Looking for the best CBD strains for migraines and relief from their uncomfortable effects that can ruin your day? Each strain has been crossbred to create new strains and these offspring contain a unique combination of specific cannabinoids and terpinoids (terpenes). With the abundance of new strains on the market we have compiled a list of the best strains to treat pain and migraines.
There are many ways to consume CBD but more and more people are turning to vaping or smoking CBD as the effects are quicker, providing immediate relief. High CBD strains can help stave off the uncomfortable symptoms of a severe migraine. For those who wish to avoid smoking or flower, CBD oil and CBD capsules offer a great alternative.
Most CBD strains will provide a degree of migraine pain relief
While pain intensity relief is possible with many strains, some are better than others at relieving headache pain as a primary symptom. We would always advise opting for a strain that is high in many cannabinoids and not just CBD. CBN, CBG and CBC have all been proven to be effective in fighting against pain and inflammation.
The nice news is, you should get relief from almost any strain you choose. The bad news – some strains may make you feel very relaxed and even a bit sleepy making them not ideal for daytime use. CBD oils can also be effective in reducing the pain intensity from tension headaches as well as those from a migraine attack.
These are the Top CBD Strains for Migraine Sufferers
AC/DC
This strain has improved pain relief and inflammation for countless numbers of people. It’s a great first strain to try as the THC in this strain is low making it one of the preferred hybrid strains to start with.
While it is classified as a 50/50 indica strain and sativa strain hybrid, AC/DC is quite a neutral strain making it ideal for use at any time of the day.
AC/DC’s predominant terpenes (we will go into terpene profiles later in this blog) are Beta-myrcene, Pinene and Bisabolol making it an ideal choice for treating pain and inflammation. This strain typically contains additional cannabinoids: CBG and CBC which are ideal for treating migraine pain.
Charlotte’s Web
This CBD dominant strain has gained widespread media attention as it is named after Charlotte, a sufferer of seizures. When treated with this strain, Charlotte experienced a dramatic decrease in seizures. This strain is typically 25:1 CBD:THC. The potency runs at 15% – 17%. This strain is not readily available as the brothers that developed the strain have kept the genetics to themselves to sell within their company.
Charlotte’s Web is very similar to AC/DC. Its also a sativa dominant hybrid (60% Sativa strain, 40% Indica strain).
Electra
This strain is a cross between AC/DC and Otto ensuring it is a high yielding strain with 12% – 15% CBD. The addition of Otto makes this strain a nice daytime strain with decent pain-relieving properties and almost no THC.
It’s aromatic and fruity with a high amount of Beta-caryophyllene and beta-myrcene making it a good go to strain for treating pain.
On the downside, it does not have particularly high levels of CBD (only 12% – 15%) which makes it less effective than a strain like Lifter which has levels at around 18% – 20%.
Hawaiian Haze
The Haze CBD hemp flower strain originated in 1960’s California, but it was crossbred with other strains in South America and Southeast Asia. It then spread to various parts of the world. There is a lot of discussion if the Hawaiian hemp strain actually originates from Hawaii. But like Haze, it’s been bred and enjoyed far and wide.
Hawaiian Haze has a balanced cannabinoid and terpene profile making it ideal for daytime use. It averages 15% – 17% CBD. It’s unique fruity flavor is making it one of the most demanded CBD flower strains of 2021.
Lemon Octane
Lemon Octane CBD Flower is a relaxing smoke that provides a clear headed, relaxing feeling. It’s unique blend of terpenes lend it to all day smoking. The distinct lemony, citrus flavor is pleasant and light to smoke. It is smooth and enjoyable.
This hand trimmed, organically grown flower has unique frosty trichomes with densely packed buds that are vibrant and pungent.
This strain contains: Limonene, Myrcene, Terpineol, Beta Caryophyllene.
Lifter
Lifter is one of the most popular strains for treating pain and inflammation as it is very high in CBD. Most strains average around 18% CBD and upwards of 20% total cannabinoids making it one of the best CBD strains for migraines.
Lifter is a versatile crop which is high yielding making it a farmer’s favorite.
It’s a favorite as it is an energizing and uplifting flower that promotes a happy buzz. Lifter has a light pine and lemon taste and is a pleasant smoke.
Skywalker OG
Skywalker OG CBD flower is a favorite amongst CBD Flower lovers. It has a citrusy top note with piney undertones and is light and aromatic.
It is an ideal choice for pain management or just relaxing after a long day. Skywalker OG is traditionally a name associated with cannabis. It was initially created by crossing Skywalker with an OG strain, usually OG Kush.
Skywalker OG gets its name for the similarities between this strain and the cannabis strain. It is relaxing and piney. It is a smooth pleasant smoke leaving the user feeling relaxed and slightly euphoric.
Genetics: Skywalker x OG
Sour Space Candy
This unique hybrid strain is uplifting and promotes focus. It’s a cross breed of Early Resin Berry and Sour Tsunami making it a high yielding flower with medium to large purplish flowers.
