Best 2024 Cannabinoids for Headaches and Migraines

Both headaches and migraines can be enormously disruptive, causing pain in the head that makes it difficult to focus on anything but immense discomfort. Migraines refer to a specific type of headache that’s particularly severe, but the bottom line is that anyone who experiences any type of headache pain frequently deserves to find easy and fast relief.

It’s not surprising that so many headache and migraine sufferers are turning to the cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. Cannabinoids are the cannabis-derived compounds that interact with our body’s endocannabinoid system to regulate our physiological processes, which include pain tolerance and inflammation, both of which are directly related to headaches and migraines.

The thing is that today’s hemp market offers a really big variety of cannabinoids to choose from, leaving a lot of headache and migraine sufferers wondering which ones can actually help, and which ones might be a waste of time. Because of that, we want to talk about which of these compounds can provide the most substantial relief.

Headaches and Migraines: What You Need to Know

A headache refers to any type of pain that affects the head, and it can range from mild to severe. There are a number of different types of headaches, with various culprits, including:

• Muscle tension
• Sinus congestion
• Infection
• Dehydration
• Lack of certain nutrients
• Stress/Anxiety
• Allergic reaction
• Injury
• Hormonal imbalances, or sudden changes in hormones (like during menstruation)

A migraine is a specific type of headache that causes severe, throbbing pain, and can cause additional symptoms such as sensitivity to light, nausea/vomiting, visual disruptions, dizziness, and difficulty with speech. Most individuals who experience migraines get these attacks on a semi-frequent or frequent basis, and this can be immensely disruptive to their ability to live a fulfilling life.

There are, thankfully, many treatments available for headaches and migraines, ranging from acupuncture to prescription drugs. And, of course, if you experience headache pain on a regular basis, it’s important to determine why, in order to address the underlying cause.

But, we’ve noticed that a growing number of headache and migraine sufferers are turning to the cannabinoids in the cannabis plant for relief. These unique chemical compounds have been shown to possess a multitude of potential benefits through its relationship to the (ECS). In fact, many states in the United States consider migraines to be a qualifying condition for medical marijuana, showing just how much the medical community is beginning to acknowledge the role that cannabis can play in providing relief.

Which Cannabinoids Can Offer the Best Relief from Headaches and Migraines?

Within the flowering buds of the hemp plant, we find an ample supply of cannabinoids - over 100, in fact - each with its own distinctive chemical structure, which determines which cannabinoid receptors in the body it prefers, and how effectively it binds to them to produce effective results. Basically, this means that some cannabinoids are better suited for headaches and migraines specifically than others.

Best Cannabinoid for Headaches and Migraines #8: CBN

What CBN is: Cannabinol (CBN) is another naturally occurring and nonintoxicating cannabinoid in cannabis. It was first isolated in 1898 by mistake, as researchers thought they were examining delta 9 THC. Like delta 8, CBN is the result of oxidized delta 9 THC, so by the time they tested the plant material, the THC had converted into cannabinol.

Why CBN Can Help: Cannabinol, has, in fact, been tested on migraine sufferers, with very positive results. However, we want to point out that it was tested along with THC, and so the combination of the two cannabinoids has been found to supply effective relief.

CBN Product Recommendation: Hempzilla Broad Spectrum Hemp CBD + CBN Nighttime Disposable Vape Pen. Yes, the formula is suggested for nighttime use, and that’s because CBN is associated with making people sleepy. Regardless of when you take this terpene-rich, nonintoxicating vape, you’ll be giving your body two great cannabinoids that can work together to bring about relief.

Best Cannabinoid for Headaches and Migraines #7: HHC

What HHC is: Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is a naturally occurring analog of delta 9 THC. In fact, it is believed that HHC and delta 9 THC share an identical chemical structure, except the former has an added hydrogen atom that influences its chemical stability. Basically, HHC is considered the only naturally occurring cannabinoid that behaves exactly like delta 9 THC, which is why it’s so popular. Because HHC was only discovered fairly recently, research on it is lacking.

Why HHC Can Help: Delta 9 THC has been shown countless times to present notably promising effects to migraine and headache sufferers, and again, the medical marijuana market seems to agree, as many states consider delta 9 effective for these conditions. With HHC being so chemically similar to delta 9 THC, we’re not surprised that so many HHC users report the same benefits.

HHC Product Recommendation: Farma Barn HHC Gummies contain 25mg of pure HHC distillate in each tasty gummy, and you will be able to enjoy a yummy flavor with every serving. Simultaneously, the formula is made with clean ingredients, and provides long-lasting effects thanks to the way in which the body metabolizes edibles.

Best Cannabinoid for Headaches and Migraines #6: THCP

What THCP is: Tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THCP) is naturally found in cannabis, and it was discovered back in 2019. THCP is the most potent cannabinoid in the plant, estimated to be 10x as strong as delta 9 THC, thanks to its enhanced carbon sidechain which allows it to attach to CB1 receptors (cannabinoid receptors in the brain) at up to 33x the rate of delta 9. Basically, THCP has been found to supply identical effects as delta 9, only at a stronger rate.

Why THCP Can Help: THCP has no studies behind it on headaches, specifically, but it shows major promise when it comes to providing all of the potential benefits of delta 9 THC, only stronger. And, a lot of THCP users do, in fact, take it for headaches and migraines, specifically.

THCP Product Recommendation: Top Shelf Hemp Co THCP Vape Cartridge in Champagne Kush. This handy 510-threaded vape cart contains a generous amount of THCP distillate in a full gram size. Champagne Kush is an indica that has also been found to provide lots of headache sufferers with relief.

