According to a new study published in the journal Brain and Behavior, cannabis-based medical products were “associated with improvements in fibromyalgia-specific symptoms, in addition to sleep, anxiety, and health-related quality of life.”
The study, titled Assessment of clinical outcomes in patients with fibromyalgia: Analysis from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry, was conducted by researchers at the Imperial College London, Sapphire Medical Clinics, St. George’s Hospital NGS Trust, Kings College London and South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, all based on the UK.
“There are limited therapeutic options for individuals with fibromyalgia”, states the study’s abstract. “The aim of this study is to analyze changes in health-related quality of life and incidence of adverse events of those prescribed cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) for fibromyalgia.”
For the study patients treated with CBMPs for a minimum of 1 month were identified from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. Primary outcomes were changes in validated patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). A p-value of <.050 was deemed statistically significant.
In total, 306 patients with fibromyalgia were included for analysis.
“There were improvements in global health-related quality of life at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months (p < .0001)”, states the study. “The most frequent adverse events were fatigue (n = 75; 24.51%), dry mouth (n = 69; 22.55%), concentration impairment (n = 66; 21.57%), and lethargy (n = 65; 21.24%).”
Researchers conclude:
CBMP treatment was associated with improvements in fibromyalgia-specific symptoms, in addition to sleep, anxiety, and health-related quality of life. Those who reported prior cannabis use appeared to have a greater response. CBMPs were generally well-tolerated. These results must be interpreted within the limitations of study design.
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