Given its high CBD content it has proved to be amazingly effective for treating pain while maintaining creative flow and energy throughout the day.
This would be our pick on the go to flower for pain and inflammation as well as depression and anxiety. It’s wide terpene profile and high number of cannabinoids make it ideal in helping alleviate migraine pain.
Space Candy is a great flower.
So, what exactly does make a strain effective, relaxing or energetic? It is the terpene profile within the CBD flower. To get quite specific, you would have to examine the terpenes evident in a specific strain from the Lab Report to examine whether that flower would be effective. The therapeutic effects associated with a high CBD strain can be inferred by this terpene profile.
Sour Tsunami is an organically grown CBD Flower. It is a cross of Sour Diesel and NY Diesel. It promotes a deep relaxed high with added mental clarity and focus.
It’s delicious piney, earthy aroma has floral notes. The hand trimmed buds and densely packed and frosty.
Sour Tsunami
Sour Tsunami is ideal for daytime use. It’s ability to melt stress away makes it a favorite with our customers.
It’s genetics make it a great strain for treating aches and pains. It’s a good selection if you need to stay present and focused during the day but require relief from pain.
Sour Tsunami is great for:
· Anxiety Relief
· Pain Relief
· Easing Depression
· Reducing Inflammation
· Stress Relief
· Creativity
Genetics: Sour Diesel x New York Diesel
Zkittlesz
Zkittlesz CBD Flower is a pungent, sticky flower with moist, tight buds. It exudes a full aroma of pine and earthy floral notes with a smooth flavor.
Sticky, dank and fruity, the perfectly structured nugs will impress even the most discerning CBD enthusiast.
This lovely hybrid CBD flower is characterized by fiery orange tendrils. It has a thick coating of luminous trichomes. The aroma from the nugs is pungent and citrusy. It has notes of grapefruit, nectar and flowers.
This strain promotes a happy, energetic and focused high. It is ideal for combatting pain and many people use it for both day and nighttime use.
Primary Terpenes: B-Myrcene, B-Caryophyllene, B-Nerolidol
This flower is Lab Tested and was organically grown in 2022
Delta 8 Flower
A popular choice that has popped up in the market is CBD flower that has been infused with Delta 8. Delta-8 has shown amazing promise for treating pain and inflammation.
Unfortunately, there is not a specific hemp strain that is Delta-8 dominant. Delta-8 THC is a secondary hemp cannabinoid that naturally makes up less than 1% of the hemp plant. Just like CBN, delta-8 THC is a degraded form of THC produced when the hemp flower is exposed to oxygen during storage. As there is no delta-8 THC-rich hemp flower, manufacturers extract, convert, and refine delta-8 using other cannabinoids like CBD. That’s how we make our Delta 8 THC tinctures, oils, sprays, vapes and edibles, using Delta 8 Distillate.
** Delta-8 THC is mildly psychotropic, so you will feel its effects. It is a clear-headed feeling not unlike that of THC Delta-9 but it is often described as lighter. It also has many proven applications for treating pain and inflammation.
Delta 8 can be found in edible form, tincture, flower and vape.
Terpenes in the CBD & Cannabis Strains for Migraines
Here’s a brief summary of the terpenes and whether they are day or nighttime terpenes:
 |  |
| DAYTIME: Geraninol, Limonene, Ocimene, Pinene, Velencine | NIGHTTIME: Borneol, Beta-caryophyllene, Farnesene, Linalool, Myrcene, Terpineol |
NEUTRAL: Bisabolol, Humulene
CBD strains can vary from crop to crop even within the same farm. Ideally the best way to identify the cannabinoids and terpenes is via a COA or lab report which will provide a strain analysis. High quality CBD products will always be lab tested. While ongoing cannabis science research continues, CBD has been proven to have anti inflammatory properties and useful in alternative medicine.
How medical marijuana differs from CBD flower
Medical marijuana and CBD flower are not the same. Marijuana is still federally illegal in the United States, however 33 states have passed legislation allowing for medicinal cannabis use. High CBD marijuana strains like OG Kush do exist, but often at much lower levels of CBD than can be found in their hemp counterparts. It is possible to get the relief from migraine pain without any THC by using a broad spectrum CBD product. The best CBD oil for those looking to avoid any THC will be a high strength broad spectrum tincture. These have all other cannabinoids naturally present for your body’s endocannabinoid system to process.
Hemp offers relief for migraine sufferers
Hemp has been bred and enjoyed far and wide for its high CBD content and medicinal properties. The cannabinoid and terpene profile of Hawaiian Haze, Lifter, Space Candy, and other high CBD strains make them ideal for daytime use. While the effects of marijuana may be more desired by some, the high CBD strains offer great relief without any psychoactive effects.
Which is better for you, depends on your needs. If you are looking for migraine pain relief, anti-inflammatory qualities, and anxiety reduction, then a high CBD flower or full spectrum CBD oil could be best.
Sarah Rutherford - Contributor
Sarah has been interested in plant medicine for over 20 years. She draws on her experience working in the health and wellness field and applies it to the CBD industry.
