cannabis study found that CBD can reduce inflammation.
  • In a report by the American Migraine Foundation, Dr. Silberstein said CBD is a great topical option for those who suffer from chronic migraine-related joint and muscle pain. He also mentioned CBD could prevent nausea and vomiting. 

(P.S. Dr. Stephen Silberstein is a reputed neurology healthcare professional and a member of the American Headache Society.)

What’s more?

Dr. Nathaniel Schuster and his team at UC San Diego Health are conducting a clinical trial to determine if inhaled cannabis is an effective treatment for migraines. 

With funding from the Migraine Research Foundation, Schuster and the team plan to complete the trial by November 2023. 

Bottom line:

There’s promising research underway indicating that the use of CBD can relieve migraine symptoms. 

How To Use CBD To Treat Migraine

The most effective CBD supplements for migraine attacks are topical balms and CBD oil. 

How do you use them?

  • CBD oil: Place a few drops under your tongue, holding them for at least a minute. You may experience CBD’s effects within 15-30 seconds, stat.  
  • CBD topicals: Gently massage it in circular motions on your forehead, temples, neck, shoulders, chin, and ears to ease a migraine or cluster headache (a series of short but excruciating headaches).

But you might be wondering… 

How does CBD work?

CBD interacts with your body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS), triggering pain relief and other responses. The ECS regulates vital functions like your memory, emotions, sleep, and learning. 

(More on this later.)

Shocking Fact: There are around 190,000 chronic migraine attacks in England everyday!

But which CBD products can you use for migraines?

4 Best CBD Supplements You Could Use For Migraines

Here are four high-quality CBD supplements to ease your migraine:

1. Love Hemp 1200mg Natural CBD Oil (£49.99)  

Love Hemp 1200mg Natural CBD Oil (1)

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Restore a feeling of calm and relieve chronic migraine symptoms with this natural-flavoured (read: earthy) CBD oil. 

It’s 100% THC-free and contains no heavy metals or pesticides!

2. Vitality CBD 1200mg Calm Support (£24.99) 

Vitality CBD 1200mg Calm Support

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Say goodbye to your migraine headache with this spiced citrus-flavoured CBD oil!

This CBD product contains stress-busting ingredients like California Poppy, Magnesium, and 5-HTP, making you feel relaxed and centred. 

3. Infinity CBD Calm Stick (£24.99)  

Infinity CBD Calm Stick

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Want to relax your muscles and mind?

Try the Infinity CBD Calm Stick!

This CBD product contains peppermint and lavender essential oils, which can soothe migraine symptoms. 

Apply it to your temples, neck, and surrounding areas for the best results. 

4. Wicked Gummy Co 600mg CBD Gummy (£29.99) 

Wicked Gummy Co 600mg CBD Gummy (1)

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Love your vitamins but hate your migraines?

We’ve got the perfect solution — CBD gummy bears!

This gummy bear product is a convenient and delicious way to take your vitamins (A, B6, B12, C, and E) and experience relief from chronic headaches. 

5 FAQs About CBD for Migraine 

Still have some questions regarding CBD for migraine attacks?

We’ve got you covered! 

1. What Is The Dose Of CBD Oil For Migraines?

The typical recommended dose is 20-50mg per day. 

But there’s a catch.

The ideal dose can vary depending on your body weight, metabolism, migraine severity, and other factors

Seek the medical advice of your healthcare provider to determine the correct dose. 

2. How Does CBD Work?

CBD interacts with your body’s cannabinoid receptors, which form your Endocannabinoid System. They are found in your central nervous and peripheral nervous system.

What are these receptors?

  • The CB1 cannabinoid receptor is responsible for movement, pain, mood, thinking, appetite, and more.
  • The CB2 cannabinoid receptor affects inflammation and pain.

How does CBD influence them?

There are many CB1 receptors in the brain, making them a great target for migraine treatment. CBD can also reduce inflammation by targeting the CB2 receptors in your immune cells. 

3. What Are The Side Effects Of Using CBD?

Some common side effects of CBD include dry mouth, diarrhoea, reduced appetite, drowsiness and fatigue. 

But remember:

These symptoms usually occur ONLY when you take CBD in extremely high doses (exceeding 100mg/day). 

4. What Are Some Alternative Treatments For Migraines?

Some alternative treatments you can use to prevent migraine headache attacks include:

  • Practise stress management techniques:
    • Deep breathing exercises
    • Listening to relaxing music
    • Meditating
  • Avoid visual stimuli: Stay away from flickering or pulsing lights, bright lights, glares, computer screens, and TV screens.
  • Avoid dietary migraine triggers:
    • Foods that contain nitrates and monosodium glutamate (MSG)  
    • Chocolate
    • Caffeine and alcohol (particularly red wine)
    • Cold foods
    • Processed foods
    • Pickled foods
    • Dried fruits
    • Cultured dairy products
  • Use lavender oil: Inhale lavender essential oil or dilute it with a carrier oil (think: coconut oil or olive oil) and apply it to your temples to ease migraine pain.
  • Stay hydrated: Dehydration is a major migraine headache trigger. Stay hydrated if you get chronic headaches often. 
  • Go for a massage: Migraine symptoms are associated with low serotonin in the brain. The good news? A massage can increase serotonin and help with migraine relief! 
  • Do yoga: A 2015 study found yoga can reduce the frequency, duration, and intensity of a migraine attack or cluster headache.
  • Try medical marijuana: A medicinal cannabis research by Pharmacotherapy found 39.7% of migraine patients reported fewer migraine attacks after medical cannabis use.

    Additionally, a 2019 medicinal cannabis research survey found that inhaled cannabis can reduce headache disorders by 49.6%. 

5. How Does Medical Marijuana Differ From CBD?

Medical marijuana contains high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and low levels of CBD. 

Psst… THC is the cannabis plant compound that makes you high. 

On the other hand:

CBD is another compound found in the cannabis sativa plant — but it does NOT make you high.   

You also have different types of CBD, like:

  • Broad spectrum CBD: Contains 75-90% CBD, cannabinoids, cannabis plant terpenes, essential oils and extracts. 
  • Full spectrum CBD: Contains 55-70% CBD, terpenes, chlorophyll, lipids, fatty acids, and other cannabis sativa cannabinoids (trace amounts of THC, CBG, CBC, and CBN).
  • CBD isolate: 100% pure CBD extract.

Remember: Unlike marijuana, CBD isn’t a prescription drug in the UK.

Soothe Your Mind And Migraine With CBD!

The use of cannabis, particularly CBD, can ease migraine pain and reduce inflammation. 

Even better:

CBD has natural calming properties that can relieve daily stress, reducing the likelihood of a migraine attack. 

Looking for safe and reliable CBD products for migraine relief?

Head to GreenBox! 

Browse our impressive range to find the perfect CBD gummy, oil, cream, and other products for your needs.