Can Medical Cannabis Be Used To Relieve Fibromyalgia Symptoms?

Some symptoms of Fibromyalgia may be alleviated by cannabis. This is a condition that causes chronic pain, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping.

However, there's still a lot we don't know about the safety and effectiveness of cannabis in treating symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Continue reading to find out what the research says.

We'll also explore other lifestyle changes and therapies you can try to help ease pain and other symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Is it possible?

Cannabis is derived from plants of the Cannabis genus. It contains two main active ingredients (or compounds): tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

• THC: The psychoactive compound that gives you the ability to think.HighIt is a sensation. It can also be smoked.
• CBD: is not psychoactive, so it doesn't give you the high associated with THC. It is available in oil, gels, gummies, and oils as well as extracts, supplements, and other products.

There are many cannabis products available that either contain CBD or THC.

Many people with fibromyalgia use marijuana products to treat their symptoms.

The Handbook of Cannabis and Related Pathologies, published in 2017, indicates that cannabis and related products may be effective in treating some symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Researchers agree that further research is needed to determine the role of cannabis and its active ingredients in treating fibromyalgia.

In particular, few studies have examined the effectiveness of THC versus CBD for symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Here is a summary of research on common symptoms of fibromyalgia:

Fibromyalgia pain relief with medical cannabis

The National Academies Press (NAP), published a comprehensive review in 2017 of the effects of cannabis on health, as well as its therapeutic benefits. According to the review, substantial evidence suggests cannabis is effective in treating chronic pain in adults.

A few studies have only focused on the pain that fibromyalgia can cause.

A 2007 study of 40 patients with fibromyalgia comparing the effects of the synthetic cannabinoid nabilone with a placebo found the nabilone treatment to have significant pain-relieving effects.

In a 2011 study, 28 participants who used cannabis for fibromyalgia ranked its perceived benefits for each symptom.

About 43 percent of them reported experiencing strong pain relief, while 43 percent experienced mild relief. The remaining 7% reported no change in their pain symptoms.

A 2018 study of 20 people with fibromyalgia compared the pain-relieving effects of four types of cannabis, each of which had different THC and CBD contents.

One of the four forms of cannabis was a placebo, which did not contain THC or CBD.

The results of the study showed that subjects who received high levels of THC had a higher pain threshold than those who received the placebo. However, the CBD-free formulas experienced no significant relief.

To determine if medical cannabis is an effective treatment for fibromyalgia pain, more research is needed.

For fibromyalgia insomnia, medical cannabis is an option

The 2018 review from NAP referenced in the previous section concluded that there's a moderate amount of evidence that cannabis-related products can help improve sleep in people with fibromyalgia in the short term.

In the 2011 study cited in the previous section, 81 percent of participants who used cannabis to treat fibromyalgia reported that it provided strong relief from sleep issues.

Finally, a 2010 study investigated the effects of nabilone, a synthetic drug with effects similar to those of cannabis. Researchers found that nabilone improved sleep in people suffering from fibromyalgia.

Other fibromyalgia symptoms can be treated with medical cannabis

There is not much research on the effectiveness of cannabis for treating other symptoms related to fibromyalgia.

According to the Handbook of Cannabis and Related Pathologies, most of the evidence assessing cannabis' effectiveness in treating muscle stiffness, mood problems, anxiety, and headaches associated with fibromyalgia comes from surveys and observational studies.

To draw any conclusions, more clinical studies are required.

Does medical cannabis relieve my fibromyalgia symptoms,

According to the research, medical cannabis may be able help with pain and sleep disturbances related to fibromyalgia.

Talk to your doctor if you are considering using medical cannabis for fibromyalgia. You might find that cannabis can interact with medications you are already taking.

Your doctor will help you evaluate the potential risks and benefits of cannabis use for fibromyalgia. You can also find out if it is legal in your area.

Don't use cannabis if you're pregnant or nursing. THC can pass through breast milk and the placenta to your baby. This poses risks for developing babies and fetuses.

Smoking is not a good idea around children, pregnant women, or pets.

What are the side effects and risks?

Cannabis can cause unpleasant short-term side effects. These could include:

• Perception changes
• Changes in mood
• There is confusion
• Impaired movement
• Impaired concentration
• Memory impairment

High cannabis doses can cause hallucinations in young adults and adolescents who have a history of schizophrenia or psychosis.

These individuals should avoid mind-altering substances based on the current evidence. This includes cannabis, alcohol, cocaine and methamphetamines.

The long-term health risks of daily or near-daily cannabis consumption are still being investigated.

Is marijuana legal?

The laws regarding cannabis vary from one state to the next and are constantly changing. It is legal or illegal depending on where you live. The following are the legal scenarios in the United States:

• Cannabis is legal.
• Medical marijuana is legal.
• Sometimes, CBD (low-THC) cannabis is legal.
• It is illegal to grow cannabis.
• Although cannabis is illegal, it's not criminalized.

Many state-based CBD and medical cannabis programs define which conditions are eligible for therapeutic use.

In some states, CBD can only be used to treat epilepsy. Other states allow CBD and low-THC cannabis products with a physician's prescription.

How can you legally obtain medical cannabis?

You will need to determine what the local requirements are if medical cannabis is legalized in your country or state.

The requirements for the United States vary greatly from one state to the next.

You will need to determine if you are eligible for medical cannabis. You should find this information on the state's website for health services. If it's not, please call to inquire.

You might need to apply for a medical cannabis card if you are eligible for medical cannabis.

You will need to submit documentation about your medical condition. A prescription from a doctor is also required. You might also need to provide proof of identity such as a passport and driver's licence.

It may not be legal to possess cannabis depending on where you live. You shouldn't attempt to obtain cannabis illegally if it isn't allowed in your state.

Lifestyle modifications to relieve fibromyalgia symptoms

Additional nonmedical treatments are available for fibromyalgia. These are some lifestyle and alternative therapies you might consider:

• eating a balanced diet
• improving your sleep habits
• getting regular exercise
• managing stress
• mindfulness techniques, such as meditation
• acupuncture
• biofeedback
• massage
• Physical therapy
• Tai chi

Talk to your doctor about lifestyle changes or alternative therapies that might be beneficial for you.

The takeaway

Some people may find relief from fibromyalgia symptoms with medical cannabis. The safety and effectiveness of cannabis for treating symptoms remains a mystery.

You should learn more about your local laws if you are considering using cannabis to treat your symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Don't attempt to get cannabis illegally if it's not legal in your area.

Before using cannabis for fibromyalgia treatment, consult your doctor.