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opinion: the case for more cannabis research in migraine treatment
4 minute read
despite the lack of formal guidance, canadians are already using cannabis to manage migraines, including the use of oils and flower.
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for millions of canadians, migraines aren’t just headaches—they’re full-body disruptions that hijack days, limit careers, and diminish quality of life. nearly three million canadians live with this chronic neurological condition, and many of them have tried everything: triptans, beta-blockers, antidepressants, magnesium. sometimes they work. sometimes they don’t.
that’s where cannabis care is quietly—and increasingly—stepping in.
as a pharmacist, i’m seeing a steady rise in migraine-related consultations from patients exploring cannabis. many are frustrated by side effects from traditional medications or concerned about medication overuse headaches. with limited guidance and lingering stigma, cannabis isn’t an easy path—but for some, it’s the first option that’s actually helping.
the science is promising, but still incomplete
emerging studies are beginning to validate what many patients have reported anecdotally for years: that cannabis can help reduce both the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.
a 2022 systematic review published in cureus found that marijuana significantly reduced migraine length and frequency, while being well-tolerated. another review in frontiers in neurology noted that cannabis use was associated with fewer attacks and improved symptom control—but stressed the need for more rigorous trials to determine the best strain, dose, and delivery method.
from a clinical standpoint, there’s biological plausibility. research suggests that the body’s endocannabinoid system—which helps manage pain, inflammation, and brain activity—may be involved in what causes migraines. cannabinoids like thc and cbd could potentially modulate this system—offering a new pathway to relief, especially for chronic sufferers who haven’t responded to conventional therapies.
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more recently, a randomized controlled trial conducted at the university of california, san diego added fresh evidence to the conversation. the study, completed in early 2024, evaluated vaporized cannabis containing 6 per cent thc and 11 per cent cbd for acute migraine relief. results were compelling: 67 per cent of participants reported pain relief within two hours—compared to 46 per cent with placebo—with benefits sustained up to 48 hours. however, funding for the study was discontinued before long-term findings could be established. it’s a reminder that while early results are promising, the science around cannabis and migraine remains underdeveloped—and underfunded.
cannabis use is climbing in canada—but clinical guidance is lagging
the canadian context is evolving rapidly. according to health canada’s 2024 canadian cannabis survey, more than one in four canadians now report using cannabis, with a growing portion citing wellness-related reasons. for people with migraines, the interest is tangible—but without robust clinical guidance, many remain unsure how to use cannabis safely or effectively. in our clinics, we see patients asking smart questions that the health system hasn’t yet answered: what strain is best? what ratio of thc to cbd? will it interact with my other medications?
despite the lack of formal guidance, canadians are already using cannabis to manage migraines. they’re purchasing oils and flower, experimenting with doses, and often relying on advice from budtenders or online forums—not medical professionals.
this gap between interest and oversight is what inspired the founding of apothecare, where our team of pharmacists provides one-to-one cannabis consultations for people navigating chronic conditions like pain, anxiety, insomnia—and yes, migraines. we don’t claim cannabis is a cure-all. but we do believe patients deserve safe, structured, evidence-informed care, not guesswork.
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many of the patients we work with are also managing multiple medications. for them, drug interactions are a real risk—especially with migraine treatments that affect serotonin or blood pressure. pharmacist-led oversight is essential.
what needs to change
if we want to take patient care seriously, we need to take cannabis research seriously too.
that means:
- investing in migraine-specific clinical trials that examine the safety and efficacy of cannabis.
- developing clinical guidelines for providers on when and how to introduce cannabis into treatment plans.
- supporting public education to reduce stigma and misinformation—especially among older adults and women, who are disproportionately affected by migraines.
at the same time, canadian innovation is quietly advancing cannabis care. new inhalation technologies are emerging, offering smoke-free, vapor-free delivery methods that provide a precise, metered dose of thc with rapid onset. by bypassing digestion and combustion, these devices can deliver relief within minutes. such advancements could help patients better manage migraine symptoms—but as with all cannabis formats, adoption will depend on access, guidance, and continued research.
the bottom line
for a condition that affects nearly three million canadians—mostly women, often at the peak of their careers—we should be doing more. the research is pointing in a clear direction. patients are already taking steps. it’s time for health systems, researchers, and policymakers to catch up—because when it comes to migraine care, the answers won’t come from ignoring cannabis. they’ll come from studying it, responsibly and urgently.
anushya vijayaraghevan is a pharmacist and co-founder of apothecare, a toronto-based cannabis consultation service providing evidence-informed support for patients exploring cannabis for wellness and treatment of chronic conditions.
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