Expert's opinion
It’s estimated that 10% of the world population has suffered from migraines,[1] many of them for years. Migraines are a type of severe headache that usually appears on one side of your head, and presents with a pulsing or throbbing feeling. They are typically accompanied by sensitivity to light or sound, dizziness, and sometimes vomiting.
Doctors are able to prescribe medications that can bring people relief from migraines, ranging from anti-inflammatories to antiepileptic medications for severe cases.[2] These medications may not always be well-tolerated by patients, or be available as an option. Fortunately, the literature suggests that CBD oil may be beneficial to people struggling with migraines. We’ve rounded up the best CBD for migraines for you to compare. Read on for relief.
Top 7 CBD Brands For Migraines & Headaches
- CBDfx – Best migraine reliever
- Spruce CBD – Editor’s pick
- Nuleaf Naturals – Best organics
- CBDistllery – Best THC-free
- CBD Pure – Runner-up
- cbdMD – The best natural alternative
- Penguin CBD – Best quality
CBD oil has been used recreationally and as a moderate pain reliever and appetite stimulant. The exact mechanism of action for CBD’s pain relief is not yet clear but believed to be by activating what’s called the endocannabinoid pathway. This is a pathway in your nervous system that can have a dampening effect on pain receptors, and could also be the reason for CBD oil’s migraine-relieving properties.
Best CBD Oil For Migraines 2023
CBDfx
- Affordable formulations and frequent promos
- CBD formulations including Delta-9 THC and mushrooms
- 60-day guarantee
- Some of the oil bundles are pricey
- The addition of THC can be unwanted
CBDfx offers multiple different tinctures of CBD oil. Their reasoning is that the multiple different tinctures activate different steps in the endocannabinoid pathway. Full spectrum tincture claims to improve CBD’s effect on dampening pain. CBDfx also sells its products in bundles, so if you’re looking for a sleep improvement or relaxation regimen to go along with your potential migraine remedy, they’ll have one.
Spruce CBD
- Has CBD, terpenes, and essential oil
- Unsweetened or diluted for maximum pain relief
- Multiple different concentrations of CBD, from a moderate 750mg to 2400mg for maximum potency
- Pricey–the maximum potency oil will set you back almost $300 per bottle
- No milder potency available for beginners
Spruce is a family-owned company committed to producing the highest quality CBD oil possible. It’s not tested on animals, and sustainably and naturally grown in the USA. This carries into Spruce’s CBD oils, which nearly all enjoy 5-star reviews.
Spruce’s CBD oil comes in moderate and maximum strength concentrations. It’s recommended to start with the moderate level; you can always work up to a higher level if you need to. It’s a pure, undiluted, unsweetened CBD oil, which is dissolved in your choice of organic hemp seed or medium-chain coconut oil. They do produce small batches of flavored oils if you prefer. They have 0.3% residual THC oil that does not produce a high but is something to consider if you undergo drug testing. Overall, it’s a simple, no-frills potent CBD oil, and worth your while if you can handle its premium price.
Nuleaf Naturals
- Offered as an oil, capsules, and gummies
- Varying CBD concentrations, from 300mg to 6000mg
- Backed by a 60-day guarantee
- No flavored version of the oils
- A dizzying array of offerings
Nuleaf Naturals uses a special supercritical carbon dioxide process to safely extract the most pure CBD possible from their organic hemp plants. They’re so confident they’re offering a 60-day guarantee on their CBD product; if you don’t get the benefits you’re looking for, they have coaches available to help figure out a regimen and dosage that works for you.
Nuleaf Naturals has stellar ratings, and they’ve been in business for nearly ten years. They know their stuff, and it shows in their range of products and a 60-day guarantee. Unfortunately, their oils do not have a flavor option, which could be a deal breaker for people with more sensitive palettes.
CBDistillery
- Multiple convenient CBD packages, including broad spectrum, full spectrum, relaxation, and more
- CBD plus CBN, CBG, and more for pain and sleep synergy
- Frequent sales and gift bundles
- The packages and bundles, while convenient, can be confusing and competitive
- Full-priced products are expensive
CBDistillery is the one-stop shop for CBD products, ranging from oils for pain relief to daytime relaxation gummies. Their products are widely reviewed and also backed by a 60-day guarantee like Nuleaf Naturals. You’ll get your money back if you’re unsatisfied with the product.
And they have plenty of products to be satisfied with. In addition to pure CBD oil, they also offer formulations with 0% THC, CBN, CBG, and CBDA. If there’s a formulation that will help with your migraine symptoms, there’s a great chance that CBDistillery will have it.
CBD Pure
- Locally sourced from farms in Colorado and Washington
- Excellent pricing
- Full spectrum CBD formulation
- A limited number of products
This offers three different concentrations–300, 600, and 1000mg of CBD, dissolved in organic hemp oil. The company prides itself on using the same local, sustainable farms in Washington and Colorado, and it shows in its quality product, which is backed by a 90-day guarantee.
