Episode 27: Part 1: an Introduction to Medical Marijuana: its efficacy towards fibromyalgia pain relief
This is Part I of a three-part series exploring into the efficacy of medical marijuana for individuals living with fibromyalgia. The focus of this episode is on introducing the possibilities that medical marijuana could offer for symptom relief, exploring legal implications, and shedding light on the current state of research. Additionally, I share a glimpse into my experience and decision-making process in considering medical marijuana as part of my fibromyalgia management plan.
It's "a new year and a new me"! Or at least that's what so many people say in the first of a new year when they want to turn over a new leaf, open a new door, or CHANGE somehow. Do I have "new me" goals? Yes, I do. Sure, I want to exercise more, eat better, and have a healthier body, mind, and spirit, but mostly, I want to experience less fibromyalgia pain.
That's it. That's the goal, the whole of it. No more... just less pain.
But, that one goal has layers, so many layers. There isn't only one thing I have to do to have less pain. Peel back the layers and one thing becomes another, and another, and another.
My arsenal already includes: dietary supplements, no alcohol, reduced sugar, yoga, meditation, mental health and physical therapy, dance & exercise, intentional breathing for stress reduction, and quality, long lasting rest and sleep. In the past, it has also included massage, float therapy, chiropractics and... drugs - specifically Lyrica. What more could I do?
Enter Medical Marijuana
I have resisted using cannabis in any capacity because I am a teacher. In the beginning of my career, I was randomly drug tested and trace amounts of the elicit drug in my urine could have closed the door on my career. That was 30 years ago, but the stigma remains. Even though in my state, Minnesota, use of marijuana products is fully legal for medicinal and recreational use, there are six states where cannabis is not legal for for either, and seven for which only CBD oil is legal. Whether cannabis for fibromyalgia is a safe alternative for pain management isn't debatable. That is why, I am a advocate for states and the federal government to legalize medical marijuana.
The truth is, I am all for states legalizing the recreational use of marijuana, but at the very least, I am a proponent for our government to take what is already known and make this medicinal plant available to those that need it.
The Big Question: can medical marijuana treat my fibromyalgia pain?
Well, researchers at the Mayo Clinic seem to think so. They concluded that cannabis used to treat fibromyalgia is a safe alternative for pain management. In this same study, the researchers determined that although, [their] "investigation revealed that [cannabinoids] may be effective in reducing pain and improving sleep in fibromyalgia patients ... more studies are needed to strengthen these findings". The use of cannabinoids (THC & CBD) for pain or other ailments has not been unknown to clandestine users in the past - or today. In another study of 16,280 US adults in 2020, researchers learned that, "Americans are using marijuana to treat medical conditions despite lack of evidence of efficacy", and that often times, these patients are doing so without a prescription or knowledge of their doctors. It also seems to be a case that clandestine use of medical marijuana goes unchecked in states where it is not legal.
LEGALIZATION & FUNDING
A lack of research may be to blame because of marijuana's legal status at both the state and federal level hinder the funding needed to do justice to the research and because of this, research institutions are just starting to catch up. Although studies seem to be inconclusive on the efficacy of medical marijuana, each study ends with more research needs to be done, or more discussions need to be had, or "Future research should track clinical outcomes where cannabis is offered as a viable substitute for pain treatment". If marijuana were legal at the federal level, it could potentially lead to increased funding and support for research on its medicinal properties. Federal legalization might encourage more pharmaceutical companies and researchers to invest in studies related to marijuana's therapeutic effects, leading to a better understanding of its medical applications.
Marijuana for Fibromyalgia Pain
In a sampling of studies on the effectiveness of cannabis on fibromyalgia pain, all of them affirmed positive outcomes using medical marijuana to curb symptoms. One study published in Biomedicines, an international, peer-reviewed open access journal, the researchers reported, after a systematic review of studies, that, [their]"investigation revealed that they may be effective in reducing pain and improving sleep in fibromyalgia patients" and that there is,"a potential role for cannabinoids in the management of fibromyalgia, despite currently limited evidence". Another paper published in PLOS ONE, a peer-reviewed scientific journal, studied the endocannabinoid system (a system of receptors in the brain) of patients with fibromyalgia and their findings showed, "significant improvement of symptoms of FM [fibromyalgia] in patients using cannabis". This is backed up by other research that studied endocannabinoid deficiency in migraine, fibromyalgia and IBS patients which asserts, "[these and] related conditions display common clinical, biochemical and pathophysiological patterns that suggest an underlying clinical endocannabinoid deficiency that may be suitably treated with cannabinoid medicines". These study suggests cannabis may be a new key factor in reducing the suffering for people living with fibromyalgia.
I, for one, am a fan and at this point in my fibromyalgia journey, after studying the potential benefits of medical marijuana and consulting with my doctor, I am now a certified prescription holder in the state of Minnesota. My hope is that it effectively treats my chronic pain and helps improve my sleep. To date, I have had nothing but good results. Not only have my pain levels improved, I have also been sleeping through the entire night.
RECAP
As I continue on this journey of a "new year, new me," my overarching goal is crystal clear – to find relief from the grip of fibromyalgia pain. What initially seemed like a simple resolution has unraveled into an array of strategies from dietary supplements to yoga and meditation, and now venturing into the realm of medical marijuana.
Despite my reservations, this journey has led me to recognize the potential benefits of cannabis in managing my fibromyalgia symptoms. My decision has been supported by research, particularly from the Mayo Clinic, that highlights cannabinoids as potential pain alleviators; this path seems like the best option to date. But, the conversation extends beyond my personal choices; it should continue to examine the issues of legalization and funding which is critical in unlocking further research into marijuana's therapeutic effects.
In sharing my experience with medical marijuana, I am pleased to report promising results, including improved pain levels and uninterrupted sleep. To date, my journey has involved diverse strategies on a quest for fibromyalgia relief. My hope is to foster an open dialogue and push the boundaries of possibilities in the pursuit of a pain-free life.
Finally, as we navigate the complexities of fibromyalgia management and explore the potential benefits of medical marijuana, I invite the Fibromyalgia Community to join the conversation. Share your experiences, thoughts, or questions in the comments below.
If you enjoyed this post, share it with your friends and colleagues, and consider becoming a subscriber. If you have any tips or suggestions about how to better cope with chronic pain, leave a comment. I would love to hear from you!
Karen Palmen, EdD is a veteran educator in Saint Paul, Mn. She teaches Dance and English at Saint Paul Central High School. She has an active TikTok page that features humorous, political, mental health, and educational content (kickin it with karen). And a a dormant YOUTUBE channel with the same name, featuring fermented foods and other cooking oddities.
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Sources:
Clark, Peter A, et al. “Medical Marijuana: Medical Necessity versus Political Agenda.”
Medical Science Monitor : International Medical Journal of Experimental and Clinical Research, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Dec. 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3628147/.
Fiz, Jimena, et al. “Cannabis Use in Patients with Fibromyalgia: Effect on Symptoms Relief
and Health-Related Quality of Life.” National Library of Medicine, PMC Pubmed Central, 21 Apr. 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3080871/.
“Marijuana Legality by State - Updated Jan 3, 2024.” DISA, DISA Global Solutions, 3 Jan.
Palmen, Karen L. “Fibromyalgia and Medication Withdrawal.” My Fibro Life, WIX, 28 July
Reiman, Amanda, et al. “Cannabis as a Substitute for Opioid-Based Pain Medication:
Patient Self-Report.” National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Medicine, 1 July 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5569620/.
Strand, Natalie H, et al. “Cannabis for the Treatment of Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review.”
National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2 June 2023, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10295750/.