Did you know 2.7% of the world population suffers from Fibromyalgia? In the United States alone, almost 2-10% of the general population of all ages are diagnosed with the disease.
Though conventional methods of treatment are available to ease down the symptoms of the disorder, most people now wonder if the cannabis plant could help manage the symptoms more effectively.
Well, in this blog, we will try to understand the relationship between cannabis and Fibromyalgia and whether and how the plant helps relieve the symptoms of the disorder. Before we discuss that, let us first know more about Fibromyalgia and its symptoms.
Fibromyalgia: Meaning, Causes, and Treatment
Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain in the body and a heightened response to temperature, weather, pressure, and touch. It is followed by symptoms, such as fatigue, restlessness, sleep, and mood issues. People with Fibromyalgia are more prone to get diagnosed with mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, and PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder).
Fibromyalgia patients often report extreme tiredness that affects their daily activities. Some patients even report restless legs syndrome, bladder issues, numbness and tingling, and cognitive dysfunctions.
Main Symptoms
- Fibromyalgia patients often report cognitive dysfunctions, also known as Fibrofog, which is characterized by short and long-term memory loss, impaired concentration, impaired speed of performance, poor processing speed, difficulty multitasking, confusion, etc.
- As per the available data, nearly 80% of the patients report nonrestorative sleep due to chronic stress. They also report poor quality of sleep and shorter sleep duration.
- Other than pain, patients might also suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, genitourinary symptoms, interstitial cystitis, headaches, low blood sugar, etc.
Causes
Though the cause of Fibromyalgia is unknown, research suggests that genetics, lifestyle and trauma, and psychological factors could play a role in developing the disorder. Stress may also be an imperative factor in the slow development of Fibromyalgia. Other potential risks for Fibromyalgia include premature birth, cognitive influences, infectious illness, iron deficiency, etc.
Understanding Cannabis And its Importance
Cannabis is a complex plant containing hundreds of chemical compounds with different properties. Its wide popularity and consumption have given the plant different names, such as marijuana (basically associated with the ‘high’ you get with the consumption of cannabis products), pot, hash, weed, or ganja. Though major followers of the plant smoke it to experience the euphoric effects, its intake for medical purposes is surging.
People with a debilitating medical condition and a medical marijuana card can access legal medical cannabis treatment. Let’s say you’re a resident of Oklahoma, you would then need a certification from a licensed doctor. There are many Oklahoma marijuana doctors that can help you get an MMJ card (medical marijuana card) and get access to legal cannabis.
Know About the Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in Cannabis Sativa plants. CBD, THC, CBN, CBG, and THC-P are a few of the cannabinoids that enjoy quite a demand in the health industry for their commendable medical benefits. CBD stands for cannabidiol and is quite popular for its therapeutic properties whereas THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is known for its euphoric effects. Most people smoke cannabis to get the high feeling triggered by the presence of THC.
Does Cannabis Help People With Fibromyalgia?
CBD and THC are two of the most prevalent cannabinoids. Both enjoy a dedicated following for their unique therapeutic benefits. Though only 0.3% THC is allowed for legal consumption, CBD is legal in most of the US states. CBD has been proven to help patients with an assortment of medical conditions, such as anxiety, glaucoma, cancer, and pain. Pain relief is considered as the most effective medical benefit of consuming CBD-infused products.
CBD can also relieve pain associated with Fibromyalgia (FM). The compound also holds the potential to manage other symptoms of FM, such as nausea, fatigue, mood, and sleep issues.
CBD is generally known for helping people with pain, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, etc.
Here’s What Research Say:
A study was conducted to learn the patterns of cannabis use and the linked benefits reported by patients with Fibromyalgia after the consumption of the compound. The study included two groups – 28 FM patients who were cannabis users and 28 FM patients who were non-users.
The group of cannabis users was given cannabis through the method of smoking, oral and combined. The amount and frequency of marijuana were also different among the participants. Within two hours of the ingestion, the patients reported a reduction in pain and stiffness, felt relaxed, and increased feeling of overall well-being.
The mental health state of cannabis users was also more satisfactory than that of the non-users.
Having said that, the study also demanded further research on the usefulness of cannabinoids in patients with Fibromyalgia and the entire process of cannabinoid system involvement in the disorder.
Which Cannabis Products Should I Use For Fibromyalgia?
Though regular cannabis users must know the best products to use for FM, there are people who consume little or no knowledge of marijuana and hence don’t know much about the best product to go with. Well, the fact is there’s nothing as the best product. What might work for a person might not just work for your body. So, in the beginning, it’s more like an experimenting thing.
Speaking of the available cannabis products, hemp and CBD oils are very popular. A major chunk of the CBD users uses CBD oil to get pain relief. CBD gummies also have a great market in the industry. Thanks to its convenience factor, users prefer eating gummies. Well, if you are looking for genuine CBD products, you can find a lot of variety on OnlineCBDStore.
Final Thoughts
Summing up the entire discussion, it could be concluded that the cannabis plant holds significant potential in managing the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. If you are suffering from Fibromyalgia and considering cannabis as a treatment, it is first advised to talk to a licensed medical marijuana doctor and then start off your cannabis journey.