Delta-10 for Migraines: Is There Any Evidence for Use?

by Kat Austin May 10, 2023 7 min read

Delta-10 for Migraines: Is There Any Evidence for Use? - VO Inc

Delta-10 is emerging as a lightly potent THC alternative that’s incredibly attractive for new consumers, and people are raving about its mild, energy-boosting effects. Cannabis products, especially THC concentrates, are notorious for their health benefits, which many people claim extends to migraine headaches, a type of headache that is notoriously hard to treat.

The question is, can these benefits also be attributed to hemp-derived THC products like Delta-10? Is Delta-10 for migraines the best THC solution for low-tolerance consumers?

If you’re looking for cold, hard evidence, there is none. However, there are some reasons to keep Delta-10 on your migraine-relief list. Here’s what we know:

Table of Contents
Delta-10 is Similar to Delta-9
The Science Behind Cannabis for Migraines
What’s the Best Way to Use Delta-10 for Migraines?
Conclusion: Does Delta-10 Work for Migraines?
Resources

Key Takeaways

  • Delta-10-THC, like Delta-9, may have a wide range of therapeutic benefits.
  • Some evidence suggests that THC may help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.
  • The best type of product and Delta-10-THC dosage varies for every person, but a high quality formula is most important.
  • Talk to your doctor before using Delta-10 for chronic migraines, especially if you already take medications

Delta-10 is Very Similar to Delta-9

The Delta-9 and Delta-10 molecules have only one difference between them—the position of their double bond. Delta-9’s double carbon bond is at the ninth chain position, while Delta-10’s is at the tenth. Because the molecules are incredibly similar, they interact with the body in similar ways.

Delta-10 can bind to CB1 receptors, the primary receptors where traditional THC binds. These are the receptors responsible for psychoactive effects of cannabis, which is why Delta-10 also induces a psychoactive experience, albeit much less potent than Delta-9. Because hemp-derived THC products like Delta-8 and Delta-10 are able to interact with the body in a similar manner to Delta-9, many of their therapeutic benefits are similar, which means Delta-10 may be a useful solution for any condition that responds to traditional THC products. In some cases, it’s fair to think that these milder THC isomers are an even better alternative:

A person measuring a dose from a Delta-10-THC tincture to soothe a migraine

The Added Benefit of Hemp Delta 10

While research on Delta-10 is extraordinarily limited, we do know a bit about Delta-8, another mild THC isomer that’s just a bit more potent than Delta-10. In some cases, researchers have even suggested that Delta-8 is a better therapeutic solution than Delta-9 thanks to its lower potency.

For instance, one study concerning the use of THC to prevent nausea and vomiting in pediatric cancer patients found Delta-8 to be 100% effective, even more so than traditional THC therapies. The study suggests that Delta-8 was less likely to result in any adverse effects commonly observed with traditional THC, like anxiety and paranoia, even in large doses. In fact, researchers concluded that its lower potency (which made it possible to use larger doses) is possibly the reason it was more effective.

Because of the similarities between the two cannabinoids, it's fair to assume that Delta-10 follows suit. While it isn’t nearly as potent as traditional Delta-9-THC, it’s fair to believe that there are still some therapeutic benefits worth considering. Delta-10’s low potency may even make it a more approachable and useful option for those looking for migraine relief without the potent high.

Even though there is currently no research to evaluate the impact of Delta-10 for migraines, we do have some evidence that suggest that THC may be a viable solution for many people.

The Science Behind Cannabis for Migraines

While there’s plenty of work to be done, there is some research to help us understand whether or not cannabis and THC are useful for migraine treatment or prevention. Keep in mind that everyone’s body is different, and everyone responds differently to THC. As you’ll see in the evidence below, many people, but not all people, experience significant benefits when using THC for migraines:

Fewer Migraine Attacks

One study looked at the effects of different forms and amounts of high-THC cannabis products. Although the results varied, patients reported about six fewer migraines per month on average. The study ultimately called for more research to explain the relationship between cannabis and migraine treatment.

THC Could Relieve and Prevent

Many people need something to stop a migraine in its tracks, but migraine prevention is always a great first step. Luckily, cannabis may be useful for both relief and prevention of migraines.

One clinical trial found that a 200 mg oral dose of THC and CBD was equally effective at preventing migraines as a 25 mg dose of amitriptyline, which is a prescription migraine medication. The study also found that the same CBD and THC combination reduced the intensity of migraine pain by almost 44% when given as an acute treatment.

Concentrates May Be More Effective

A 2019 study found that headache and migraine ratings dropped by 50% after using cannabis. Men were more responsive than women, and THC concentrates were significantly more effective than cannabis flower.

Hemp leaves, rolling papers, and hand-rolled Delta-10 joints, which offer a fast dosing method for managing headaches

What’s Best Way to Use Delta-10 for Migraines?

