Since 2018, medical cannabis has been prescribed in the UK for various conditions, for many patients who haven’t responded to traditional treatments. This is especially true for those with fibromyalgia, a chronic condition that causes widespread pain and other debilitating symptoms.
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia affects approximately 2.7% of the global population, causing widespread pain, muscle stiffness, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and headaches. It is often accompanied by an increased risk of mental health issues. Unfortunately, the exact cause of fibromyalgia remains unclear, making diagnosis and effective treatment challenging.
What Treatments are Available for Fibromyalgia?
Managing fibromyalgia often requires a combination of approaches, including:
- Non-pharmacological therapies: Exercise, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Medications: Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), gabapentinoids, tricyclic antidepressants
However, these treatments don’t always provide sufficient relief, and research on their effectiveness for fibromyalgia remains limited.
Medical Cannabis and Fibromyalgia
Several studies have produced promising findings on medical cannabis and fibromyalgia. However, there is a lack of high-quality research, such as randomised controlled trials, which are necessary to determine its effectiveness and safety.
In 2019, Curaleaf Clinic (formerly Sapphire Medical Clinics) launched the UK Medical Cannabis Registry to collect data on the outcomes of patients prescribed cannabis-based medicines for a variety of conditions, including fibromyalgia.
The UK Medical Cannabis Registry & Fibromyalgia
A recent study analysed data from the Registry, focusing on fibromyalgia patients prescribed medical cannabis for at least 12 months.
Data was extracted in January 2023 with 148 enrolled patients meeting the inclusion criteria for participation in the current analysis.
Key Findings
- Symptoms: Patients reported significant changes in pain, sleep quality, and overall well-being after starting medical cannabis.
- Opioid Use: The study also showed a significant change in prescription opioid use among patients prescribed medical cannabis.
- Types of Cannabis Prescribed: Most patients were prescribed a combination of THC and CBD, primarily in the form of sublingual oils and dried flower for vaporisation.
- Side Effects: Side effects were reported by 1 in 4 patients. These were generally mild to moderate in severity, with the most common being fatigue, headache, dry mouth, and drowsiness
What This Means for Fibromyalgia Patients
This research adds to the growing body of evidence on medical cannabis prescribed for fibromyalgia. While more research is needed to determine its efficacy and safety, these findings offer hope for those living with this challenging condition. This is particularly significant for patients who haven’t found relief from traditional treatments for fibromyalgia symptoms, as they may be potential candidates for medical cannabis therapy after evaluation by a specialist.
Looking Ahead
Curaleaf Clinic is committed to advancing the understanding and use of medical cannabis through ongoing research and data collection. These findings pave the way for further investigation, including randomised controlled trials, to assess the benefits and risks of medical cannabis for fibromyalgia.
