For many years, cannabis strains were known for their uses as recreational drugs, but in recent years, attitudes have started to change as science has shone new light on the many medicinal and wellness benefits of this powerful plant.
Across the world, the medical marijuana industry is rising and studies are showing that cannabis can actually offer a range of benefits to people with a wide variety of health conditions, from cancer to anxiety.
This is all thanks to the unique abilities of cannabinoids like THC and CBD, which are able to interact with the human body’s endocannabinoid system and trigger beneficial effects like pain relief, nausea relief, easing of inflammation, a more positive mindset, and so on.
Studies are ongoing to find out more, and with every passing year, new medical applications for cannabis strains are being discovered. Cannabis for fibromyalgia is another area that is being studied, with promising results.
Medical Marijuana for Fibromyalgia Pain
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition affecting many people worldwide. Its main symptoms are pain throughout the bones and muscles, coupled with general tiredness and tenderness, and many patients deal with sleep troubles too.
People with fibromyalgia may also have to deal with stress and anxiety induced by the difficulty of living with this condition. It can also be hard for them to focus or relax in any way, and many patients can struggle with periods of confusion or memory loss, commonly known as ‘fibromyalgia fog’.
It is believed that medical marijuana is able to soothe the primary symptoms of this condition, particularly in terms of alleviating the general pain that fibromyalgia patients suffer from.
A 2017 review from the National Academies Press, for instance, stated that there is substantial evidence to suggest that cannabis can be an effective form of treatment for chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia.
Other studies, conducted in 2007, 2011, and 2018 focused specifically on fibromyalgia patients. In each study, conclusions were drawn to show how cannabinoids and cannabis were able to provide pain relief to the patients.
Can Medical Marijuana Release My Fibromyalgia Symptoms?
Firstly, it’s important to note that there haven’t been extensive studies on this subject yet, but the studies that have taken place are very positive so far, and a lot of people have witnessed and experienced relief of their symptoms when using marijuana for fibromyalgia.
Like the subjects of the studies and trials, you may be able to experience pain relief when using cannabis. It may be able to help soothe the aches and pains that are present in your body and allow you to live more comfortably without having to deal with that constant discomfort.
Medical marijuana may also be able to assist with a variety of other fibromyalgia symptoms too. For instance, it can help to ease the regularity of muscle spasms, which may be present in some fibromyalgia presents, as both THC and CBD have been proven to reduce the frequency and severity of such spasms.
Cannabis has also been linked with helping people deal with fatigue and tiredness, which are both listed as common symptoms of fibromyalgia. Marijuana is able to induce a more relaxed, restful state of mind in the user, reducing their levels of worry and stress, and this can make it a lot easier to get to sleep each night. Plus, it’s much easier to sleep when your body isn’t in pain.
Finally, medical marijuana may also be able to assist you if you’re suffering from mental health side effects linked with fibromyalgia, like depression or anxiety, as it typically helps people feel more relaxed, positive, and less stressed.
Ways to Use Medical Marijuana for Fibromyalgia
The main way to make use of cannabis for fibromyalgia is to first check the legal situation regarding cannabis and medical marijuana in your state or region. Laws can vary wildly from one area to another, so it’s important to be aware of the legal situation.
Those with fibromyalgia in areas where medical marijuana is legal can apply for a medical marijuana card and then purchase medical marijuana as required.
The way you use or take marijuana is up to you. Some people like to smoke marijuana in order to get the effects very quickly, which can be important in terms of easing the pain associated with fibromyalgia.
Other options include vaping, which also offers quick relief without quite feeling the same as smoking, and there are edibles too. Edible cannabis products include cookies, brownies, and cold brews. These products can take a bit longer to start working but the effects usually last longer.
You might also consider making use of other cannabis or CBD products like creams or lotions. These topical products can be applied directly to the skin in the areas that ache the most, allowing the user to enjoy the pain-relieving effects without any risk of feeling high.
Conclusion
As seen throughout this article, cannabis offers a lot of potential when given to patients with fibromyalgia. It does seem to be able to ease many of the symptoms of this condition, soothing the pain that a lot of people feel and allowing them to enjoy a better quality of life.
At the same time, it’s important to note that studies in this subject are ongoing and we won’t be able to make any definitive conclusions on the matter without further scientific support. Anyone considering cannabis for fibromyalgia should consult with their doctor for advice beforehand.