Ingestion of a THC-Rich Cannabis Oil in People with Fibromyalgia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

Objective To determine the benefit of a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-rich cannabis oil on symptoms and quality of life of fibromyalgia patients. Methods A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted for eight weeks to determine the benefit of a THC-rich cannabis oil (24.44 mg/mL of THC and 0.51 mg/mL of cannabidiol [CBD]) on symptoms and quality of life of 17 women with fibromyalgia, residents of a neighborhood with a low socioeconomic profile and a high incidence of violence in the city of Florianopolis, Brazil. The initial dose was one drop (∼1.22 mg of THC and 0.02 mg of CBD) a day with subsequent increases according to symptoms. The Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) was applied at pre- and postintervention moments and in five visits over eight weeks. Results There were no significant differences on baseline FIQ score between groups. However, after the intervention, the cannabis group presented a significant decrease in FIQ score in comparison with the placebo group (P = 0.005) and in comparison with cannabis group baseline score. (P < 0.001). Analyzing isolated items on the FIQ, the cannabis group presented significant improvement on the “feel good,” “pain,” “do work,” and “fatigue” scores. The placebo group presented significant improvement on the “depression” score after intervention. There were no intolerable adverse effects. Conclusions Phytocannabinoids can be a low-cost and well-tolerated therapy to reduce symptoms and increase the quality of life of patients with fibromyalgia. Future studies are still needed to assess long-term benefits, and studies with different varieties of cannabinoids associated with a washout period must be done to enhance our knowledge of cannabis action in this health condition.

Cannabinoid Formulations and Delivery Systems: Current and Future Options to Treat Pain

“…A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on treating fibromyalgia with cannabinoids has recently been presented by Chaves et al [ 282 ]. Oil extracts of cannabis had 24 mg/mL THC and 0.5 mg/mL CBD, although the terpenoid profile was not analysed, were administered sublingually to 18 patients.…”

Endocannabinoid System as Therapeutic Target of PTSD: A Systematic Review

“…Notably, pain indexes were significantly reduced after treatment with nabilone at a maximum dose of 6 mg/d and medicinal cannabis with 20–25% THC component at 2–3 g/d. The use of medicinal cannabis for chronic pain symptoms finds wide support in the medical literature given the modulatory effects of the eCBS on inflammation and pain-processing pathways in the central and peripheric nervous systems, mainly relying on CB2 expression in peripheral tissues and immune cells [ 76 , 77 , 78 , 79 ]. Pain is frequently associated with PTSD clinical features, with evidence about mutual influences that such symptoms may exert.…”

A Systematic Review of Fibromyalgia and Recent Advancements in Treatment: Is Medicinal Cannabis a New Hope?

“…The Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) was applied at pre- and post-intervention moments and in five visits over eight weeks. After the intervention, the cannabis group presented a significant decrease in FIQ score in comparison with the placebo group [ 23 ].…”