CBD Combined With Low-Dose THC Was Most Effective Against Migraine-Like Symptoms in Rats
In female rat models of both acute and chronic migraine, a CBD/THC combination outperformed CBD alone, CBD/CBG, and triple combinations in reducing pain and light sensitivity.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
CBD/THC combination produced the longest-lasting pain relief (up to 3 hours) and was the only compound that reduced light sensitivity in the CGRP-induced migraine model. In the chronic model, CBD/THC suppressed pain through day 13.
Key Numbers
CBD alone: reduced pain at 30 min to 2 hours. CBD/THC: reduced pain up to 3 hours. In chronic model: CBD/THC suppressed pain through day 13.
How They Did This
Female Wistar rats received systemic CBD (30 mg/kg), CBD/CBG (2:1), CBD/0.3% THC, or CBD/CBG/THC. Acute and chronic migraine models used.
Why This Research Matters
Migraine affects roughly 12% of the global population and current treatments are often inadequate.
The Bigger Picture
This study provides controlled preclinical evidence that adding even a small amount of THC to CBD meaningfully improves migraine outcomes.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Animal model. Only female rats. Doses may not translate to human use.
Questions This Raises
- ?What is the optimal THC:CBD ratio for migraine treatment?
- ?Could a CBD/THC migraine treatment achieve regulatory approval?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- CBD/THC suppressed chronic migraine-like pain through day 13 in rats
- Evidence Grade:
- Well-designed preclinical study with multiple models, but limited to female rats.
- Study Age:
- 2025 study using current preclinical models
- Original Title:
- Efficacy of different cannabinoid compounds on migraine-like responses in female rats.
- Published In:
- Cephalalgia : an international journal of headache, 45(10), 3331024251386794 (2025)
- Authors:
- da Luz, Fernanda Mariano Ribeiro, Kaup, Alexandre Ottoni, Baggio, Darciane Favero, Costa, Flavio Henrique de Rezende, Chichorro, Juliana Geremias
- Database ID:
- RTHC-06284
Evidence Hierarchy
Tests effects in animals (usually mice or rats), not humans.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Why was CBD/THC better than CBD alone for migraine?
The small amount of THC (0.3%) may enhance CBD's actions through CB1 receptor engagement, which CBD alone does not strongly activate.
Can I use CBD/THC for my migraines based on this study?
This is a rat study and cannot be directly translated to human treatment. Clinical trials would be needed.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-06284APA
da Luz, Fernanda Mariano Ribeiro; Kaup, Alexandre Ottoni; Baggio, Darciane Favero; Costa, Flavio Henrique de Rezende; Chichorro, Juliana Geremias. (2025). Efficacy of different cannabinoid compounds on migraine-like responses in female rats.. Cephalalgia : an international journal of headache, 45(10), 3331024251386794. https://doi.org/10.1177/03331024251386794
MLA
da Luz, Fernanda Mariano Ribeiro, et al. "Efficacy of different cannabinoid compounds on migraine-like responses in female rats.." Cephalalgia : an international journal of headache, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1177/03331024251386794
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Efficacy of different cannabinoid compounds on migraine-like..." RTHC-06284. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/da-2025-efficacy-of-different-cannabinoid
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.