Best Strains for Migraines

In the medical cannabis world, strain choice is a high-priority topic for patients seeking potential symptom relief, including for migraines. Fortunately, the hunt for the best strains for migraines needn't cause distress. It just takes learning which terpenes and cannabinoids may help most and then discovering which strains contain those compounds.

Can Weed Help with Migraines?

Doctors and healthcare professionals acknowledge that cannabis’ pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects may help reduce headache and migraine symptoms. Synthetic cannabinoids like dronabinol may benefit as a first method of treatment for cluster headaches. 

Alternatively, cannabis may ease other headache and migraine symptoms like light sensitivity. 94% of consumers reporting headaches or migraines on the Releaf App experienced symptom relief within the two-hour observation window. Results were consistent across several months.¹

How Does Cannabis Interact with the Body to Minimize Migraine Symptoms? 

Cannabis may provide both preventative and treatment-related benefits, including neuropathic pain relief and decreased migraine length and frequency. Cannabis may interact with CB1 receptors, reducing the perception of pain. At the same time, it might interact with CB2 receptors, which may produce pain relief with few side effects or tolerance issues.²

How Effective Are Cannabis Strains for Migraines According to Patients?

A 2022 study with 1,980 participants from Italy and the United States found that medical cannabis reduced migraine frequency and symptoms, e.g., nausea and vomiting. Medical cannabis proved 51% more effective than non-cannabis migraine medicines. Compared to amitriptyline — a dopamine-blocking medicine — medical cannabis prevented migraine onset in 11.6% of users.³ Patients experiencing higher-than-average dopamine levels may suffer from intensely disabling symptoms since excess dopamine release is a migraine attack trigger.^4,5 Cannabinoids may produce anti-inflammatory and dopamine-blocking effects, which is noteworthy since dopamine receptors influence cerebral blood flow regulation. 

What Determines Relief When Choosing the Best Strain for Headaches? 

Biochemistry is the foundation for understanding cannabis’ biological activities. Everybody's biochemistry — e.g., weight, gender, tolerance — is unique, so the benefits of cannabis for migraines depend on the body's response. 

Administration methods can also come into play.  One study discovered that participants’ headache scores shrunk by 47%+ after smoking cannabis. The study's patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were recorded for 81 patients at one month, 63 at three months, and 35 at six months. The data uncovered significant improvements in both headache and migraine post-inhalation.⁶

Which Terpenes Help With Migraines?

Cannabis’ fragrant compounds, terpenes, are responsible for more than the flavors and aromas of a particular cultivar. These tiny molecules might offer therapeutic effects, too. Some, however, may be more often spotted in the best strains for headaches.

• Caryophyllene – This peppery terpene has neuro-inflammatory and neuroprotective benefits.⁷ It binds to CB2 receptors to reduce inflammation and pain, with some reports highlighting its ability to minimize migraine frequency and severity.  Since stress is a common cause of tension migraines, the terpene's ability to modulate stress-related genes also spotlights its therapeutic potential.⁸
• Myrcene – Earthy and clove-scented, this musky molecule may promote undisturbed sleep, resulting in faster recovery.⁹
• Limonene – A pleasant citrus odor isn't the only appeal of this neuroprotective compound. Limonene might combat specific migraine triggers and symptoms, such as anxiety, stress, pain, and hyperalgesia.¹⁰
• Linalool – Studies confirm that this sweet, floral, lavender-scented terpene has strong anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties. Since stress and anxiety are common migraine causes, the best cannabis strain for some consumers may contain linalool. One specific study reveals the anti-inflammatory effects of linalool, which may help regulate vasodilation for anti-migraine purposes. Additionally, linalool is a natural pain reliever and potential sleep aid.¹¹
• Pinene – Pinene is a popular element of widespread aromatherapy essential oils due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, bronchodilatory, and neuroprotective effects. Thanks to Pinene's potential anti-anxiety qualities, it may reduce the release of migraine-causing stress hormones. The neuroprotective terpene may also help control blood vessel construction and widening, which is crucial for preventing the onset of migraines.¹²

How to Choose Strains for Migraines

There are several factors to consider in the search for the best weed for migraines.

• Composition & Potency -  Cannabinoids like THC, CBD, and CBG may intensify the pain-relieving effects of terpenes by interacting with the aromatic compounds via the entourage effect. THC levels 10% and higher may offer the best pain relief for migraine sufferers. Even  CBD oil for migraines should contain some THC for heightened symptomatic relief.
• Choosing Indica or Sativa-labeled Products for Migraines - Deciding between these labels should be less of a priority than selecting suitable terpenes and potency. 
• Reading Patient Reviews & Research - Reading unbiased opinions gives insights into other user experiences. For example, research suggests patients prefer hybrid-labeled strains such as OG Shark for migraines. This high-THC, low-CBD strain's primary terpenes include caryophyllene and myrcene.¹³

Note: The best way to determine a strain's specific terpene profile is to analyze lab testing reports. Before purchasing cannabis products, look at the certificate of analysis (COA) or check the packaging label. 

The 5 Best Strains for Migraines

Below are some of the best strains for migraines based on past patient reviews, terpenes, and cannabinoid content.

