Clinical Trial Finds THC and CBD Combination Far More Effective Than Placebo for Treating Acute Migraine

OG article by Anthony Martinelli

January 2, 2026

A randomized clinical trial published in Headache shows that vaporized marijuana flower combining THC and CBD significantly outperforms placebo for acute migraine treatment. Researchers from the University of California San Diego Health System enrolled 92 adults with migraine in a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. Participants treated up to four attacks using four formulations: THC-dominant (6% delta-9 THC), CBD-dominant (11% CBD), combined 6% THC and 11% CBD, and placebo, with at least one-week washouts. Across 247 attacks, the THC-CBD combination provided 67.2% pain relief at two hours (vs. 46.6% placebo) and 34.5% pain freedom (vs. 15.5%). It also better alleviated associated symptoms like nausea and photophobia. THC-dominant alone improved pain relief but not complete freedom or symptom relief beyond placebo, while CBD-dominant showed no significant benefits. Relief persisted at 24 and 48 hours, with no serious adverse events reported. The study concludes that vaporized THC-CBD combination offers a viable option for acute migraine management, advancing evidence for cannabinoid-based therapies in headache disorders.