What’s The Best CBD for Migraines?

Migraines aren’t just your average headaches. Lasting from as little as 4 up to 72 hours, migraines cause throbbing pains that can be accompanied by nausea, visual disturbances and light and sound sensitivity, all of which make daily activities a real struggle. 

There is currently no cure for migraines, but there are various treatment options available, such as over-the-counter painkillers and nausea medication. Other migraine sufferers have taken to less traditional routes, such as taking cannabis to provide migraine relief.

Cannabis is illegal in the UK, making this a risky option for pain relief. However, CBD products containing less than 0.2% THC are legal in the UK, making CBD a viable option for migraine pain relief. 

This leaves us wondering, could taking CBD provide the pain relief migraine sufferers so desperately need?

How CBD Works

CBD (cannabidiol) is a natural compound found in cannabis plants. Unlike THC (which causes the high associated with cannabis), CBD won’t make you feel “out of sorts”, but it can provide the same wellness benefits associated with cannabis. 

In a study dating back to 2008, scientists found that CBD showed promising results when used for pain management and this is all down to a crucial system in our bodies—the endocannabinoid system. This system is responsible for maintaining our bodies’ homeostasis, balance, and pain management.

It is believed that CBD interacts with this system, potentially offering pain relief, along with other benefits such as reduced anxiety, inflammation and improved quality of sleep.

The Studies Behind CBD and Migraines

Research into the effectiveness of CBD for migraines shows promise, with a recent study finding that users reported a nearly 50% reduction in headaches and migraines after taking CBD.

Data from another study on taking CBD oil for migraines found that chronic migraine sufferers (defined as individuals who experience 15-29 headaches in a month), saw a 33% reduction in their headaches when taking CBD over a 30-day period. For those in the study who didn’t experience as many migraines in a month, the study still found they experienced a 23% reduction in “headache days”.

It’s important to remember that research into CBD is ongoing, and more scientific studies are needed to understand fully how CBD can help with migraines, however, we are very excited by the way things are looking so far.

Should You Take CBD for Migraines?

Even with the promising studies on using CBD for migraine pain relief, it’s important to consult with your GP or a healthcare professional before taking CBD. This is especially important if you take other medications or if you have other medical conditions.

Taking CBD during Pregnancy

Whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding, we do not recommend taking CBD. Although CBD studies show promise, studies on taking CBD pre or post-natally don’t have enough data for scientists to be sure of potential side effects to pregnant mothers or their babies. We recommend consulting with your GP or midwife for more information on taking CBD during pregnancy and seeking out alternative pain relief options based on their recommendations.

What’s The Best CBD for Migraines?

From the potency and form of CBD you are taking to the reputation of the brand you are buying it from, several factors come into play when choosing the best CBD for migraines. You will likely need to try out several different CBD strengths to find the best dose for you, and the easiest way to do that is by taking CBD oil.

CBD oil is taken orally and usually comes with a dropper so you can tailor your dose to your needs. At Prym Health, we recommend starting with 2 drops of CBD oil under your tongue. However, you can increase this dose as needed until you find the desired results.

The Best CBD Oil for Migraines

At Prym Health, we offer high-quality, lab-tested CBD oils in two different strengths. Both are flavoured with mint to override the “earthy” CBD oil taste many users complain about and contain CBD isolate. 

600mg CBD Oil

We recommend 600mg CBD oil for anyone new to taking CBD. Its moderate potency makes it ideal for those looking to ease into a CBD regimen, and you can adjust the dose as needed to find the best one for your needs.

1200mg CBD Oil

If you’re looking for something a bit stronger, our 1200mg CBD oil will be a better fit for your needs. 

How to use CBD for Migraines

When taking CBD for migraines, we know you may have several questions in mind, and ideally, you will want them answered before your next migraine attack. With that in mind, we’ve put together a quick “go to guide” for you to follow.

How much CBD should I take for migraines?

The optimal dosage of CBD varies from person to person. We always recommend our customers start with a low-strength CBD oil and gradually increase the dose as needed until they find the optimal dose for their needs.

When is the best time to take CBD for migraines?

CBD oil usually takes around 15 minutes for users to feel its benefits, so we recommend taking it as soon as you feel a migraine attack coming on. Alternatively, you can incorporate CBD into your daily routine to help prevent migraines before they start coming on. In this case, many people prefer taking CBD at night to promote a better night’s sleep.

Are there any side effects of using CBD?

Although rare, possible CBD side effects can include fatigue, changes in appetite, and gastrointestinal issues. This is why it’s important to monitor your body’s reactions when you first start taking CBD and consult with your GP if you notice any unusual side effects.

CBD for Migraines: Can it really help?

While CBD shows potential in managing migraines, as with all areas of taking CBD for pain relief, further research is needed. 

Right now, it feels like we are on the cusp of fully understanding how this natural compound from cannabis can alleviate migraines, but the future looks promising. And we’re excited to be part of that journey.