If you do decide to go forward with the mild Delta-10 for migraines or headaches, you’ll be happy to hear that you have plenty of options. Delta-10 is a federally legal THC isomer made from hemp, so it’s legal and accessible in most of the U.S. To take a closer look at the states where Delta-10 is legal, you’ll want to read “Where is Delta-10 Legal? Delta-10 Laws By State.”


Once you’ve determined whether you can buy Delta-10 from your state, you’ll want to take a look at a few other factors, like different dosing styles, formulas, and dosages.

Popular Dosing Methods for Delta-10

Although there are plenty of Delta-10 products on the market, the selection still boils down to a few common dosing methods. Each different dosing style has its own benefits and drawbacks. Here’s a look:

  • Delta-10-THC Tinctures offer the benefits of precisely measured doses and sublingual absorption. In most cases, an oral oil takes effect in around 30 minutes and the effects can last 4-8 hours.
  • Sublingual edibles are a new, innovative dosing style that are unique to our store. These edibles are designed to melt in your mouth, similar to our Elev8 Chews or Elev8 Caramels. That means that the dose can be absorbed sublingually just like a tincture. They also offer the pre-portioned convenience of traditional edibles, which makes them a very suitable choice for those who need regular prevention or management doses.
  • Delta-10 Vapes or Flower are two inhalation doses that are a popular choice because the effects are almost instant, which is a great relief when a severe migraine hits.
    Delta-10-THC vaporizers are a fast and easy dosing method that requires no prep. Delta-10 flower can provide stronger doses of Delta-10, but also provides a full cannabinoid profile, like CBD and other minor cannabinoids and terpenes. Some evidence supports the use of this multi-cannabinoid combination, which is often referred to as a “full spectrum” dose, because it could offer increased benefits (otherwise known as the entourage effect).

Delta-10 Quality Matters

Although the best product type may vary by person, one thing is constant: quality matters.

Regulation is not consistent across the hemp industry, so you may need to do a little research of your own before choosing a hemp THC brand.

Look for a company that uses U.S. grown hemp that's free of pesticides. The brand should also use a thorough testing process to ensure quality, and you should be able to view the third-party test results before you buy. Compare the results to the product label, and check the Delta-10 content to ensure that the product is made with real Delta-10-THC and not a synthetic alternative, which could potentially be dangerous.

Delta-10 Dosage for Migraines

Again, everyone responds to Delta-10 and other hemp products differently, which means you’ll need to put some thought into your dosing routine. You may want to experiment with different dosages and dosing methods to see what works best for you.

Because Delta-10 is milder, you may have a greater dosage range. If you are completely inexperienced with THC, you may want to start with smaller doses of Delta-10, around 5 milligrams. Then, you can feel out your Delta-10 response before adjusting your dosage. Some people may not experience any effects from small doses. More experienced consumers may take 20-50 milligrams of Delta-10 per dose.

Some people claim that taking hemp THC daily works to prevent migraines, but this may not be a convenient option for most people because of its psychoactive effects. Some people also use daily Delta-10 microdoses to manage migraine symptoms. Others use Delta-10 as a one-off acute treatment to stop a migraine.

Read our Delta-10 dosing guide to learn about how much Delta-10 to take. If you want a daily preventative dose that doesn’t cause psychoactive effects, you may consider CBD.

Delta-10 Side Effects

Before you start using Delta-10 for migraines, be sure to consider any potential risks of Delta-10. Assuming that the product is high-quality and free of potential contaminants, the most common side effects may be similar to that of other THC products.

These potential side effects are usually rare and mild and may include:

There’s also the risk of Delta-10 drug interactions if you already take other medications. Be sure to talk to your doctor before starting Delta-10 or making any changes to your wellness routine.

Of course, the risks increase when using a low-quality product. The most severe risk in using a hemp-derived THC product is getting a product that is contaminated with residual solvents, pesticides, or other chemicals. That’s why it's important to only buy from high-quality, reputable brands that use clean hemp material and third-party testing techniques.

Conclusion: Does Delta-10 Work for Migraines?

There’s currently no research that evaluates the use of Delta-10-THC for migraines, but it’s suspected to offer many of the same benefits as Delta-9-THC. Some research suggests that THC (and sometimes a combination of THC and CBD) may help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines, but more research is needed to understand how it may work.

In short, THC won’t work for everyone, but many people report positive results using Delta-10 for headaches and migraines. We recommend that you play around with different dosing methods and dosage sizes to find a prevention and treatment routine that works for you.

If you want to check out different hemp-derived THC products and their potential benefits, take a look at our Elev8 Collection.

Vida Optima Elev8 Hemp Delta-9-THC Gummies

“Effects of Medical Marijuana on Migraine Headache Frequency in an Adult Population” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26749285/

  • “Cannabinoids suitable for migraine prevention” https://www.europeanpharmaceuticalreview.com/news/62784/cannabinoids-suitable-migraine-prevention/
  • “Short- and Long-Term Effects of Cannabis on Headache and Migraine” https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S152659001930848X

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