Fibromyalgia & Medical Marijuana

Fibromyalgia (FM) is set of disorders that cause aches and pains, that are especially tender to touch or external pressure.  Fibromyalgia affects 2-4% of the population, predominantly females.  Fibromyalgia is sometimes linked with psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety, and post traumatic stress syndrome.

It is now well established that Cannabinoids, components of Medical Marijuana, are effective for many patients in the treatment of pain, gastrointestinal disorders, psychological issues such as anxiety, depression and other neurological disorders.

Symptoms

• tiredness without cause
• sleep disturbance
• joint stiffness
• difficulty swallowing
• bowel and bladder issues
• numbness and tingling
• cognitive dysfunction

Medical Cannabis and the Treatment of Fibromyalgia

The myriad of symptoms seen in Fibromyalgia suggest that the condition's origins are multi-causational.  Certainly, there is a serious irregularity of the nervous system that affects sufferers mentally and physically.  Fortunately,  Cannabinoids, components of Medical Marijuana, offer relief and are known to improve / normalize metabolic activity that affects the nervous system..  

"Nothing but Medical Marijuana has made the greatest dent in the pain and mental problems,” 

--  Fibromyalgia Patient

In other words, Medical Cannabis can afford relief in most , if not all Fibromyalgia symptoms in the majority of individuals.  There is mounting evidence that a non-psychoactive Cannabinoid called CBD, reduces Fibromyalgia symptoms as well, providing relief for those that do not like a "pot head" effect.

“I have patients with a range of pain syndromes who have failed all their other treatments and for whom herbal cannabis has been the only reasonable option that they have that controls their symptoms,”

--  Dr. Ware. Mcgill University

In comparison to most pharmaceutical formulations, side effects of Medical Cannabis are generally much fewer and less severe, by a wide margin.   Fibromyalgia patients surveyed overwhelmingly agree and greatly prefer Medical Marijuana over Pharmaceuticals currently in use.

Survey of 1339 Fibromyalgia Patients Medical Marijuana Works

Results from a survey of 1,339 fibromyalgia sufferers;

• 62% of 1,339 patients said that Medical Marijuana was very effective
• 92% found some form of relief
• 70% had never tried Cannabis previous to the study
• 8% found Cymbalta to work
• 10% found Lyrica or Savella were “very effective”
• 60% said that the top three pharmaceutical drugs did not work. AT ALL
• given a choice, almost no one chose the above three pharmaceuticals over Medical Cannabis.

-- National Pain Foundation

MMJDOCTORONLINE Notes: The following studies provide a definitive scientific basis and deeper understanding for those investigating the efficacy of Medical Marijuana in Fibromyalgia. Our Medical Cannabis Doctors provide 420 Evaluations and Medical Cannabis Cards in California online, allowing patients to quickly and easily access to the right Medical Marijuana product.

“I’ve found nothing that has worked for me, apart from Marijuana.” 

--  Fibromyalgia Patient

Further Reading - Medical Marijuana and Fibromyalgia

Case Study - Is Endocannabinoid Deficiency the Cause of Disorders like Fibromyalgia?

First person stories:  Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana) for Fibromyalgia

Marijuana Rated Most Effective for Treating Fibromyalgia

Debunking ’Amotivational Syndrome’

Amotivational Syndrome