Skip to main content
Education

What Cannabis Strains Are Best For Migraines?

What Cannabis Strains are best for Migraines 1 scaled

It’s a fine day, you’re minding your business, and then out of nowhere a head-splitting spelling pain starts, making you feel like you’ve been hit with a truck – most often than not, these are migraines. Sometimes you’ll feel a throbbing pain before your migraine unleashes its full powers, or sometimes, it just comes and goes every now and then. 

Migraine is a ball game that is yet to be completely figured out. People suffering from migraines are always asked to look for the trigger that sets them off. But one of the biggest issues with migraines is that they don’t have a trigger and can set in anytime. 

Some Facts & Figures Related To Migraines 

Migraines are the 3rd most prevalent neurological disease, all across the world, that has affected approximately 39 million people in the US and around 1 billion globally. 

Around 90% of people suffering from migraines have a family history of it. While most of the sufferers experience migraines once or maybe twice a month, around 4 million people are stated to have experienced acute migraines on a daily basis. 

Migraines are more than a headache you can ignore. It is a severe recurring pain that is accompanied by disabling symptoms such as numbness, dizziness, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to harsh lights, sound, or smell. Furthermore, they are more common in women than in men. 

About 28 million women, which is about 85% of females, are affected by migraines in the US. 

A migraine attack can last from 4 hours to 72 hours. There are no definite causes or symptoms for migraines – it varies from one individual to another. Some individuals are able to determine when they are about to have a migraine while for others, it remains a mystery until the pain kicks in.  

Cause of Migraines

Some of the most common triggers of migraines are:

Change in Environment:  A surrounding you’re not used to or a setting that includes loud noises, bright lights, or strong smells. 

Tension, Stress & Depression: Any kind of stress; work, life-related, etc. 

Inconsistent Sleep Routine: Having an irregular sleeping routine due to jet lag, insomnia, tiredness, etc. 

Diet Change: When you skip meals more than usual or perhaps eat too much or too little.

Cannabis and Migraines

While there is an impending need for conclusive evidence stating the benefits of cannabis for migraines, there are a couple of researches conducted that label CBD as a therapeutic alternative for migraines. For example, a study was conducted at two different clinics in Colorado to test the effect of cannabinoids on the central nervous system. 

This research included a hundred and twenty-one adults diagnosed with migraines who were recommended migraine prophylaxis through cannabinoids from 2010 till 2014. 

The primary purpose of the research was to figure out the frequency of migraines occurring in one month. Other outcomes to be observed were the dosage, and supplementary therapies or treatments recommended to the patients.

As a result of the study, it was found the number of migraines occurring per month decreased from 10 times to 4 times with the consumption of CBD. In addition, 39.7% of the patients reported positive effects, such as a decrease in frequency of migraines.  

In another study conducted in 2015, three hundred and sixteen patients of age 21 and above suffering from migraines were examined for their headache profile while consuming CBDs. 

It was found out that 88.3%, that is, 279 of the patients, reported having experienced a reduction in their headaches along with significant relief in sleep (38.3%), anxiety (30.7%), and mood (24.7%). 

With such positive results, it can be said that cannabinoids do prove to be a potential treatment for migraines. However, to figure out which cannabis strains for migraines should be used, you first need to know about terpenes.

CBD Derived Terpenes

Terpenes are the aromatic oil found in plants and fruits that provides them their unique aroma and flavor such as pine, berry, citrus, etc. They have a wide range of effects that usually contradict the black and white beliefs about the effects of well-known strains of CBD-Indica and Sativa. 

Some terpenes are known for their sleep-inducing qualities, whereas others are known for boosting creativity. To put it simply, there are different types of terpenes and each terpene carries a unique set of characteristics that make up the taste, aroma, and experience for the user. 

The combination of terpenes with cannabinoids accounts for an entourage effect that is known to have an enhanced effect when used as a whole than when used separately. Now that you have an ample understanding of what terpenes are and what their role is, let’s discuss a few common types of terpenes found in cannabis plants. 

Myrcene

Myrcene is best known for its pepper-like and sweet undertones. It is found in thyme, lemongrass, and mangoes. 

Myrcene is an effective alternative treatment for migraines, inflammation, and acute pain. Some of the Myrcene-rich strains are OG Kush, which we’ll discuss later in the article, Cherry Pie and Blue Dream. 

