Fibromyalgia and Cannabis Oil: New EvidenceResearch

Cannabis for fibromyalgia may reduce pain in seven out of ten patients, according to an Australian trial. The study involved 24 women over a 16-week period, using a sublingual oil with a balanced THC and CBD formulation. The benefits also extended to sleep and quality of life. However, the researchers call for caution before making any broad generalizations.

How cannabis oil may help relieve fibromyalgia pain

According to a study published in Pain Research and Management, 24 adults received the oil over a 16-week period. Each millilitre contained 10 mg of THC and 10 mg of CBD. The protocol included four weeks of gradual dose titration, followed by twelve weeks at a stable dose. Each participant took either the product or a placebo once a day, without knowing which group she had been assigned to.

The trial was conducted by three Australian teams from Southern Cross University, Griffith University and Gold Coast University Hospital. The double-blind design confirmed overall satisfactory tolerability. No serious side effects were reported during the 16-week follow-up period. According to the authors, the few adverse effects observed remained mild, mainly drowsiness and slight nausea.

Seven out of ten patients in the treated group achieved at least a 30% reduction in their daily pain score. The placebo reached this threshold in only 20% to 40% of participants, depending on the phase. In addition, 40% of the treated women reported a clear improvement in the overall impact of the disease. The placebo group reached only 10%.

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