Cannabis for Fibromyalgia
Both cannabis and hemp plants have been consistently used around the world for centuries for their therapeutic properties and medicinal purposes. In recent years, the market has been flooded with cannabidiol (CBD) products derived from cannabis and hemp plants. The plants' popularity and widespread availability have more patients and healthcare professionals considering cannabis derived products as a natural remedy to many common ailments. The wellness industry is oversaturated with over-the-counter hemp-based CBD products, and it can be challenging to cut through the noise to find reliable sources. If you’ve been canna-curious keep reading to the end to get endocannabinoid educated and register for a CBD centered webinar this Wednesday with cannabis medicine specialist, Dr. Benjamin Caplan.
The A-B-Cs of CBD and THC:
Hemp and Cannabis plants produce chemical compounds that have been used as natural remedies for centuries. There are over 100 plant-based compounds, called phytocannabinoids, that have profound physical and psychological effects and are the subject of intense medical research. Two of the most well-known compounds are Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Both natural chemicals interact with mammals’ specialized system called the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in regulating some bodily functions, including sleep, appetite, pain sensation, and immune system response. THC is the component that creates a “high feeling,” while Cannabidiol (CBD), is a nonpsychoactive molecule. The plants' popularity as an effective treatment in humans for conditions ranging from chronic pain to anxiety to insomnia. The western world is working to validate the age-old anecdotal claims about the medicinal benefits of the cannabis plant through budding scientific research. Pun intended =)
The Health Benefits of Cannabis:
Cannabis is emerging as one of the most impactful natural medicines in modern medical practice. Clinical research and anecdotal evidence support the therapeutic use of cannabis derived products. Scientific studies have proven the efficacy of cannabis products to aid in alleviating anxiety and pain management. The majority of the cannabis for chronic pain studies have centered a common fibromyalgia comorbidity, arthritis. One of the earliest studies is a 2006 trial of a cannabis based botanical drug approved in the United Kingdom. This product improved rheumatoid arthritis patients’ sleep quality, movement related pain and resting pain. There have also been several favorable studies on the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids on sleep disorders such as insomnia and other slow sleep onset issues. Fittingly in autoimmune awareness month 2021, a study concluding that although CBD usage is common among patients with fibromyalgia, more rigorous research is needed to determine the effects of CBD on fibromyalgia symptoms. Cannabidiol research for chronic pain patients is in its earliest stages, and additional studies are ongoing including the use of CBD for a variety of medical issues. With more interest and advocacy, we will continue to learn more about cannabis as an alternative treatment to keep humans happy and healthy.
Partaking and Potential Side Effects:
Cannabis products come in many forms, like infused oils, flowers, edible treats, and topical creams. Research on the efficacy of each method is limited, and there is insufficient evidence on the size of a toxic dosage. It is always advisable, when trying something new, to check you’re your medical team first, start with small amounts, and closely monitor the effects.
Although they are commonly confused, CBD oil and hemp oil are quite different. CBD oil can be made from the Sativa hemp plant or the cannabis Sativa plant. Hemp oil is made from pressed hemp seeds, and CBD oil is extracted from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of either plant. Once the oils are extracted, they are diluted with carrier oils like coconut and hemp. It's important to note that although these plants fall in the same family, cannabis Sativa contains higher percentages of THC which can cause a psychotropic reaction. Plants producing less than 0.3% THC are considered “hemp.” CBD can be found in a variety of products online and in stores, including infused oils, dietary supplements, and tinctures.
When working with tinctures or other ingestible forms of the plant, it’s best to choose a bottled oil with a measured dropper to easily dispense the desired dose to food or drinks. Try a dose in the middle of the recommended range and keep a watchful eye for any positive or negative reactions.
To minimize any potential side effects:
· Start with a low dose.
· Monitor your reactions.
· Increase doses slowly if needed.
It is super important to watch for signs of the intended reaction or a negative one. Intended reactions could include increased sense of calmness, sleeping soundly, or decreased pain.
