Low-dose medical cannabis as a tea reduced fibromyalgia pain from 8 to 4 on a 10-point scale over 6 months

Pain intensity (NRS) decreased from a median of 8 (95% CI 7.66-8.54) at baseline to 4 (95% CI 3.28-4.79) after 6 months. Physical health improved in 96.67% of patients, and mental health improved in 82.33%. The systematic review component identified 10 clinical trials of cannabis for fibromyalgia, generally supporting potential benefit.

Pilot study at San Carlo Hospital, Potenza, Italy. 30 fibromyalgia patients received 100 mg/day Bedrocan (standardized cannabis) as a decoction (tea) for 6 months. NRS pain scale and SF-12 quality-of-life questionnaire at baseline and 6 months. Accompanied by a systematic review of 10 trials.

The decoction (tea) delivery method is notable because it provides a non-smoked, low-dose option that may be more acceptable to patients and clinicians. The 50% pain reduction is clinically meaningful even without a control group.

Fibromyalgia is notoriously difficult to treat, and many patients do not respond to conventional pharmacotherapy. Even with the limitations of an uncontrolled pilot, a 50% pain reduction with good tolerability is notable for this patient population.

No control group or blinding. Small sample. Single-site. 6-month follow-up only. Decoction preparation may vary in cannabinoid extraction efficiency. Cannot separate pharmacological effects from placebo or therapeutic relationship effects.