Fibromyalgia often creates constant pain, severe fatigue, joint stiffness, insomnia, intense headaches, digestive problems, and cognitive issues. Explore this article to understand how medical marijuana can reduce pain and other symptoms of fibromyalgia. Also, have a look at the best marijuana strains for fibromyalgia.
When we think of the best medical marijuana for fibromyalgia, the strain that comes to our mind is the Harlequin strain; visit the official website!
Cannabis and Fibromyalgia
Contents
More than 5 million Americans have fibromyalgia, and most of them are females. Fibromyalgia can be challenging to live with and interrupts routine tasks like typing, cooking, and exercising. The neurological disorder can create muscle spasms, stiffness, dizziness, jumbles, or even stress. Anecdotal evidence shows that cannabis can manage symptoms of fibromyalgia to some extent.
The Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
There are some noticeable symptoms of fibromyalgia that include:
- Abdomen, back, muscles, or neck pain
- Chronic, diffuse, sharp, or severe pain
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
- Forgetfulness or lack of concentration
- Muscle tenderness
- Mood swings
- A sensation of coldness or tingling in hands or feet
- Common symptoms like headache, joint stiffness, painful menstruation, flare, irritability, sensitivity to cold, depression
Research on Cannabis for Fibromyalgia
In 2008, a study including a cannabis-based drug called nabilone reduced pain and uneasiness in 40 individuals living with fibromyalgia. Another research on synthesized THC to manage fibromyalgia symptoms also shows promising outcomes.
In 2014, the National Pain Foundation conducted a study that analyzed four different medications, including cannabis strains, on fibromyalgia symptoms, and the results were promising. Many patients stated the three FDA-affirmed drugs didn’t work at all, 62% said cannabis was “extremely effective,” and just 5% concluded it ineffective.
Some companies created cannabis-infused topicals to convey cannabinoids through transdermal absorption. When applied to the skin, it allows CBD to be absorbed gradually into the bloodstream. The cannabinoid moves throughout the central nervous system to relieve pain. It is valuable for people with fibromyalgia.
How to Use Cannabis for Fibromyalgia?
If fibromyalgia makes it difficult to fall or stay asleep, high THC Indica-dominant cannabis strains could solve your problems. Smoking it will instantly give you relief and let you fall asleep faster. High THC content is often recommended for nighttime use, so its psychoactive effects won’t meddle with your daytime productivity. If you don’t want to get psychoactive effects, high CBD strains could also help curb the intoxicating effects of THC.
During the day, the immediate onset of fibromyalgia signs can be immediately addressed by vaporizing a Sativa-dominant cannabis strain. If preferred, low-THC, high-CBD options are always available to help without rendering that dizzying euphoria. You may need to find a suitable strain and perfect dosage to get relief from fibromyalgia symptoms. Do some experiments to adjust the dosage until you obtain the right one. However, make sure to talk with your doctor before using medical marijuana for fibromyalgia.
Indica vs. Sativa: Which One is Better?
Most cannabis strains in the market are hybrid strains developed by crossbreeding Indica, Sativa, or Ruderalis strains in different proportions. If you’re not sure where to start, ask for an Indica-dominant weed.
A survey of 95 medical marijuana users in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that most people prefer Indica for managing pain. Indica or Indica-dominant strains are known to relax the mind and muscles, reducing irritation, aiding sleep, and reducing tension. Some individuals like to use them at night because of their sedative effects.
Top 10 Best Cannabis Strains for Fibromyalgia
Some cannabis strains stand out to assist those who suffer from the symptoms of fibromyalgia. And we’ve found that the following marijuana strains have been quite beneficial in fibromyalgia.
#1 – Headband OG
Headband OG offers relaxation from stress, aches, and chronic pains. The strain creates a sensation around your head that feels like you are wearing a headband, which resembles its name. Its ‘high’ lasts around 2-3 hours, and its effects shift and intensify the more you smoke.