On the flip side, negative reactions to look out for can include:
· Intense paranoia or anxiety
· Feeling more inactive, lethargic, or energetically dragging
· Appearing unstable or imbalanced
Additional possible side effects of ingesting this plant-based medicine can include:
· Dry mouth caused by decreased saliva leading to increased thirst
· Lowered blood pressure and light-headedness
· Drowsiness is usually driven by high doses
· Gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea or vomiting
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or signs, then you may have overdosed and experiencing toxic effects. These effects typically fade over time, but if they persist do not hesitate to contact a medically professional. All medications and supplements can activate a reaction, so always consult your doctor before trying anything new. Due to legalities, in some states, your doctor may not be able to provide a professional recommendation or opinion, but in other states, medical doctors have more freedom. For example, some laws prevent state regulators from taking punitive action against doctors for talking with clients about the benefits, possible side effects, and toxicities associated with cannabis usage.
The Legalities of the Leaf:
Increased interest in the CBD wellness trend is largely driven by the legalization of cannabis across the country. There are over 30 states with laws allowing for medical and/or recreational use. Some doctors are restricted by state medical boards and unable to have an open dialogue with their clients about CBD harm reduction education. Cannabis research has been restricted by its federal classification as a Schedule I drug which puts it in the same category as heroin and ecstasy. Plants producing less than 0.3% THC are considered “hemp” and are federally legal thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. Even with varying degrees of legalization by state, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved CBD, which means all hemp-based CBD products available on the market are sold as nutritional supplements.
After you have consulted with your medical team and you have decided to make an informed decision to try treating your ailments with cannabis products. Before you fill your cart with sub-par product remember that not all products are created equally. The higher the quality and care in crafting the cannabis derived products will result in better efficacy. A best practice when selecting products is to do due diligence before purchasing anything online. Look on the product’s website for “certificates of analysis” and other evidence of third-party testing to ensure consistency and purity. These certificates tell you things like if products are pesticide and heavy metal-free and if the quality is as advertised.
The best products for chronic pain patients are lab tested for safety as well as free of unnecessary additives and toxins. The best formulas also have minimal ingredients that help support your endocannabinoid system and provide relief in natural ways using only quality ingredients. You deserve to live a comfortable and peaceful life, and to have access to the tools that can help you achieve an overall better sense of wellbeing.
Additional Resources:
If you’d like more anecdotal evidence on the efficacy of cannabis for fibromyalgia symptoms listen to the Fibro Friends two-part podcast featuring, Kil. The fibro friends chat with fellow fibro warrior about the various ways to consume cannabis, the process of obtaining a medical marijuana card, and the stigma surrounding the people that partake in the plant. For more scientific backed studies, attend the FCSA hosted wellness workshop this Wednesday. The CBD for Fibromyalgia workshop will be led by Mildred Velez, the Founder of the Fibromyalgia Care Society of America, Dr. Benjamin Caplan, a physician who specializes in Cannabis Medicine, and Mariya Palanjian, founder of Roma Leaf, a CBD plant based medicine. Click this link to register and save your spot!
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this presentation are solely for educational purposes and are not medical advice, diagnosis, nor treatment. Transmission of this information is not intended to create, and receipt does not constitute, any therapist-client or other professional relationship between any Rowan Center provider and the recipient, and should not be relied upon as medical or any other professional advice of any kind or nature whatsoever. The information presented is not intended to be a substitute for obtaining mental health treatment from an appropriate professional licensed in your state.
CONTRIBUTING WRITER: Jewell Singletary is a creative entrepreneur, educator, and multidisciplinary artist. She is a writer who runs Thee Be Well Blog and a YouTube channel called Gratitude Griot in which she shares guided meditations and beginner yoga classes to help reduce stress. Jewell also hosts the Yoga Wit the Ohmies Podcast, the h[ohm]e of healing conversations around all things mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.