CBD for migraines
Almost one in ten people in the world suffer from migraines or severe headaches. Thousands of people seek professional help and regularly visit doctors for this. Migraine is a complex neurological disease and the question remains: can it be effectively treated? And how?
The good news is that CBD can play a supporting role in managing migraines, especially in preventing and influencing trigger factors.
In this article you will learn:
- How does CBD work against migraines??
- What do the studies say?
- What products and dosages do we recommend for migraine?
- Experience with migraine drops
- Frequently asked questions
How does CBD work against migraines?
CBD does not act like a classic analgesic that would immediately "turn off" pain. Its effect lies primarily in regulating the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is involved in pain management, inflammatory processes, stress response, sleep quality and nervous irritability - factors that are often associated with migraines.
Unlike THC, CBD does not directly activate CB1 receptors, which are found in the brain and nervous system. However, it acts indirectly - it supports the balance of the endocannabinoid system, increases the availability of the body's own endocannabinoids (e.g. anandamide) and also affects other receptors involved in pain regulation, such as TRPV1 and serotonin receptors 5-HT1A.
Thanks to these mechanisms, CBD can support the reduction of neuroinflammation, suppress hypersensitivity of the nervous system, relieve nausea and stress, and at the same time promote quality sleep. Stress, sleep disorders and increased nervous irritability are among the frequent triggers. CBD can therefore play an important role, especially in the long-term prevention and reduction of the intensity of the problems. However, the effect is individual.
What do the studies say?
Older studies (2016–2020)
- A 2016 study showed a significant reduction in the average monthly frequency of migraines – from 10.4 to 4.6 attacks – in patients using medical cannabis. However, this was a retrospective analysis of patient records and the study did not evaluate the effect of CBD alone, but cannabis as a whole, including THC.
- A 2018 study identified cannabis as a promising option for pain management, including migraine pain. However, the authors point out the need for further high-quality clinical studies.
- A 2020 study looked at CBD's effects on chronic pain and pointed to its potential to promote better sleep and reduce inflammation—factors that are often associated with migraines. However, the study did not look directly at migraine as a diagnosis.
❓ Do you have questions about CBD and migraines?
Our experts will be happy to advise you. Submit your question and get an answer within 24 hours.
🧠 More recent studies (2024–2025)
The latest clinical data provide important clarifications:
- CBD alone has not yet been clearly proven to be effective in acute migraine attacks.
- However, in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, the combination of CBD + THC showed a significantly better effect than placebo, especially in inhaled (vaporized) form.
- Some participants described relief from pain and accompanying symptoms (photophobia, nausea) with the effect lasting up to 24–48 hours.
Current data thus indicate that isolated CBD may have a limited effect in acute migraine, while a combination of multiple cannabinoids may have a more pronounced effect - probably due to the so-called entourage effect. However, research in this area is still ongoing.
What products and dosages do we recommend for migraine?
🔎 Which product to choose?
- 10% CBD oil - for long-term support and regularity (prevention).
- 20% CBD oil – when you want a stronger option / faster onset.
- CBD tea – evening well-being, calmness and regime (sleep support).
- CBD patches – locally during tension (e.g. in the cervical spine).
If you have been diagnosed with a headache that bothers you at a certain time of day, adjust your use accordingly and try to start taking CBD approximately 30 minutes before the expected attack. For many people, regularity and long-term work with triggers (stress, sleep, tension) makes the most sense.
Recommended dosage for recurrent migraines
Start using 10% CBD oil.
| Period | Morning | Noon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1–2 | 1 drop | 1 drop | 1 drop |
| Week 3–4 | 2 drops | 2 drops | 2 drops |
| Week 5–6 | 3 drops | 3 drops | 3 drops |
Apply under the tongue, do not eat or drink anything for 5 minutes before and after application.
🌿 For long-term support (prevention)
If you suffer from migraines repeatedly, regularity and microdosing make sense. Start slowly and watch your body's reactions.
For recurrent migraines, take CBD regularly 2–3 times a day. If the headache still occurs, the dose can be increased once (within your tolerance and experience).
Recommended dosage for acute migraines
Apply 20% CBD oil.
| Period | Morning | Noon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acute phase | 1/2 pipette – 1 pipette | 1/2 pipette – 1 pipette | 1/2 pipette – 1 pipette |
Apply by gently massaging the dose between the gum and lip for faster onset. Effect may vary from individual to individual.
⚡ If you want a faster start
For some people, it makes sense to have a stronger version "in reserve." Form and timing are important.
CBD tea as migraine support
CBD tea can complement the overall evening routine, promoting calmness and regeneration. Many people include it regularly (e.g. around 6 p.m.). Also check out how to prepare hemp tea.
CBD patches – when your headache comes from the cervical spine
Headaches in some people can be related to tension in the cervical spine, overworked muscles or long-term stress. This area is a frequent source of discomfort that can "transmit" towards the head.
CBD patches are intended for local application - often in the cervical spine area. The active ingredients are released gradually through the skin (transdermally) from the patch and act directly at the site of application.
Some people describe that:
- applying a patch to the cervical spine contributes to relaxation of tension,
- the feeling of relaxation can be associated with relief from headaches,
- the combination of local care (patch) and overall support for the body (CBD oil) makes more sense than using one form alone.
CBD patches do not act as a classic analgesic, but can be perceived as a supportive element for problems related to tension and overload in the cervical spine area. The effect is individual and depends on the specific cause of the problems.
Tip: apply the patch to clean and dry skin (not to injured skin).
🎯 Try CBD products too
CBD products can be a supportive element in long-term care for triggers (stress, sleep, tension).
What other products can be used for migraines?
The best experiences in the cannabis consultation are with the higher products – i.e. 10% and 20% CBD oil – especially thanks to the possibility of microdosing (dividing the dose into several smaller doses during the day). Tea is often combined as a supplement to the routine. Some users also include:
- CBD capsules – longer-lasting effect, suitable for some people, e.g. at night
- CBD vaporization – faster onset of effect (form and product decide)
Are there any side effects to using CBD for migraines?
CBD is generally well tolerated, but reactions may vary from person to person. If you are taking medication, have a long-term medical condition, or your condition is worsening, we recommend consulting a doctor.
Experience with CBD drops for migraines
"My experience with CBD is so positive that after 40 years of severe migraines, I got rid of my migraines completely. While using CBD oil = 0 attacks, no migraines. I am grateful to have found a solution."
Ivona
„Hello, I started using 10% CBD hemp oil mainly because of frequent migraines and a lack of interest in life. I was weak, tired and had trouble sleeping. After about two weeks of using it, my sleep improved, my mood became calmer – in short, nothing immediately upset me. I also took CBD tea with the oil, especially before going to bed.“
Renata
Is using CBD for migraines legal?
Yes. In most European Union countries, CBD products are legally available as dietary supplements, provided they comply with EU regulations and contain only trace amounts of THC (generally up to 0.2–0.3%, depending on national legislation). Always choose high-quality products with verified composition and proper certification, and check the specific regulations in your country
Frequently asked questions about CBD and migraines
Does CBD help with migraines?
Does CBD work for acute migraine attacks?
How quickly can change occur?
Is using CBD safe?
Article author: Ondrej Stovicek