The happiness that Headband induces is one of a kind, rendering a calming and soothing sensation. The Headband can boost creativity and the desire to work on your tasks. This uplifting experience makes Headband a strain that each cannabis fans must try once.
#2 – Harlequin
This Sativa-dominant hybrid is a great strain for psychological relief. Harlequin strain is a remarkable relaxant, with an ability to quiet the mind and stay focused. Moreover, Harlequin is uplifting and a happiness-inducing weed. This Sativa-dominant cannabis will let you keep your productivity flowing without side effects.
Besides, it’s an ideal strain to smoke in the daytime, which may help you get stuff done. With up to 15% CBD content and 7% THC content, the 2:1 CBD to THC ratio is all you need to feel boosting energy without a psychoactive high.
#3 – Granddaddy Purple
Because GDP is a classic Indica, it can make an intense mental high, leaving you to quiet down and generate a fresh brain buzz. For those seeking a profound and relaxing high, Granddaddy Purple offers just that. This THC powerhouse can effectively induce sleep, making it an ideal strain for nighttime use.
Not only does it assist you with unwinding and let go of all your stresses, but it also leaves you feeling happy. You might feel euphoric giggles and munchies after smoking Granddaddy Purple. It’s one of the best medical marijuana strains for pain, cramps, muscle spasms, anxiety, and nausea.
#4 – Romulan
The euphoria of this potent Indica can deliver a substantial body high and could make you couch-locked. Thus, it’s recommended that you hit some puffs and relax. Romulan is an ideal relaxant, making you feel like you’re floating on clouds. If you continue smoking more, it may leave you sleepy, making it the perfect nighttime smoke.
Romulan is can also induce happiness and giggles. It will mitigate your negative thoughts and make you feel thrilled. You will feel like you have no worries, making you need to kick back and loosen up. Besides, it can also make you hungry, so make sure to have some snacks.
#5 – Critical Mass
Critical Mass can be used when you need to have a relaxed night watching your favorite movies. This strain is quite penetrating on the body, so as long as you don’t have any work to do, you should be in for a good ride. Moreover, it can also make you sleepy if you keep on smoking it in higher doses.
With up to 22% THC and 5% CBD, Critical Mass renders a full-body high that is said to last for a couple of hours, keeping you in a giggly and euphoric temperament for the rest of the night. This hybrid is delightful for those who need to be in good spirits and feel thoroughly uplifted.
#6 – Bubba Kush
Bubba Kush is an effective muscle relaxant strain that can also induce happiness. This 100% Indica strain with up to 22% THC can render an exceptional head high that can make you lazy if consumed in a high dose.
Furthermore, this medical cannabis can manage stress and pain very well. Its most natural side effect is a feeling of a dry mouth and dry eyes. A couch-locked effect can quickly happen because of its strong Indica properties. Besides, it can manage extreme body pain, mood swings, lack of sleep, lack of appetite, and depression.
#7 – Blueberry
Blueberry can render a euphoric high throughout the body and mind. This Indica-dominant strain with up to 16% THC offers delicious taste and relaxing high. Apart from that, Blueberry is one of the most purchased strains in the world for its medical benefits.
For those who want to get much-needed sleep, Blueberry medical marijuana can offer that with its moderate THC level. Apart from that, it can manage stress, pain, headaches, and muscle spasms to make your life easy. Moreover, it’s an excellent appetite booster.
#8 – Cannatonic
Cannatonic created a generally light and smooth high that doesn’t last long as other strains, but it is enjoyable for exactly that reason. This strain doesn’t make you feel lazy but instead allows you to feel lightheaded.
Not only that, this hybrid medical cannabis makes you feel relaxed, happy, and confident. Cannatonic allows you to feel motivated without psychoactive effects. With up to 15% THC and12% CBD, it has a nearly 1:1 THC to CBD balance that can induce a composed high to let you sort out your thoughts.
