Nearly 1 in 4 Canadian fibromyalgia patients had tried medical cannabis after legalization

23.9% of FM patients reported ever using medical cannabis, compared to 11.1% of non-FM rheumatology patients. Among FM ever-users, 61% continued use. FM cannabis users tended to be younger (53 vs. 58 years), were more likely unemployed/disabled (39% vs. 17%, p=0.019), used more medications, and reported substantial symptom relief (VAS 7.0/10). Cigarette smoking and recreational cannabis use were more common among ever-users.

Cross-sectional survey of 1,000 consecutive rheumatology patients during June-August 2019 in Canada. Rheumatologists completed demographic/disease questionnaires; patients completed anonymous questionnaires on cannabis use and health status. Compared FM patients to non-FM patients and FM cannabis users to FM non-users.

Fibromyalgia has limited effective treatments, and cannabis legalization has made it easier for patients to self-medicate. Understanding who uses medical cannabis and their perceived benefits helps guide clinical conversations.

The high self-reported relief score (7/10) and continuation rate (61%) suggest FM patients find meaningful benefit from medical cannabis, though the role of prior smoking and recreational use as facilitators warrants consideration in clinical counseling.

Cross-sectional survey at one rheumatology center. Self-reported cannabis use and symptom relief without objective measures. No control for placebo effect. FM cannabis users used more medications overall, confounding symptom assessment.