A new study is shining light on the relationship between psychedelics and headache relief. People who’ve used substances like psilocybin (magic mushrooms) and LSD were found to be 25% less likely to experience frequent, severe headaches. This blog breaks down what that means, how psychedelics interact with the brain, and what’s next for medical research.
Could Psychedelics Be a Natural Way to Fight Chronic Headaches?
Frequent headaches, especially migraines or cluster headaches, affect millions of people every year. For many, over-the-counter medicine doesn’t always work. Prescription drugs can have side effects, be expensive, or lose effectiveness over time.
Now, researchers are taking a closer look at something unexpected: psychedelic substances like LSD, psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms), and DMT. These are known for their powerful mind-altering effects—but they might also have real medical benefits.
The Study: What the Data Shows
In a recent study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, researchers analyzed health data from over 7,000 British adults. Their goal? To find out if there was a link between psychedelic use and fewer reports of painful, recurring headaches.
Here’s what they found:
• People who had used classic psychedelics were 25% less likely to report frequent, bad headaches.
• For women, the number was even higher—showing a 30% lower chance of reporting regular severe headaches.
• These results stayed strong even after accounting for other factors like age, weight, physical activity, smoking, alcohol use, and mental health.
The study didn’t look at whether the psychedelics were taken recently or years ago. That means the benefits may last longer than expected, suggesting that even occasional psychedelic use could have long-term effects on headache frequency.
How Do Psychedelics Work in the Brain?
So, what’s going on inside the brain?
Many psychedelics work by targeting serotonin receptors, especially a type called 5-HT2A. Serotonin is a brain chemical that helps control mood, pain, sleep, and more. When you use psychedelics, these receptors are activated in unique ways, possibly resetting brain patterns involved in chronic pain—like headaches.
Past research has also shown that psilocybin and LSD may:
• Reduce inflammation
• Disrupt pain signals
• Reset neural pathways involved in repetitive pain
That’s why some people who suffer from cluster headaches or migraines report long-lasting relief after using small doses of psychedelics (also called microdosing).
What Does This Mean for the Future?
This study adds to growing evidence that psychedelics could play a role in future treatments for chronic pain conditions. But researchers are quick to point out that this is still early science.
There are challenges to overcome:
• Most studies so far are observational, not clinical trials.
• Legal restrictions in many states make it hard to conduct large, controlled experiments.
• Psychedelics affect everyone differently—what works for one person might not work for another.
That said, more and more medical institutions are starting psychedelic research programs, and public interest is booming.
Why High Science Cares
At High Science, we’re committed to exploring the full spectrum of plant-based wellness. That includes cannabis, CBD, and psychedelics. These natural tools have the power to improve lives—but only when used safely, responsibly, and backed by science.
We believe in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible while creating a space that’s open, honest, and stigma-free. Whether it’s through better access to cannabis for medical use or new research into psychedelics and mental health, we’re here to educate, inspire, and advocate.
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