#9 – Blue Dream
Sativa-dominant Blue Dream is a well-known medical marijuana strain among marijuana users. Smoking it will make you relaxing and invigorating, making it perfect to start your day. With up to 21% THC and 2% CBD, it can provide both medical and recreational benefits.
Moreover, Blue Dream medical cannabis will allow you to socialize without fear or anxiety, making it a perfect strain for parties as well. Blue Dream is the most popular marijuana strain in the market today. Many patients use it to manage their chronic ailments. It can alleviate headaches, inflammation, migraines, menstrual cramps, anxiety, PTSD, depression, and stress.
#10 – Girl Scout Cookies
Girl Scout Cookies is another popular strain in the market today. It relaxes you without inducing fatigue. With up to 21% THC content, this Indica-dominant strain provides an energetic boost of creativity and a rush of euphoria, best enjoyed in good times.
Moreover, it’s a great daytime medical marijuana strain to dispel anxiety and lack of sleep. Besides, it can handle nervousness and depression. Fibromyalgia patients can get many benefits from this strain.
Last Words
You can ask the budtender to get you the best medical marijuana strains for your condition. A qualified budtender likely has experience helping other patients with fibromyalgia and may have data on strains that have worked for others. Apart from Indica and Sativa genetics and their effects, also look for cannabinoids, terpenes, and THC-CBD ratio while buying a new strain. Try not to be reluctant to ask questions and seek guidance from your doctor or experienced users.
As we know, the laws surrounding cannabis have been changing, and more and more fibromyalgia patients will likely approach medical cannabis to relieve pain and depression. There’s a lot of hope among people with medical conditions who want the best solution with cannabis. We hope this information may help someone in need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cannabinoids help in Fibromyalgia?
Some studies show cannabinoids may help reduce or alleviate a few symptoms related to Fibromyalgia. These symptoms include- chronic pain, sleep issues, memory-related issues, and fatigue.
One research published in the year 2017 supports the above statement. But, because the confidence of the data is relatively low, it is unclear whether cannabis offers any help in Fibromyalgia. On the other hand, they are frequently associated with adverse side effects.
What is the greatest fibromyalgia muscle relaxant?
Zanaflex and Flexeril, two muscle relaxants, are among the medications used to treat Fibromyalgia.
What type of high does OG produce?
It has a high THC content of around 23% and is high in terpenes, recognized for their euphoric and sedative effects or even makes you sleepy.
Is Harlequin strain good for sleeping?
If you’re new to cannabis or find that high-THC products make you feel uneasy or paranoid, this is an excellent alternative. Its greater CBD level may also be more effective for people suffering from pain-related sleep difficulties. THC and CBD levels: THC content ranges from 7 to 15%, while CBD ranges as high as 9-13%. The strain gives a warm and soothing high and is very relaxing.
Which terpene is the most effective for pain?
Linalool is widely present in fragrances and is found naturally in mint, citrus, and lavender. It contains anti-inflammatory effects and may be used to alleviate inflammatory pain.
What caused my Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is frequently precipitated by a stressful event, such as physical or mental (psychological) stress. An injury is one of the possible causes of the disease. In addition, it is a viral infection.
Girl Scouts of the USA show that Thin Mints are the best-selling cookie. Girl Scouts of the USA admits that they are followed in declining sales order by, Trefoils/Shortbread, Peanut Butter Patties/Tagalongs, Do-Si-Dos/Peanut Butter Sandwiches, Caramel deLites/Samoas.
Is Cannatonic hemp legal?
Cannatonic is a hemp flower strain that stands out from the crowd. It is a creation of a combination between MK Ultra and a well-known G13 Haze that offers the most relaxing effects on the mind and body.
Which strain is best for Fibromyalgia?
Blue Dream is a viral medicinal strain for daytime use that relieves fibromyalgia symptoms without sedating the user. It’s also a viral strain that may be used to treat pain and depression.
