Colombian Review Of Clinical Trials Finds Cannabis Improves Fibromyalgia Symptoms

The use of cannabis-based medications by patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome, including the use of unprocessed cannabis flower, is associated with symptomatic improvements according to a systematic review of clinical trials previously published in the journal Exploratory Research in Clinical and Social Pharmacy.

“There is a need to explore pharmacological options for syndrome (FMS), such as medical cannabis. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize and analyze the available information about the effectiveness/efficacy and safety of cannabis-based products for medical use (CBPMs) and cannabis-based medicines (CBMs), in patients with FMS.” the researchers stated about the goal of the review. The team of researchers conducting the review were affiliated with:

• Research Group on Pharmaceutical Promotion and Prevention, University of Antioquia, UdeA, AA 1226, Medellin 050010, Colombia
• 2El Dorado Botanical, Independent Researcher and Advisor in Bioinformatics and Precision Medicine, Medellin, Colombia.
• 3Research Group on Pharmaceutical Care, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain

“Interventional or observational studies, systematic reviews and meta-analysis regarding the effectiveness/efficacy and safety of CBPMs and CBMs in patients with FMS were retrieved from the PubMed/Medline database until April 2024. Then, the information was summarized in tables, with the type of CBPM and CBM, the method used in the study and the effective-ness/efficacy and safety outcomes.” the researchers stated about their methodology.

Fibromyalgia syndrome is a chronic musculoskeletal condition that is estimated to affect as much as 5% of the world’s population. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome compared to men.

“19 publications were selected from the search or form the relevant references. Different CBPM and CBM were used across the studies. Also, different instruments for measuring the effectiveness were used. In general, the use of CBPMs and CBM showed an important improvement in pain, quality of life, and sleep habits. There were no serious adverse events.” researchers stated about the systematic review of clinical trials.

“The results show that CBMPs and CBMs could be effective and safe in patients with FMS; however, the evidence is limited and there is a need for high-quality clinical studies conducted with improved methodological design.” the review authors concluded.

According to a recent market analysis by S&S Insider, the global medical cannabis market was valued at $16.84 billion in 2023, and is projected to reach an estimated $86.04 billion in value by 2032 with CAGR of 19.89% from 2024 to 2032.