Study supports efficacy of cannabis for fibromyalgia, especially in female patients

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition notorious for being difficult to treat. Fortunately, medical marijuana has proven to be one of those effective options.

Patients suffering from fibromyalgia (Fibromyalgia) experience pain throughout the body, particularly affecting the musculoskeletal system, and are accompanied by other symptoms including sleep and memory problems, fatigue, and mood swings. Because Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition, treatment can take a long time, but there is currently no cure. Patients are often prescribed a variety of medications and require lifestyle changes and therapy to help manage the condition.

In addition to a wide range of painkillers, anti-seizure medications and antidepressants, fibromyalgia sufferers need physical therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, exercise and training in stress management techniques. Although it can take months or even years for patients to find relief, scientists never stop looking for better treatments.

Cannabis is now offering fibromyalgia patients the hope of regaining control of their lives and improving their quality of life. The number of studies supporting the benefits of cannabis for fibromyalgia continues to grow.

New UK Study

According to a new study from London, data from 148 fibromyalgia patients from the UK Medical Cannabis Register were analyzed as a criterion for participation in the UK Medical Cannabis Registry, all of whom had not responded to traditional medication. The patients were treated with cannabis-based medicines (CBMPs), including oil extracts and dried flower forms.

After treatment with medical marijuana, patients reported improvements at 1, 3 and 6-month follow-up periods. The researchers stated, “At each follow-up visit, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire, a single-item Sleep Quality Scale, the Fibromyalgia Symptom Severity Score, and the EQ-5D-5L Index values showed improvement.” In addition, patients' dependence on prescription opioids decreased significantly during the study period, although some patients experienced side effects such as dry mouth, headache and fatigue.

The study conclusion states, “There was a positive association between the initiation of CBMP therapy and reductions in fibromyalgia severity at all time points ...... These findings are additionally supported by the broader literature.”

Another study from Colombia analyzed the effects of different cannabis preparations on the symptoms of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). To do this, an international team of researchers reviewed data from 14 clinical studies and five reviews. The results of the study showed that cannabis products are effective in reducing pain and other symptoms with minimal side effects.

The study concluded that cannabis products “may improve musculoskeletal, physical, and psychiatric symptoms, particularly pain, fatigue, and depression, in patients with FMS. In addition, these products are considered safe.”

Study in female patients

A 2022 study showed that cannabis is effective in treating drug-resistant fibromyalgia patients, especially women. The study assessed the quality of life of 30 female fibromyalgia patients using the World Health Organization's “Quality of Life Short Form” questionnaire.

All patients were drug-resistant and had exhausted all conventional medications. The questionnaire covered four areas: mental health, social relationships, environment and physical health. Patients completed the questionnaire once before and once after using Cannabis Medication and were given the option to use the medication orally, by smoking or by vaporizing.

Follow-up results showed that cannabis treatment helped improve activities of daily living, overall health, mental health, physical health, and pain levels. In addition, patients have reported positive changes in fatigue, pain, memory, and positive mood.

Medical marijuana is effective for fibromyalgia patients because of its ability to act on the body's endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is responsible for regulating pain and a number of important functions in the body.

Since pain is the main symptom of fibromyalgia, patients who use marijuana medications can find great relief. In addition, many cannabis medications provide long-lasting pain relief without the addictive and other harmful side effects of opioids. Fibromyalgia pain also interferes with sleep, and the multiple benefits of cannabis, including anti-inflammatory, mood-regulating, and sleep-enhancing effects, are especially important for patients.