By: Giulia Alvarez-Katz
Headaches. From the mild to the migraine, this common ailment has the capacity to dull your focus, dampen your mood, and destroy your motivation.
While it’s common to treat these with over-the-counter medications or by attacking the potential source of the headache, some might feel that the nature of these treatments doesn’t suit their needs.
However, as the numerous health benefits of cannabis continue to become publicized, many cannabis aficionados swear by this plant to ease their headaches.
As many already know, however, not all strains are alike, and not all properties of a given strain will prove useful to these ends.
The key to finding the right strain to try to reduce the discomfort of a headache is to identify which terpenes present in a given strain can work best with your endocannabinoid system to approach the problem head-on.
To make your search (and your headache!) a little easier, we’ve compiled our picks for the 8 best cannabis strains to treat headaches.
Best cannabis strains for headaches
White Widow
Hybrid, THC 16%
Main Terpenes: Linalool (floral and clean), Alpha-Pinene (resinous and woody), Myrcene (herbal), Caryophyllene (peppery), Caryophyllene Oxide (peppery)
White Widow is an internationally known strain, first bred in the Netherlands in the 1990s.
Due to its longtime presence on the market and its popularity, it is becoming increasingly easier to locate at any dispensary.
Its effects are deep and cerebral, though not to excess, making this strain wonderful for daytime use.
While Alpha-Pinene and Caryophyllene have been shown to reduce the effects of general pain, the terpene Linalool is the potent agent here.
It is a floral terpene also found in lavender, with reported anti-inflammatory and sedative properties.
Because of this, linalool could help reduce the pain from headaches caused by or exacerbated by sinus inflammation.
Amnesia Haze
Sativa, THC 18%
Main Terpenes: Limonene (fruity and sweet), Linalool (floral and clean), Caryophyllene Oxide (peppery), Myrcene (herbal)
The discerning reader may have already noticed the presence of linalool, caryophyllene, and myrcene in this Dutch beauty, terpenes not dissimilar from those present in White Widow.
The fact that it’s an energizing Sativa perhaps makes this strain most appropriate for morning consumption, but these terpenes could serve the user well to treat headaches, too.
Limonene offers the user a tantalizing fruity sweetness reminiscent of its namesake, and Caryophyllene balances that sweetness with a spiced, earthy aroma.
Slurricane
Indica, THC 21%
Main Terpenes: Limonene (fruity and sweet), Beta-Caryophyllene (earthy, spicy)
This sweet, fragrant daughter of Purple Punch and Do Si Dos packs a punch. Its distinct blueberry tea flavor is supremely enjoyable, and fans of this strain report its powerful effects on pain and pain management.
Indica dominant strains tend to produce relaxing effects, and Slurricane is no different, meaning it’s best used in the latter half of the day to promote a tranquil, meditative state.
Grandaddy Purple
Indica, THC 17-23%
Main Terpenes: Linalool (floral), Alpha-Pinene (pine resin), Beta-Caryophyllene (peppery), Beta-Myrcene (herbal)
Grandaddy Purple is a strain first introduced in 2003, known for its deep indigo buds packed with white resin reminiscent of snow.
Not only is it recognized for its potency, but also its pleasant fusion of physical relaxation and mood-elevating properties.
This, like its progeny Slurricane, is best used in the evening, as it’s a great choice to relax any tension in the body. Myrcene in particular has been shown in lab studies to produce analgesic (pain-relieving) effects, so its presence in this strain might have the potential to help ease a headache or migraine.
Blue Dream
Sativa-Dominant hybrid, THC 15-21%
Main Terpenes: Beta-Caryophyllene (peppery), Alpha-Humulene (hoppy, pungent), Linalool (fresh and floral), Limonene (fruity)
Blue Dream is another incredibly well-diffused strain, hailing from California.
While it is Sativa-dominant and undoubtedly has the potential to invigorate the brain, its hybrid nature creates a wonderful balance of physical well-being and relaxation with an uplifted and creative state of mind.
Blue Dream is renowned for its flavor profile, with Limonene’s juicy aroma taking center stage and blending with hoppy Humulene and flowery Linalool to build a powerful berry bouquet that sets Blue Dream apart as a choice favorite of both neophytes and seasoned cannabis users.
Wedding Cake
Hybrid, THC 23%
Main Terpenes: Beta-Caryophyllene (peppery), Beta-Myrcene (herbal), Alpha-Humulene (hoppy)
This popular, pungent strain is particularly lovely for any occasion, and the Myrcene and Caryophyllene content makes this a great option for those wanting to help their headaches.
It’s recommended for all manner of physical discomfort, including menstrual cramps and chronic pain, and it could help increase appetite.
Its aroma is spicy, sour, and earthy, and that fragrance only becomes more powerful upon being combusted.
This strain’s uplifting and relaxing effects create a great balance, making it a fabulous choice for any time of day.
Lemongrass
Indica-Dominant Hybrid, THC 20-25%
Main Terpenes: Myrcene (herbal), Limonene (fruity), Alpha-Pinene (pine resin)
This is the rarest of the bunch, and tragically so: as its name suggests, Lemongrass is a lemony, punchy, gassy powerhouse.
This aroma isn’t all this strain has going for it, however: It’s known for being invigorating and energizing like a Sativa, but offers a deep, calm, relaxing Indica effect as well.
It creates a beautiful correspondence of effects and has one of the more enjoyable aromatic profiles one could ask for.
It’s an option to potentially relieve headaches due to the high presence of Myrcene.
Cinderella 99
Sativa-Dominant Hybrid, THC 18-20%
Main Terpenes: Myrcene (herbal), Delta-Limonene (fruity), Beta-Pinene (pine resin)
This dreamy hybrid is a solid option for those wanting to try and ease headaches so that they get on with their life.
It’s not quite like other strains in that it isn’t focused entirely on relaxation. In fact, fans of this strain report enjoying exercise or creative activities, like yoga or painting, with Cinderella 99.
It has the potential to help reduce the pain of headaches or migraines while keeping the user active, awake, and euphoric, meaning it’s great for morning or early afternoon use.
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Giulia Alvarez-Katz is a writer who focuses on cannabis culture and lifestyle.