If you’ve looked into CBD to any degree, there’s no doubt you’ve noticed how many people are discussing its pain management properties. For everything from chronic conditions like arthritis, to cramps and headaches, CBD is being discussed as a ‘more natural’ pain management remedy, especially compared to many over-the-counter and prescription drugs. While we’re glad many folks within the community are describing their successes with CBD, like always, we wanted to take a step back and investigate the current science. We’ve already looked into CBD for arthritis and joint pain, so today we thought we’d focus on another popular question: what the latest research says about CBD for headaches and migraines.

The Endocannabinoid System

To start off, it’s important to understand the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and its role in pain management. Simply put, the ECS is a series of receptors and transmitters that help to keep our bodies in homeostasis, or balance. The ECS contributes to everything from our sleep cycles to managing pain, mood, appetite, memory, stress, and immune responses.

There are two main receptor sites in the ECS: CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are largely found in the brain and nervous system and are linked to decreasing pain, anxiety, and inflammation.  CB2 receptors are also linked to pain management and are found primarily in organs associated with the immune system.

CBD, a phytocannabinoid, impacts the ECS. Specifically, CBD is known to interact with CB1 receptors, while some other cannabinoids present in Full or Broad Spectrum formulas, like CBC, have been known to interact with CB2 receptors.

CBD has also been shown to influence TRPV1 receptors, which are known for increasing body temperature, inflammation, and signaling pain. In one study conducted, CBD has been shown to inhibit or desensitize TRPV1 signaling, which may help to reduce the experience of pain.

In general, there is a growing body of research to suggest that CBD’s impact on the ECS may have pain management applications and anti-inflammatory properties.

For more information and a general overview investigating what we know so far about the impact CBD has our bodies, check out our post here.

Headache Specific Research

Like with most things CBD related, the science is still emerging. There’s a lot we don’t know. Before we can say anything for certain or even develop a better understanding of CBD’s impact on our bodies, more research needs to be done. As of yet, there have been no clinical trials conducted investigating CBD as a potential treatment for headaches or migraines, despite large reports of anecdotal evidence and claims from the community. Hopefully, as research into CBD continues to expand, we’ll know a lot more in the future.

One study investigating CBD’s potential to treat chronic pain conditions (not migraines specifically, however) found that CBD may be effective. They do express caution discussing variables such as unregulated products and mentioning that little research has been done into CBD’s potential dangers, especially regarding pregnancy.

Another study found that medical cannabis may help decrease the frequency of migraines. However, it’s worth noting that while they discussed large amounts of CBD content within medical grade cannabis, they weren’t testing with CBD specifically. Additionally, medical cannabis may differ in quality/dosage/etc. than what products are available at licenced cannabis retailers. Likewise, this study synthesis found that cannabis may have potential to treat migraines, but more CBD specific research is needed before we know more.

Although some studies promising are emerging, most of them have been done in the cannabis context and not with CBD specifically. Understanding how the various compounds (like supporting cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids) potentially contribute to any pain relieving qualities is also under researched. Regardless, there are many calls for more trials, particularly placebo-controlled experiments.

Within the context of CBD and pain management research, many of the studies conducted have focused on potential anti-inflammatory effects. However, research is still emerging about the connection between migraines and inflammation. The linked studies both suggest that targeting inflammation may help manage migraine pain, but they acknowledge that this potential method of treatment is under researched. While it would be easy to connect CBD’s potential anti-inflammatory effects with headache and migraine management, at this point, we don’t know enough to say anything for certain. Although we’ve included some points about CBD and anti-inflammation, it’s important to note that we still don’t know whether migraines even can be treated effectively through anti-inflammatory methods.

Supporting Compounds

Besides working with our ECS to possibly manage pain and inflammation, both Full and Broad Spectrum CBD is full of minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. When these compounds are present, they are said to work together in what’s referred to as the ‘entourage effect,’ having a greater impact together than they would individually. More specifically, many of these compounds are being investigated for their unique and individual anti-inflammatory and pain management properties.

Two cannabinoids, Delta-9 THC and CBC may have specific pain management applications. When studied in isolation, Delta-9 THC has been shown to interact with CB1 receptors, and studies have suggested this interaction may help to reduce pain and inflammation. CBC, on the other hand, has been shown to interact with CB2 and TRPV1 receptors when studied in isolation.

For more information about cannabinoids, check out our post here.

Certain terpenes have also been suggested to be useful for pain management. Myrcene, for example, is a compound that may have applications as a painkiller, sedative, and muscle relaxant when studied in isolation. Since this is a larger topic, we’ve spoken more about terpenes here.

Additionally, flavonoids are known for being full of antioxidants, and are fairly well established for having anti-inflammatory effects when studied in the food and nutrition context or in isolation.  Cannflavin, specifically type A and B, is a kind of flavone solely found within cannabis plants. When studied in isolation, these compounds are said to have a greater anti-inflammatory effect than aspirin. Another flavonoid found within CBD, quercetin, may also have anti-inflammatory properties, according to research conducted in the food and nutrition context. For more information about the flavonoids found within CBD, check out our post here.

TL;DR

Despite a large amount of anecdotal evidence, there has been very little research conducted into CBD’s potential to treat headaches and migraines. There is some promise with what we know about the ECS, CBD’s potential inflammatory properties, and initial trials, but there is much more to be done before we fully understand CBD’s potential as a treatment for headaches and migraines.