Use of Cannabis in the treatment of fibromyalgia
A clinical trial conducted on November 5, 2020, concerning the effect of CBD oil for patients with fibromyalgia. Florianópolis, Brazil: The daily administration of plant-derived, THC-rich cannabis oil is effective and well tolerated among patients with fibromyalgia, according to clinical trial data published in the journal Pain Medicine. Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue. A team of Brazilian researchers assessed the effectiveness of THC-rich cannabis oil versus placebo in patients with FM over an eight-week period. The average dose used in the cannabis group was 3.6 drops per day (4.4 mg THC and 0.08 mg CBD).
Cannabis dosing was associated with an "extended significant reduction" in subjects' symptoms, as assessed by the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). Patients given a placebo did not experience similar reductions. Authors reported, "the impact of the intervention on the quality of life of participants in the cannabis group was evident, resulting in reports of well-being and more energy for daily activities. Pain attacks were also reduced." The researchers concluded: "To our knowledge, this is the first randomized controlled trial to demonstrate the benefits of cannabis oil, a THC-rich plant extract, on symptoms and on quality of life in people with fibromyalgia. We conclude that phytocannabinoids may be an inexpensive and well-tolerated therapy to relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life in these patients, and we suggest that this therapy can be included as an herbal medicine option for the treatment of this condition in the Brazilian public health system.”
Observational, case-controlled trial data have previously reported that fibromyalgia patients who inhale cannabis experience greater relief of symptoms compared to those who do not. The administration of oral THC, as well as the synthetic cannabinoid nabilone, has also shown benefits in people with fibromyalgia. Commenting on the study findings, NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano said, "The demonstration of safety and efficacy in this gold standard model is significant. Millions of Americans suffer from fibromyalgia. A condition that tends to be poorly controlled by standard medications. These clinical findings indicate, that for many of these patients plant-derived cannabis preparations may be a safe and effective alternative."