Understanding cannabidiol (CBD): CBD is a chemical substance made from marijuana. CBD isn’t psychoactive unlike Tetrahydrocannabinol, another byproduct of cannabis. These advantages make CBD an attractive alternative treatment for pain disorders like fibromyalgia.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has not approved CBD for use in the treatment of fibromyalgia and other conditions. Only one CBD product is FDA-approved and regulated: the CBD-based prescription drug Epilex .
It is believed that CBD activates serotonin receptors. It is involved in:
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- Pain perception
- Maintaining body temperature
- reducing inflammation
Recent studies have shown that CBD can also be used to:
- Helps to ease depression
- Can Prevent symptoms of psychosis
Research on CBD and Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition that causes musculoskeletal and other symptoms such as:
- fatigue
- insomnia
- Cognitive issues
This condition is most common in women and there is currently no cure. There are, however, pain management options that can be used as a treatment.
It has been shown to reduce inflammation and chronic pain symptoms. It is presented as an alternative to opioid prescriptions, which can be addictive.
No studies have been published on CBD’s effects on fibromyalgia. Some research has looked at the effects cannabis may have on fibromyalgia.
These mixed results are not surprising. There are more human studies needed.
Earlier studies
A 2009 review Trusted Source revealed that CBD can be used for the relief of neuropathic discomfort. Researchers concluded that CBD, or cannabinoids like it, could be used as an adjunct to pain medication.
A 2011 study examined 56 patients with fibromyalgia. The majority of participants were women.
Two groups of participants were included in the study:
- One group consisted of 28 participants who were not cannabis users.
- The second group consisted of 28 participants who had used cannabis. Their cannabis use frequency and the amount they consumed varied.
The cannabis users felt the following benefits two hours after they had used cannabis:
- Reduced stiffness and pain
- An increase in sleepiness
The non-users had slightly lower mental health scores.
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2019 Dutch study
A 2019 Dutch study examined the effects of cannabis on 20 women suffering from fibromyalgia. Each participant was given four types of cannabis during the course of the study.
- An unspecified amount (in placebo form) of CBD and THC in an unspecified quantity
- 200 mg (mg) of CBD (Bediol), a variety that contains high levels of THC (Bediol).
- 200mg of a variety that contains high levels of CBD and low levels of THC (Bedrolite).
- 100mg of a variety containing low levels of CBD and high amounts THC (Bedrocan).
Researchers found that people who used the placebo variety had similar spontaneous pain scores to those who used the non-placebo varieties.
Bediol, which contains high amounts of CBD and THC, provided relief for more people than the placebo. It reduced spontaneous pain by 30 percent in 18 out of 20 participants. In 11 cases, the placebo resulted in a 30% reduction in spontaneous pain.
The use of Bediol and Bedrocan, both high THC varieties, significantly increased pressure pain thresholds compared to the placebo.
The CBD-rich and low-THC content of Bedrolite didn’t provide any evidence that it could relieve pain either spontaneously or evoked.
2019 Israeli study
A 2019 Israeli study surveyed hundreds of patients with fibromyalgia over a minimum of 6 months. 82% of the participants were women.
Before taking medical marijuana, the study participants were given guidance by nurses. The nurses offered advice on:
- The 14 marijuana strains were made available
- Delivery methods
- dosages
Participants started out with low doses of cannabis. However, the dosages increased over time. The daily average approved dose of cannabis was 670 mg.
The median daily approved dose of cannabis at 6 months was 1,000mg. The median approved dose of THC was 140mg, while the median CBD dosage was 39mg per day.
Researchers acknowledged that there were limitations to the study. They were unable to follow up on about 70% of participants. It was difficult to compare THC-rich and CBD-rich strains due to the variety of strains used.
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They concluded, however, that medical cannabis was an effective and safe treatment for fibromyalgia.
The beginning of the study, 52.5 percent of participants (or 193 people) described their pain as severe. Only 7.9% of participants, or 19 people, reported experiencing high levels of pain at the 6-month follow up.
Treatment Options
You can avoid the psychoactive effects of cannabis by using CBD products that only contain trace amounts of THC. CBD products with higher levels of THC are available if you reside in an area where medical or recreational marijuana is legal.
While each has its benefits, CBD and TCH work best when combined. This interaction is called the “entourage effect” by experts.
CBD can also be used to block THC-targeted receptors, which reduces the negative effects from marijuana. This includes paranoia as well as anxiety.
CBD can be consumed in many ways.
- Vaping or smoking. To relieve pain immediately, you can smoke CBD-rich cannabis. The effects can last for up to three hours. Vaping or smoking cannabis allows you to inhale the CBD directly into your bloodstream, which then carries it into your lungs.
- edibles are foods made with cannabis, or cannabis-infused butter or oil. Although it may take longer for you to feel relief, edibles can provide lasting effects that can last up to six hours.
- Oil extracts. oils can either be used topically or taken orally.
- You can infuse CBD oils into creams or balms that you apply directly to your skin. These CBD products are a great option to reduce inflammation and external pain.
Smoking or vaping marijuana can pose respiratory risk. This method should not be used by people with asthma and lung conditions.
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To avoid side effects, it is important to follow all dosage instructions, especially for edibles.
CBD side effects
Cannabidiol has been shown to have very few side effects and is considered safe. Some people have had the following side effect from CBD.
- Fatigue
- diarrhea
- Changes in appetite
- Weight changes
A study of mice found that CBD intake was linked to liver toxicities. Some of those mice were force-fed high amounts of CBD, which was in the form of CBD rich cannabis extract.
There are drug interactions with CBD. If you are currently taking any other medications or supplements, be aware of these interactions.
Like grapefruit CBD also interferes with cytochromes 450 (CYPs). This group of enzymes are important for drug metabolism.
Outlook
The effectiveness of CBD in treating chronic pain disorders is still being explored by researchers. More research is needed. While there are many success stories, CBD has not been approved by the FDA for fibromyalgia. We are still waiting for research to prove the long-term effects CBD has on the body.
Traditional Fibromyalgia Treatment is recommended until more information is available.
Consult your doctor before you use CBD products to manage pain. These products can be used to help avoid side effects and harmful interactions with current medications.