Mimosa (aka “Purple Mimosa” or “Mimosas”) 

The Mimosa strain is a myrcene-rich cultivar with high THC levels and a dash of CBG. Combined with the terpenes pinene and caryophyllene, this cannabinoid duo may provide mental and physical pain relief. Popular among patients with chronic pain and fatigue, patients claim that Mimosa soothes muscular pain and headaches, mixed with energized feelings of joy.

Trainwreck

Train Wreck is an anxiety- and stress-relieving mix between two landrace cultivars: Mexican and Thai. Brimming with THC and a hint of CBG, the Train Wreck strain is also a top-shelf option for remedying pain. Considered a Northern California staple strain, the hybrid boasts a bold terpene profile led by terpinolene with hints of myrcene and pinene. Patients may feel a strong cerebral effect, improved mood, and chronic pain relief. 

Gary Payton

Bursting with higher-than-average THC levels and a pinch of CBG, Gary Payton is a popular pain-relieving option due to its well-balanced effects. The strain’s primary terpene is caryophyllene, with accompanying terpenes like limonene and linalool adding hints of citrus to its earthy-pine aroma. Patients often praise its suitability for headaches, migraines, anxiety, stress,  depression, and ADHD. 

Cherry Pie 

Cherry Pie is a high-THC, low-CBG hybrid strain that may offer some symptom relief for anxiety, depression, stress, and chronic pain. Its terpene blend of myrcene, caryophyllene, and pinene leaves the mouth-tasting sweet, berry, and tree fruit flavors.

Northern Lights (aka “NL”) 

The Northern Lights strain contains large quantities of THC and a small amount of CBG. Euphoric, relaxing, and stress-busting, the Northern Lights strain's anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing properties may be thanks to the primary terpene, myrcene. Add caryophyllene and limonene to the mix, and this strain reportedly provides patients with pain relief, improved sleep, and mood enhancement. 

References

1. Stith SS, Diviant JP, Brockelman F, et al. Alleviative effects of Cannabis flower on migraine and headache. Journal of Integrative Medicine. 2020;18(5):416-424. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joim.2020.07.004
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2. Poudel S, Quinonez J, Choudhari J, et al. Medical Cannabis, Headaches, and Migraines: A Review of the Current Literature. Cureus. 2021;13(8):e17407. Published 2021 Aug 24. doi:10.7759/cureus.17407
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3. Sherpa ML, Shrestha N, Ojinna BT, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Medical Marijuana in Migraine Headache: A Systematic Review. Cureus. 2022;14(12):e32622. Published 2022 Dec 17. doi:10.7759/cureus.32622
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4. Barbanti P, Aurilia C, Egeo G, Fofi L, Guadagni F, Ferroni P. Dopaminergic symptoms in migraine: A cross-sectional study on 1148 consecutive headache center-based patients. Cephalalgia: An International Journal of Headache. 2020;40(11):1168-1176. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/0333102420929023 
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5. Fanciullacci M, Alessandri M, Del Rosso A. Dopamine involvement in the migraine attack. Functional Neurology. 2000;15 Suppl 3:171-181. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11200788/ 
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6. Nicholas M, Erridge S, Bapir L, et al. UK medical cannabis registry: assessment of clinical outcomes in patients with headache disorders. Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics. 2023;23(1):85-96. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/14737175.2023.2174017 ↩︎
7. Agnes JP, dos Santos B, das Neves RN, et al. β-Caryophyllene Inhibits Oxaliplatin-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Mice: Role of Cannabinoid Type 2 Receptors, Oxidative Stress and Neuroinflammation. Antioxidants. 2023;12(10):1893. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12101893 
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8. Cavalli J, Dutra RC. A closer look at cannabimimetic terpenes, polyphenols, and flavonoids: a promising road forward. Neural Regen Res. 2021;16(7):1433-1435. doi:10.4103/1673-5374.301011
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9. Surendran S, Qassadi F, Surendran G, Lilley D, Heinrich M. Myrcene—What Are the Potential Health Benefits of This Flavouring and Aroma Agent? Frontiers in Nutrition. 2021;8. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.699666 ↩︎
10. Eddin LB, Jha NK, Meeran MFN, Kesari KK, Beiram R, Ojha S. Neuroprotective Potential of Limonene and Limonene Containing Natural Products. Molecules. 2021; 26(15):4535. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26154535 ↩︎
11. Yuan R, Shi Y, Zhang J, et al. Study on the Chemical Constituents and Anti-Migraine Activity of Supercritical CO2 Extracts of Zanthoxylum schinifolium. Front Pharmacol. 2021;12:744035. Published 2021 Nov 30. doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.744035
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12. Weston-Green K, Clunas H, Jimenez Naranjo C. A Review of the Potential Use of Pinene and Linalool as Terpene-Based Medicines for Brain Health: Discovering Novel Therapeutics in the Flavours and Fragrances of Cannabis. Frontiers in Psychiatry. 2021;12. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.583211 
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13.  Baron EP, Lucas P, Eades J, Hogue O. Patterns of medicinal cannabis use, strain analysis, and substitution effect among patients with migraine, headache, arthritis, and chronic pain in a medicinal cannabis cohort. The Journal of headache and pain. 2018;19(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s10194-018-0862-2
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The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.