A study by the University of Iowa and the VA’s Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss reports that a CBD–THC mix reduced migraine-like symptoms in an animal model.
The study, published in the journal Cephalalgia, tested a 100:1 ratio of cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on mice, given intraperitoneally before centrally administering central calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) to induce migraine-like symptoms.
“Our findings show that pretreatment with 100:1 CBD:THC rescued light aversion caused by centrally administered CGRP in CD1 mice”, states the study. “Collectively, these results demonstrate that a combination of CBD and THC can alleviate light aversion and pain symptoms induced by a centrally-acting migraine trigger.”
In tests measuring light sensitivity, mice given the CBD–THC mix spent much more time in the lit area than those given only the migraine-triggering compound CGRP. This suggests the combination helped reduce light aversion, a common migraine symptom. The treatment also helped normalize other behaviors. For example, mice moved more between light and dark areas and were less inactive in darkness.
Researchers also used an automated “squint” test to measure pain by tracking how much the mice’s eyes narrowed. The CBD–THC mixture partly reduced this pain response. Overall, the results showed the biggest improvements in light sensitivity and movement, with smaller effects on facial pain behavior.
When looking at males and females separately, female mice benefited more. They showed a full recovery from light sensitivity, while males had only a partial one. The researchers note that females are often more sensitive to CGRP and may respond differently to cannabinoids, possibly due to hormonal and endocannabinoid system differences.
This builds on earlier work from the same team showing that the same 100:1 CBD-to-THC ratio also eased migraine-like symptoms caused by peripheral CGRP and a nitric oxide trigger. Importantly, that dose didn’t cause side effects related to memory, anxiety, or motor function. Because CBD and THC can both cross the blood–brain barrier, the researchers suggest their combined effects on multiple receptors linked to migraine, such as CB1, CB2, serotonin, and TRPV1, may explain the benefits seen here.
While this was an animal study, the findings are consistent with clinical observations that cannabis containing both CBD and THC may relieve migraine symptoms like pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light.
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