Pinene

Pinene is all about that woodsy and earthy aromas that remind you of the forest and pine trees. Due to its fresh smell, Pinene is best for enhancing focus and may also help you in relieving pain as well asthma. 

This terpene is found in rosemary and basil. Some of the Pinene-rich strains include Big Smooth and Critical Mass. 

Caryophyllene

This is the only terpene that acts as a cannabinoid. Caryophyllene is distinguished by its peppery smell and is found in cloves, cinnamon, and black pepper. 

It is known for treating conditions such as anxiety, depression, and, surprisingly, ulcers and is commonly found in strains like the Original Glue and Purple Punch. 

Linalool

Lastly, we have the floral terpene that is found in lavender. This terpene has relaxing properties and has been utilized in aromatherapy for decades. Some of the strains containing this terpene include Kosher Kush and Skittles. 

Best Cannabis Strains for Migraines

There are a variety of cannabis strains available in the market, each having a wide range of different effects. In the list below, we have discussed cannabis strains that may provide positive effects for those suffering from migraines.

Harlequin

Harlequin has gained significant attention for its ability to relieve a person suffering from pain, inflammation, nausea, and anxiety associated with migraines. This strain is made up of a combination of Nepali, Colombian gold, Swiss landrace as well as Thai strains. It contains a higher amount of CBD, which enables it to have a calming effect. 

Harlequin is a Sativa-dominant strain, has a rather sweet flavor like the taste of mangoes, and may make you feel more focused and relaxed as well. 

Northern Lights

Northern lights are, without a doubt, one of the most popular strains. It is an Indica-dominant strain that induces sleep and makes the user more relaxed. In addition, it contains a rather lower quantity of CBD and has properties that help with muscle pain, acute pain, and insomnia. 

Northern lights have won the Cannabis Cup several times, but still, its origin is a mystery. 

OG Kush

OG Kush is also an Indica-dominant strain that is available in an array of fruity flavors. Just like Northern Lights, this strain also has a lower amount of CBD and is capable of making its consumers feel relaxed, uplifted, and sleepy. In addition, it helps with pain, depression, and loss of appetite. 

ACDC

As opposed to OG Kush and Northern lights, this strain contains a relatively higher amount of CBD. It is also known as one of the most balanced strains in the sense that it shares half of Sativa’s and half of Indica’s properties. 

This suggests that the consumer would have the opportunity to experience a broad spectrum of benefits from cannabis. Users may feel relaxed and have an uplifted mood after the consumption of ACDC. 

Along with utilizing this strain for an alternative treatment for migraines, ACDC is also used for treating chemotherapy patients. In addition, this strain helps with epilepsy, nausea, acute pain, anxiety, and inflammation. 

Purple Kush

Purple Kush is a 100% Indica strain and is best when used in small doses. The flower of this strain is quite colorful and has a very pleasant smell and taste. As discussed above, this strain also has properties that help with muscle pain, acute pain, and insomnia. 

Purple Kush will induce a numbing sensation that will help you sleep when suffering from a painful migraine. 

Pineapple Express 

Pineapple Express is a sweet strain that contains more Indica properties and proves to be an effective treatment for migraines or any other type of acute pain. 

Critical Mass

Lastly, we have the Critical Mass that contains about 65% of Indica’s properties and 35% of Sativa’s properties. It enables its users to feel mentally and physically relaxed and allows them to have a sound sleep. 

Buy From the Best Dispensary in Las Vegas Today!

Even though each cannabis strain has its own effects, you can know which one works best for you once you try out different types and dosages. If you need any help exploring various cannabis strains, always consult a cannabis doctor or a well-vetted budtender like Thrive dispensary near Las Vegas who can guide you about strains and terpenes, and even suggest a few products to suit your needs and lifestyle.  

Choosing the right cannabis product is often overwhelming. There are so many items in the dispensary Las Vegas, Nevada market that choosing the right one based on your preferences is difficult. Well – worry no more because we’ve got you covered! 

Thrive Cannabis Marketplace is your one-stop shop for all your cannabis needs, including cannabis and cannabis accessories. And now, you can Thrive in even more places with the opening of our new Jackpot, Nevada location! You can also visit our Las Vegas dispensary or dispensary Vegas strip to meet our knowledgeable budtenders, who can help you navigate all your cannabis needs. For information about all our products, services, and locations, visit our page or come to our Vegas dispensarys closest to you today!