Cannabis and Fibromyalgia

By Sharron Sample

In a recent study, 62% of patients that have tried cannabis to treat their fibromyalgia said it was very effective. Thirty-three percent said it helped a little and only 5% said it gave them no relief at all. Of course, cannabis won’t cure fibromyalgia – there is no cure. But it can definitely make the symptoms more manageable. There are hundreds of cannabis strains that offer pain relief and will improve your sleep, so experimenting to find the perfect strain to manage your symptoms is key. The FDA has only approved three drugs for the treatment of fibromyalgia – Cymbalta, Lyrica, and Savalla. But many who have tried these medications claim they either don’t help or add to their symptoms.

Fibromyalgia can be devastating and debilitating, making even the simplest of chores seem overwhelming and exhausting. Fibromyalgia is a complex neurological disorder that is often misdiagnosed and misunderstood. More than five million Americans suffer from fibromyalgia, 80-90% being women. Some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia include chronic pain, joint stiffness, chronic fatigue, insomnia, general weakness, headaches, brain fog, digestive issues, and anxiety. The good news is that while painful, it’s not fatal or progressive.

What Can Cannabis Do For Fibromyalgia?

Medical marijuana can be very useful when it comes to managing pain. This makes it popular among those that suffer from fibromyalgia. Medical cannabis can help you sleep, increase your appetite, work against pain, and reduce nausea. One of the most common symptoms fibromyalgia patients have is depression and anxiety and luckily, medical marijuana can help improve moods and decrease these symptoms.