Best Cannabinoid for Headaches and Migraines #5: CBG

What CBG is: Cannabigerol (CBG) is a nonintoxicating cannabinoid known as the “mother cannabinoid”, because it’s the first cannabinoid to develop in immature cannabis buds before splitting itself into tons of new cannabinoids. CBG works mainly on CB2 receptors, located in the immune and digestive systems, while also affecting cognitive functions and certain nervous system functions.

Why CBG Can Help: CBG has been shown in numerous studies to deliver notable relief to those dealing with all kinds of pain. In particular, CBG may be helpful to those whose headache pain is caused by inflammation.

CBG Product Recommendation: Nam High Quality Hemp CBG Flower in White Dragon. CBG flower is a great way to get the potent effects of the cannabinoid directly from the source. And, this top-shelf flower comes in White Dragon, a strain that may be particularly helpful to those with headaches and migraines.

Best Cannabinoid for Headaches and Migraines #4: CBD

What CBD is: CBD (cannabidiol) is the dominant cannabinoid in the hemp plant, and it’s nonintoxicating, which makes it a good choice for those seeking relief without any psychoactive effects. CBD is a cannabinoid that’s been studied at length since its discovery several decades ago, and it has been found to provide a substantial number of potential benefits.

Why CBD Can Help: CBD has beenstudied pretty extensively for its effects on headaches and migraines, and is widely believed by experts to be one of the absolute bets. It’s also a great choice for someone seeking relief without any kind of high.

CBD Product Recommendation: Hempzilla Connoisseur Select Premium Hemp CBD Cigarettes. We love these single-serving CBD “cigarettes”, which only contain CBD-rich hemp flower (zero tobacco). With 20 to a pack, they’re easy to pull out and light up when you feel that pain coming on. being slow-cured and made with hemp grown organically in the USA, they offer a smooth, rich, and potent pull.

Best Cannabinoid for Headaches and Migraines #3: THCA

What THCA is: Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is the raw precursor to delta 9 THC, and it’s found in raw cannabis flower. When THCA is heated, it turns into delta 9 THC through a process called decarboxylation, which changes its chemical structure and enables it to attach to CB1 receptors to produce the THC effects we all know. THCA vapes, flower, and dabs may not be labeled as THC products, but when they’re used, the heat to which the THCA is exposed converts the cannabinoid into delta 9, meaning that you’re really just getting high off of delta 9 like you would if you were taking marijuana.

Why THCA Can Help: We’ve already gone over the positive effects of delta 9 THC on headaches and migraines, and THCA products like vapes, dabs, and flower are giving you a really good dose of pure delta 9.

THCA Product Recommendation: Blazed Liquid Diamonds THCA + Delta 9P + THC-JD 5G Disposable Vape Pen in Larry OG. This high-potency disposable vape packs 5 grams of a cannabinoid trio rich in concentrated THCA diamonds, and comes in Larry OG, an indica strain that many people turn to for relief from headaches and migraines.

Best Cannabinoid for Headaches and Migraines #2: Delta 9 THC

What Delta 9 THC is: Delta 9 THC is the dominant chemical compound in marijuana, and it’s found in trace amounts in the hemp plant. Legally, hemp products must contain a maximum of 0.3% delta 9 THC per dry weight, so companies have had to get creative in order to create products that deliver an effective number of milligrams of THC. THC is also the most widely studied cannabinoid in history, and the reason why medical marijuana exists in the United States.

Why Delta 9 THC Can Help: Once again, delta 9 THC can be extremely useful to those dealing with headaches and migraines, and it’s the most heavily researched cannabinoid for these specific types of pain.

Delta 9 THC Product Recommendation: Delta Extrax Delta 9 THC Vegan Gummies are vegan-friendly gummies that contain 10 milligrams of delta 9 THC each, which’s a phenomenal strength for anyone seeking relief without a knock-you-out kind of high. Oh, and did we mention that the flavor is delicious?

Best Cannabinoid for Headaches and Migraines #1: Delta 8 THC

What Delta 8 THC is: Delta 8 THC is a minor cannabinoid found in cannabis, which comes from oxidized delta 9 THC. A small amount of delta 9 THC converts into delta 8 THC as the plant ages, resulting in an entirely new chemical structure. Delta 8 is 30% less intoxicating than delta 9, and the cannabinoid has a strong affinity for CB1 receptors which regulate nervous system functions. First discovered in the 1960s, delta 8 has a surprising amount of research behind it to demonstrate real potential therapeutic value.

Why Delta 8 THC Can Help: Delta 8 THC is easily a favorite for headaches and migraines, providing analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects along with a unique anxiolytic effect that can be particularly helpful for those who are prone to headache or migraine pain when experiencing stress.

Delta 8 THC Product Recommendation: ELYXR Delta 8 THC Flower in Wedding Cake. Elyxr's Delta-8 Flower is a premium indoor hemp enriched with delta 8, that supplies an exquisitely unique taste, making it a top on-the-list item for the fans of flower based products. These D8-infused flower buds can be smoked, vaped, or turned into homemade edibles. Plus, they come in Wedding Cake – a potent hybrid that’s commonly recommended to those with migraines and headaches.

Get the Potential Relief You Deserve at The Calm Leaf!

Nobody should have to suffer from headaches or migraines on a regular basis, and even miss out on the best parts of life due to debilitating pain. Fortunately, there are a number of cannabinoids at The Calm Leaf that can help, and our products come in all kinds of strains, delivery methods, and more, for a customized routine.