Tell us about your symptoms and treatment experience. Take our survey here.

caret icon Back to all discussions

Using CBD for treating migraines

I've suffered migraines since 1972 and I have tried
so many different medicines and none of them have
helped. I currently get botox every three months and it has cut the intensity down some but not the
number of them. I have a friend that wants me to tryCBD to see if that would help. I'm not really
sure if I want to do that or not. I would like to
know if anyone has tried it and if it worked and if
you experienced any side effects.
Thanks
Terry

  1. Hi Terry,

    Thank you for your question and being part of the Migraine.com discussion forum - we're glad you're here!

    I feel obligated to mention it's important to find out if the state you live in has a medical marijuana law before embarking on this. Now, having said that, I've spoken with a number of migraine patients who have tried cannabis, some have great results with it while others do not. It really is a trial and error sort of thing. Let me share with you the information we have on medicinal marijuana; https://migraine.com/blog/medical-marijuana-migraine/
    https://migraine.com/blog/patient-perspectives-medical-marijuana/ https://migraine.com/blog/patient-perspectives-medical/
    https://migraine.com/blog/is-marijuana-really-a-cure-for-migraine/
    https://migraine.com/blog/marijuana-and-migraine/.

    It may feel as if you've tried everything, but did you know there are over 100 medications that can be used to treat migraine? If we add up all the various combinations, that number goes up dramatically. When you get a chance take a look at this article on migraine prevention; https://migraine.com/blog/migraine-preventives-start/.

    There are a few devices approved by the FDA for migraine I wanted to mention. Cefaly is used daily for prevention and Spring TMS is used for acute attacks. One of the representatives came to my local migraine/headache disorder support group and let one of our members who was having a migraine attack use it. By the time the meeting was over, she was actually pain free. It was amazing. YOu can read more about this device here; https://migraine.com/blog/cefaly-questions-answered/ and https://migraine.com/blog/cefaly-migraineurs-review/. It's around $300, but if it works, think of all the copays you can save.

    The Spring TMS device is for acute attacks and you can read more about that here; https://migraine.com/news/springtms-migraine-treatment-now-available/.

    I hope that helps.
    Nancy

    1. Nancy..

      CBD Oil and products produced from HEMP for consumption and topical use are 100% legal in ALL 50 States...

      It MUST however come from HEMP that is imported...I know of only one reliable source that meets ll the guidelines
      for producing it in a medical grade.

      There is a 2003-4 Federal Appellate case that states that it is legal....it cannot have over .03% residual THC content (which means it is NON psycho active.

      If you want the case on pdf let me know

    2. You can buy CBD oil legally in all 50 states because there no THC in it. Now if you are in a legal state like I am, they have oils at the club that are a mix of CBD CBN AND THC THCA. All together are the best to treat migraines, anxiety pain and seizures, but the cbd oil you can get everywhere does help, but it really needs to be taken daily for the best effect. It works on all types of pain, not just migraines. When I remember to use it everyday I will only get one pms migraine a month. So they don't totally go away, but it helps with prevention. You can't take it to get rid of a migraine. Call you local Heath food stores and see who is carrying it, or you can buy online. There are a few good brands that have been around for years, but I don't know if I am allowed to say them names, so I won't. Good luck!

  2. I tried OTC CBD because hemp-derived CBD is completely legal in my state (has to have no THC). It didn't do anything for my headaches at all (alas) and I read that the CBD needs some THC to best activate it; in states with medical marijuana it seems some patients titrate themselves (usually with oils/tinctures) with different THC:CBD ratios (such as 1:1, 1:4, 1:10) to see what works best for them.

    1. Hi 1bi480g,

      Thank you for sharing that information with us. It really is difficult to know how much to use seeing as there is no regulation for medical marijuana, which can be frustrating for patients.

      Nancy

      1. Hi there. I am a long-time migraine sufferer and have tried all the usual R/X suspects for prevention and treatment. Sumatriptan is my go-to problem solver but I'd really like to decrease my dependence on it. Therefore I have recently started taking 1 drop per day of a CBD tincture. It's too soon to announce any results but I will update in the future. For what it's worth, medical marijuana is legal here in my province (BC, Canada).

        1. Hi gilbert,

          Thank you for sharing that with us and being part of our discussion forum.

          We look forward to your update!

          Nancy

      Please read our rules before posting.