The company sells a few other products, but other than that, their lineup is quite limited. There are no other concentrations on their website, and no flavors, or formulations they sell. If you’re looking for a lower-potency, pure CBD oil, CBD Pure has it for a competitive price. But that’s about it.
cbdMD
- THC-free offerings
- Frequent and generous promos
- Flavored options available
- Bitter taste in higher concentrations
- Full-priced products are expensive
cbdMD offers several nicely priced CBD tinctures, with several different concentrations and flavors to offer. cbdMD suggests their CBD oil tincture be mixed into coffee and teas to expedite their effects. The company also offers a variety of other CBD products, including capsules, creams, and full-spectrum products, many of which are listed for helping relieve pain.
cbdMD offers a generous discount for first-time customers, as well as a valuable subscription service. Their website is also packed with useful information to help you learn which product might be the best one for you. We certainly recommend you take a look!
Penguin CBD
- Amazing CBD-oil customization tool
- Bundle options
- Wide range of CBD concentrations
- None to report
With the backing of doctors and pharmacists, Penguin CBD is a premium CBD oil that can be customized to your heart’s content on the website. They offer customer-favorite flavors, full-spectrum or THC-free, and multiple different concentrations, in different bundles. Their website also comes with medically reviewed tips for dosing and taking their products and is certainly worth a second look.
Penguin CBD also offers the same deal for its many other products, including CBD gummies and creams, as well as CBD treats for dogs and cats. They too can be customized, making Penguin CBD the most customizable and diverse product on this list. Customize to your heart’s content!
What Are Migraines?
Migraines are a rarer and more severe form of headache. They often occur on one side of the head, and sometimes around the eye area. People with migraines may be light or sound-sensitive, and have vertigo, nausea, and vomiting. The symptoms can sometimes present with an aura before the migraine comes on.
Common Migraine Treatment Option
Many patients are able to treat or at least alleviate some symptoms of their migraines with over-the-counter products like Tylenol, Excedrin, or aspirin. Doctors may also prescribe stronger painkillers, or medications specifically for migraines called triptans.
Does CBD Help With Migraines?
CBD may help with migraines. It does help reduce chronic pain from other causes, and literature suggests it might help migraine pain. However, more research must be done to conclusively say if it helps.
Why Would CBD Oil Migraines Work?
ur bodies use various signaling pathways to relay sensations, like pain, hunger, temperature, and more. One called the endocannabinoid pathway is used extensively by the brain, and CBD oils that help stimulate his pathway could dampen pain from migraines.
Health Benefits Of CBD Oil For Migraines
Besides migraines, CBD oil has multiple benefits that are scientifically proven. CBD oil can help with arthritis inflammation, and neuropathic pain, and take the edge off of anxiety and depression.
Potential Side Effects
CBD is generally well-tolerated by people who take it, though it can cause dry mouth, diarrhea, fatigue, and reduced appetite. It may also interact with some medications, so be mindful and ask a doctor about that if you take any.
Dosage
There is no standard dosing for CBD, as it falls outside FDA regulations. Additionally, the route of taking CBD can change the needed dose. CBD pills may not be as well absorbed as topical or oil forms. The best thing to do would be to talk to your doctor about what might be a good dose for you to try.
Conclusion
CBD is a young market that will keep growing rapidly as we learn more about its potential applications. CBD oil has several proven uses in medicine, and while literature is inconclusive about its effects on migraines, it appears to be safe enough to merit a try.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There is no standard dose of CBD, as it isn’t regulated by the FDA. You would have to talk to a doctor or pharmacist to help with working out the dose best for you.
They both come from the marijuana plant. THC is the component that makes you “high” while CBD provides pain relief and other medical properties.
These are known as carriers. They help transport the CBD and make it more soluble when applied to your skin or under the tongue.
No. CBD oil can have a bitter taste, so some people prefer a flavor to make it palatable. It will not affect the CBD’s properties.
For migraines, probably oil. Creams are more topical, and gummies are more for sleep.
+ 2 Sources
EHproject has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We work mostly with peer-reviewed studies to ensure accurate information. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
- Pescador, M.A. and Orlando De Jesus (2023). Migraine Headache. [online] Nih.gov. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560787/
- VanderPluym, J., Halker, B., Urtecho, M., Morrow, A.S., Tarek Nayfeh, Torres, V.D., Farah, M.H., Hasan, B., Saadi, S., Shah, S., Rami Abd‐Rabu, Lubna Daraz, Prokop, L.J., Mohammad Hassan Murad and Wang, Z. (2021). Acute Treatments for Episodic Migraine in Adults. JAMA, [online] 325(23), pp.2357–2357. doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2021.7939.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Conor Prendergast, MDWriter
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