How can CBD help with fibromyalgia?

How can CBD help with fibromyalgia?

Key takeaways

  • Some evidence suggests CBD may improve symptoms of fibromyalgia, including pain and sleep issues. However, current evidence is limited, and more research is necessary.
  • There are no CBD products with FDA approval for treating fibromyalgia. Commercial CBD products may have inaccurate labels and entail certain risks, including medication interactions.
  • It is generally a good idea for someone with fibromyalgia to work with a healthcare professional when trying CBD products to ensure they choose the safest possible product and dose.

Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by chronic pain. Cannabidiol (CBD) is an oil that derives from cannabis. Studies suggest that CBD may help relieve pain and inflammation, so researchers are investigating its effects on fibromyalgia.

Although CBD shows promise as a remedy for this condition, more research is necessary to prove it is safe and effective. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not currently approve CBD for treating fibromyalgia or other forms of pain.

Nonetheless, CBD remains a popular choice. This article will explore why CBD may be able to relieve the pain of fibromyalgia. It will also examine its most effective uses and some potential side effects.

Is CBD legal?The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. Be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.

Benefits of CBD for fibromyalgia
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According to the some evidence suggests that  or CBD could have modest benefits for

Anecdotal data may also support these benefits. According to a , 63% of people who bought CBD for did so following personal research rather than endorsement from medical professionals.

A  assessed four randomized controlled trials and five observational studies to investigate the effects of CBD on fibromyalgia.

The review authors conclude that most of the research supported CBD’s benefits for short-term pain reduction in fibromyalgia. However, the research was of low quality, with inconsistent results.

A  supports this, suggesting that cannabis-based products and medications could improve the following factors in people with fibromyalgia:

  • quality of life
  • sleep habits
  • pain

CBD may offer these benefits through its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. However, this review also highlightspeople the limited evidence and the need for further research.

Does synthetic cannabis work?

A highlights the ongoing research into synthetic CBD to treat chronic pain. The review’s authors emphasize the importance of a new long-acting synthetic cannabidiol product to combat the risks associated with currently unregulated CBD products.

Despite this, older research in a  suggests people with fibromyalgia poorly tolerated a synthetic cannabinoid called Nabilone, and that it had no significant benefits compared with a

Ultimately, more research is necessary to understand the therapeutic potential of synthetic CBD products for fibromyalgia.

Why has finding evidence been difficult?

There is limited evidence from human studies to support the benefits of CBD oil, as the use and research of cannabis are still restricted.

As cannabis is becoming legalized in various regions, research is gaining momentum and starting to show some promising results.

Many studies of CBD have limitations, including the following:

  • very small participant numbers
  • conflicting results
  • a lack of control groups or placebos
  • a lack of objective measures, relying instead on self-report measures

Other challenges that researchers may face include sourcing high quality CBD or medical cannabis, due to a lack of regulation, and controlling the dosage and potency of CBD products.

Although some evidence supports CBD’s use for fibromyalgia, more research is necessary before clinicians may begin to recommend it.

CBD resources

Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on

Potential risks of CBD for fibromyalgia

There are no CBD products or medications with for treating or managing fibromyalgia. Despite this, people may find a variety of commercially available CBD products in various forms, including tinctures, oils, and more.

2021 study highlights that the FDA does not regulate these products. Risks associated with buying unregulated CBD products may include:

  • a lack of guidance from medical professionals
  • inaccurate product labels, which may include dosage guidance and information about CBD quantities
  • contamination with other ingredients, such as heavy metals or pesticides
  • inaccurate health claims

A lack of FDA regulation also means that people may be unaware of  with CBD products. This means CBD products could influence the effectiveness and safety of medications a person takes for fibromyalgia.

Side effects

According to the cannabidiol products may cause the following effects:

  • lower birth weights in infants if people use it during pregnancy
  • an increased risk of:
    • motor vehicle crashes
    • injuries in older adults
    •  and other psychoses
  • cannabis use disorder, which can cause withdrawal symptoms and cravings
  •  which is dizziness when standing up
  • lung injuries when people use

It is a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional before using CBD products as a remedy for fibromyalgia

Is CBD the same as cannabis?

In short, CBD is not the same as cannabis.

CBD is one of more than  that come from the cannabis plant. Another compound in cannabis, called  is responsible for producing a high.

In most cases, the CBD oil on the market uses a type of cannabis called hemp, which legally must contain  THC.

How to use CBD for fibromyalgia

A variety of websites offer instructions for using CBD products, but there is little expert insight into usage or dosage. Products such as CBD oil can be topical or oral.

As a general rule, it is a good idea to follow a product’s label instructions. However, people should be aware that commercial CBD products  inaccurate labels, which may lead to inaccurate dosage recommendations or CBD quantities.

Finding CBD products through medical cannabis dispensaries may be safer than purchasing them online, since dispensaries may have state oversight.

If possible, people may benefit from talking about dosages with a doctor who is knowledgeable about CBD and fibromyalgia.

As with any drug, it is advisable to start with a low dosage and carefully observe the body’s reaction.

Legality

Although hemp and hemp-derived products that contain  are legal under the Farm Bill, there is still some confusion over the specifics.

Research is ongoing, and the legal status of CBD and other cannabinoids varies by state.

If a person in the United States is thinking of trying CBD, they can

Summary

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition. Although CBD will not cure it, some people find that it can help them manage their symptoms, and research in this area shows promise.

CBD products may help to relieve pain and improve the quality of life of people with fibromyalgia. However, the current evidence is limited, and more research is necessary to understand its effectiveness and safety.

People buying CBD products should be wary of additional ingredients and inaccurate labelling. A healthcare professional may be able to provide guidance on safe dosage amounts, particularly if someone is taking other medications.

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