Many with fibromyalgia are now turning to cannabis in search of relief
While doctors and scientists try to decipher what is at the root of fibromyalgia and its symptoms, this painful disorder causes suffering and discomfort in the lives of 5 million Americans annually. According to the Mayo Clinic, leading researchers believe that fibromyalgia “amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals.” While we may not be sure exactly what is occurring in the body to cause this, one thing that does seem consistent is that cannabis has provided a sense of relief for many people who are living with the ailment.
Symptoms related to fibromyalgia:
• Musculoskeletal pain
• Fatigue
• Sleep issues
• Mood issues
• Memory issues
Why Cannabis for Fibromyalgia?
Doctor Ethan Russo has laid much of the groundwork for what we are able to do at The Novel Tree Medical. His research on cannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors has led to his assertion that fibromyalgia is actually a deficiency of the endocannabinoid system.
The endocannabinoid system is the system responsible for regulating all other systems throughout the body. His theory is that if our body can’t produce enough endogenous cannabinoids (internally-produced) to properly deal with pain and fatigue, we can supplement with phytocannabinoids (plant-produced) to supplement our system. This is where cannabis enters the picture.
“Medicine continues to struggle in its approaches to numerous common subjective pain syndromes that lack objective signs and remain treatment resistant. Foremost among these are migraine, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome, disorders that may overlap in their affected populations and whose sufferers have all endured the stigma of a psychosomatic label, as well as the failure of endless pharmacotherapeutic interventions with substandard benefit.”
- Dr. Ethan Russo
While anecdotal, the feedback we’ve received from many guests over the years with fibromyalgia leads us to the conclusion that cannabis can help aid relief from the associated symptoms, and corroborates Dr. Russo’s findings. Among the people we’ve given medical cannabis consultations to, most have found that products containing high levels of CBD and low levels of THC are the most effective for providing relief.
Cannabis products we’ve recommended for people Experiencing Fibromyalgia pain: High CBD, Low THC.
Ringo’s Gift Flower
The Ringo’s Gift strain grown by Eagle Trees has a cannabinoid profile well-suited for providing relief throughout the day. At nearly 16% CBD, a scant .6% THC and a terpene profile that is more on the energetic Sativa end of the spectrum, it’s a flower to use first thing in the morning and throughout the day to help with soreness, fatigue, aches and pains. About as stimulating as a shot of espresso!
Spectrum 1200 AM & PM Tinctures
Fairwinds Spectrum 1200 tinctures provide an enduring CBD effect. Unique formulations containing high levels of CBD, CBG, very small amounts of THC as well as herbs and essential oils that enhance the benefits of the cannabinoids. Ingested products like tinctures have a longer effectiveness than inhaled products, which may be more beneficial for chronic conditions like fibromyalgia. The Spectrum 1200 AM formulation is non-intoxicating and stimulating and a great way to start the day, while the Spectrum 1200 PM makes for a much more calming, relaxing, and sedating effect more suited to night time use.
Dancehall Vape
With an amazingly high 50% CBD and only 1% THC, the Dancehall EVFO vaporizer from Puffin is a great option to use throughout waking hours. Strong enough to provide immediate relief during a flare up, it provides clear headed non-intoxicating relief. The effects of a smokable product tend to last about an hour. We now think of a vaporizer like an emergency inhaler; It’s a great tool to have in the moment if you need it. This is a product to use in conjunction with an edible or tincture while waiting for the effects of your ingestible product to take effect.
Skagit Organics RSO
RSO may seem intimidating with its high potency and concentration, but it’s actually one of the most versatile products on our shelves. Coming in a wide assortment of potencies and ratios of THC to CBD, we can find a level that best suits your individual needs. It can be easily mixed with butter or oil to cook with, or substituted in baked good recipes like cookies or brownies. Mix with coconut oil and ingest as you would a tincture, or apply it directly as a topical. For a chronic condition where you can anticipate needing periodic dosing over a long period of time, this can be a very cost effective solution.
Journeyman 30:1 Gummmies
The consistent feedback we get from those with fibromyalgia is that high CBD, low THC products seem to be the most effective for the pain and fatigue they experience. With 30mg of CBD and only 1mg of THC these delicious gummies from Journeyman are a great way to get a high serving of CBD into your system. Not everyone will need 30mg of CBD in a single serving, so we typically recommend to start with a half or even a quarter of a gummy and increase as needed, if needed.
Cannabis is something that becomes more effective with continued use, as it builds up in the system and can help to regulate and modulate systems that are out of balance. Many people find that over time, once their endocannabinoid system becomes saturated with CBD and THC from consistent use, their dosage and tolerance actually decreases. As the body begins to return to homeostasis, smaller amounts become more effective over successive doses.
Link to Dr. Ethan Russo’s Endocannabinoid Research