Fibromyalgia patients who used cannabis reported significant pain and stiffness relief within 2 hours
Among 28 fibromyalgia cannabis users, self-reported pain and stiffness significantly decreased within 2 hours of use, with improved relaxation and well-being, and better mental health scores compared to 28 non-users.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Researchers compared 28 fibromyalgia patients who used cannabis to 28 matched non-users. Demographics and clinical profiles were similar between groups.
Cannabis users consumed the drug through smoking (54%), oral ingestion (46%), or combined routes (43%), with variable amounts and frequencies. Within 2 hours of cannabis use, visual analogue scale scores showed statistically significant improvements in pain, stiffness, relaxation, drowsiness, and feeling of well-being (all p<0.001).
On the SF-36 quality of life measure, cannabis users had significantly higher mental health component scores (p<0.05) than non-users. However, no significant differences were found in other SF-36 domains, the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, or the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.
Key Numbers
28 cannabis users, 28 non-users. Routes: 54% smoking, 46% oral, 43% combined. At 2 hours post-use: significant reductions in pain and stiffness (p<0.001). Mental health SF-36 scores significantly higher in users (p<0.05).
How They Did This
Cross-sectional study comparing 28 fibromyalgia cannabis users to 28 non-users. Cannabis effects measured by VAS at baseline and 2 hours post-use. Quality of life, fibromyalgia impact, and sleep quality compared between groups using FIQ, PSQI, and SF-36.
Why This Research Matters
This was one of the first studies to document specific symptom relief from cannabis in fibromyalgia patients using validated measurement tools, though the observational design limited causal conclusions.
The Bigger Picture
The study provided preliminary evidence supporting patient reports of cannabis benefits for fibromyalgia symptoms, contributing to the call for randomized controlled trials in this patient population.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Observational study without blinding or placebo control. Self-selected cannabis users may differ from non-users in ways beyond cannabis use. The 2-hour measurement window captured acute effects only. Small sample size.
Questions This Raises
- ?Would cannabis show the same benefits in a randomized controlled trial with placebo?
- ?Which cannabinoids are most responsible for the symptom relief?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Significant pain and stiffness reduction within 2 hours of cannabis use (p<0.001)
- Evidence Grade:
- Cross-sectional observational study with small sample and no blinding, providing preliminary evidence that requires controlled confirmation.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2011. Controlled trials of cannabis for fibromyalgia have since been conducted with mixed results.
- Original Title:
- Cannabis use in patients with fibromyalgia: effect on symptoms relief and health-related quality of life.
- Published In:
- PloS one, 6(4), e18440 (2011)
- Authors:
- Fiz, Jimena, Durán, Marta, Capellà, Dolors(2), Carbonell, Jordi, Farré, Magí
- Database ID:
- RTHC-00484
Evidence Hierarchy
A snapshot of a population at one point in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Does cannabis help with fibromyalgia?
In this observational study, fibromyalgia patients who used cannabis reported significant short-term relief from pain and stiffness. However, without a placebo-controlled design, the contribution of expectation effects cannot be ruled out.
Did cannabis improve sleep in fibromyalgia?
Despite reports of increased drowsiness after cannabis use, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index did not differ significantly between cannabis users and non-users, suggesting acute drowsiness may not translate to improved overall sleep quality.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-00484APA
Fiz, Jimena; Durán, Marta; Capellà, Dolors; Carbonell, Jordi; Farré, Magí. (2011). Cannabis use in patients with fibromyalgia: effect on symptoms relief and health-related quality of life.. PloS one, 6(4), e18440. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0018440
MLA
Fiz, Jimena, et al. "Cannabis use in patients with fibromyalgia: effect on symptoms relief and health-related quality of life.." PloS one, 2011. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0018440
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Cannabis use in patients with fibromyalgia: effect on sympto..." RTHC-00484. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/fiz-2011-cannabis-use-in-patients
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.