7 Best CBD Oil For Migraines 2023: Benefits & Side Effects
Reviewed by Drew Sutton, MD
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It’s estimated that 10% of the world population has suffered from migraines, many of them for years[1]. 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 of the bunch for you to compare. Read on for relief.
7 Best CBD Oils for Migraines & Headaches In 2023
- CBDfx – Best migraine reliever
- Spruce CBD – Editor’s pick
- Nuleaf Naturals – Best organics
- CBDistllery – Best THC-free
- CBD Pure – Runner up
- cbdMD Oil – 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.
Top 7 Best CBD Oil For Migraines 2023
CBDfx
CBDfx has CBD and more. Their formulations go beyond CBD and include THC and mushrooms for additional effect.
- Affordable formulations and frequent promos
- CBD formulations including Delta-9 THC and mushrooms
- 60 day guarantee
- Some of the oil bundles are pricey
- 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 tinctures claim to improve CBD’s effect on dampening pain. CBDfx also sells their 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
It’s one of the more expensive oils on this list, but if you’re looking for an undiluted, potent CBD oil, it’s at the top of our list.
- Has CBD, terpenes, and essential oils which work together to stimulate the endocannabinoid pathway and dampen pain
- 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. 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
Nuleaf Naturals has an option for everyone. They offer multiple different concentrations of CBD in their oil, perfect for beginners, intermediates, or maximum CBD needs. If you’re not sure which is for you, they offer a quiz and have coaches available to help.
- 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 seeds. They’re so confident they’re offering a 60 day guarantee on their 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 60 day guarantee. Unfortunately, their oils do not have a flavor option, which could be a deal breaker to people with more sensitive palettes.
CBDistillery
CBDistillery has a CBD bundle for every need. This includes migraine and pain relief, as well as synergy, sleep, relaxation, and more.
- 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 back 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.
CBDPure
CBDPure is just what the name says–it’s CBD for purists. CBDPure sells its CBD oil at a competitive price, but there aren’t many different concentrations to be had.
- Locally sourced from farms in Colorado and Washington
- Excellent pricing
- Full spectrum CBD formulation
- 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 their 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, no flavors, or formulations they sell. If you’re looking for a lower-potency, pure CBD oil, CBD Pure has it and for a competitive price. But that’s about it.
cbdMD Oil
cbdMD offers a decent lineup of products, and gives a big deal to first-time customers. Their THC-free products are a useful factor, and they’re certainly worth a look.
- 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 tinctures 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 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
The best thing about Penguin CBD’s oil is not the options they offer, but the ease of customization on its website–there are all sorts of flavors, concentrations, and bundles to choose from.
- 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 their 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 their 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, have vertigo, nausea, and vomit. 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 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, temperatures, 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. It can help with arthritis inflammation, help with 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 a 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
MIDSS adheres to strict procurement guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutes, and medical associations. We work mainly with peer-reviewed studies to ensure the accuracy of the information. We avoid the use of tertiary references. You can read about how we ensure the accuracy and timeliness of our content in our editorial process.
- Walter, K. (2022). What Is Migraine? JAMA, [online] 327(1), p.93. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.21857.
- Uptodate.com. (2022). UpToDate. [online] Available at: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/acute-treatment-of-migraine-in-adults?search=migraine%20medication&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1 [Accessed 26 Oct. 2022].
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