A systematic review of 10 studies (1,136 patients) found medical cannabis was generally safe and well-tolerated for fibromyalgia, with no serious adverse events reported.
Fibromyalgia patients and rheumatologists considering cannabis as a treatment option.
No serious adverse events across 1,136 patients in 10 studies
What the researchers found
Across 3 RCTs and 6 observational studies, cannabis showed potential benefit for fibromyalgia symptoms with side effects limited to feeling "high," dizziness, dry mouth, cough, red eyes, and drowsiness. No serious adverse events were reported. The review could not identify which specific cannabis type or formulation was most effective.
Why it matters
Fibromyalgia remains poorly treated by conventional medicine. This review confirms that medical cannabis has a favorable safety profile in this population, which is important given that many fibromyalgia patients are already using cannabis without clinical guidance.
The numbers in context
181 citations screened, 10 included. 1,136 patients total. 3 RCTs, 6 observational, 1 comparison study. Study sizes: 9-383 patients (mean 114, median 36). Adverse events: mild only, no serious events.
How the study worked
Systematic review searching MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, AMED, Scopus, and Cochrane CENTRAL (2000-2020). 10 of 181 identified studies met inclusion criteria. Total of 1,136 patients across all studies (intervention n=945, control n=108, crossover n=83).
What this study cannot tell us
Only 10 studies, mostly observational. Heterogeneous study designs. Small sample sizes. Cannot determine optimal cannabis type, dose, or duration. Three different study designs limit synthesis.
How to read the evidence
Systematic methodology but limited by few studies, small samples, and heterogeneous designs.
When this study was published
2021 systematic review covering studies from 2000-2020.
The bigger picture
The safety finding is arguably more important than the efficacy signal at this stage. For a chronic condition where patients are often desperate for relief, knowing that medical cannabis has mild and manageable side effects allows for more informed shared decision-making.
Questions still open
- Which cannabis formulation is most effective for fibromyalgia? What is the optimal dosing strategy? How does cannabis compare head-to-head with approved fibromyalgia drugs?
Common questions
Is medical cannabis safe for fibromyalgia?
Does cannabis cure fibromyalgia?
Read the original research
Safety and Efficacy of Medicinal Cannabis in the Treatment of Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review.
Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 27(3), 198-213
Citation
Kurlyandchik, Inna; Tiralongo, Evelin; Schloss, Janet. (2021). Safety and Efficacy of Medicinal Cannabis in the Treatment of Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review.. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 27(3), 198-213. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2020.0331
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