Fibromyalgia patients who used cannabis reported significant pain and stiffness relief within 2 hours | Research

The takeaway

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.

Read this if you have fibromyalgia and are curious about what cannabis users report about symptom relief.

Significant pain and stiffness reduction within 2 hours of cannabis use (p<0.001)

What the researchers 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.

Why it 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 numbers in context

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 the study worked

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.

What this study cannot 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.

How to read the evidence

Cross-sectional observational study with small sample and no blinding, providing preliminary evidence that requires controlled confirmation.

When this study was published

Published in 2011. Controlled trials of cannabis for fibromyalgia have since been conducted with mixed results.

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.

Questions still open

Would cannabis show the same benefits in a randomized controlled trial with placebo? Which cannabinoids are most responsible for the symptom relief?

Common 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.

Read the original research

Cannabis use in patients with fibromyalgia: effect on symptoms relief and health-related quality of life.

PloS one, 6(4), e18440

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

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