“I feel like my whole body is bruised, but no one can see it.” That’s how many people with fibromyalgia describe their day-to-day pain. It’s persistent. It’s invisible. And for many, it’s overwhelming.
Fibromyalgia is a long-term health condition that affects about 4 million adults in the U.S. Most of them are women. It causes pain all over the body, tiredness that doesn’t go away, trouble sleeping, mood changes, and something called “fibro fog.” That’s when it’s hard to think clearly, remember things, or focus.
There are treatments like medicine, exercise, and healthy habits—but they don’t always work well for everyone. That’s why more people are looking into medical marijuana for fibromyalgia pain. Cannabis is being seen as a possible way to help with both the pain and the mental stress that fibromyalgia brings.
In this blog, we’ll talk about how cannabis might help, what the science says, and what some patients have shared about their own experiences. Whether you were just diagnosed or have been dealing with fibromyalgia for a long time, this information can help you feel more confident about your options.
What Are the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a complex condition. It doesn’t just affect one part of the body—it affects the whole person. This makes it particularly frustrating to manage and diagnose. It’s considered a “nociplastic” pain condition, which means it involves the central nervous system rather than obvious inflammation or nerve damage. Many experts believe there may also be a connection to the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate pain, sleep, and mood.
Core Symptoms of Fibromyalgia:
- Widespread Pain and Muscle Stiffness: The most common and defining symptom. Pain is typically felt on both sides of the body and can come and go or persist daily.
- Fatigue: People with fibromyalgia often describe waking up tired, no matter how much sleep they get.
- Sleep Disturbances: Many experience trouble falling or staying asleep. Some also have sleep disorders like restless legs syndrome or sleep apnea.
- Cognitive Difficulties (“Fibro Fog”): This includes problems with memory, concentration, and processing information. It’s like trying to think through a fog.
- Mental Health Challenges: Depression and anxiety frequently go hand-in-hand with fibromyalgia, sometimes as a result of chronic pain, sometimes as part of the condition itself.
- Headaches and Migraines: These are very common and often severe, sometimes leading to additional light or sound sensitivity.
- Digestive Issues: Many patients also struggle with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), abdominal cramping, or bloating.
- Numbness or Tingling: Particularly in the hands and feet.
Fibromyalgia symptoms can be unpredictable. One day may feel manageable; the next, exhausting. That variability is part of what makes treatment so challenging.
Does Medical Marijuana Help Fibromyalgia Symptoms?
Medical Marijuana for Fibromyalgia Pain
One of the most promising benefits of cannabis is its ability to relieve pain. Studies show that cannabis may be particularly useful for treating fibromyalgia nerve pain symptoms.
In several clinical trials, patients who used cannabis reported significant relief. In one study, 43% of participants with fibromyalgia said cannabis brought them major pain relief, while another 43% said it provided some relief. Only a small number reported no change.
THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, appears to be especially effective for pain relief. In a 2018 study, fibromyalgia patients given high-THC strains experienced an increase in pain tolerance, while those using CBD-only products did not see much improvement. This doesn’t mean CBD isn’t helpful—it simply highlights that different cannabinoids affect people in different ways.
Many patients also report needing fewer pharmaceutical pain medications, including opioids, after starting medical marijuana. That’s a big deal for long-term health and safety.
Medical Marijuana for Fibromyalgia Sleep Issues
For those who struggle with sleep, cannabis may offer real relief. THC has been shown to reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and improve overall sleep quality. Some studies suggest that cannabis can help people stay asleep longer and wake up less often during the night.
In a 2011 survey of fibromyalgia patients using cannabis, 81% reported that it helped them sleep better. Other studies found that synthetic cannabinoids like Nabilone helped patients fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Better sleep doesn’t just mean more rest—it also reduces pain sensitivity and improves mood the next day. So, while cannabis may not be a cure-all, it could play a helpful role in breaking the pain-fatigue cycle that many fibromyalgia patients face.
Are There Any Risks When Using Medical Marijuana for Fibromyalgia?
Like any medication or supplement, cannabis isn’t risk-free. But with the right support, those risks can be managed.
Possible Side Effects:
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Mood changes
- Short-term memory issues
- Increased appetite
In high doses, especially THC-heavy strains, cannabis may cause anxiety or paranoia in some users. People with a family history of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder should approach cannabis with caution, as it may trigger underlying mental health conditions in rare cases.
It’s also important to note that cannabis may interact with other medications, so always talk with your doctor before starting. For fibromyalgia patients, low and slow is the best approach—start with a low dose and increase gradually under medical supervision.
At Pause Pain & Wellness, our expert providers guide patients through this process to minimize risks and tailor a treatment plan that fits their unique health needs.
Cannabis for Fibromyalgia: The Role of the Endocannabinoid System
It all comes down to something in our bodies called the endocannabinoid system. This system helps control things like pain, sleep, mood, and stress.
Our bodies make their own natural chemicals—kind of like cannabis—that keep this system working right. But in people with fibromyalgia, this system might not work as well. Some experts think that the body may not make enough of those natural chemicals, which could lead to more pain, poor sleep, and other symptoms. This idea is called endocannabinoid deficiency.
Cannabis has two main compounds that can help: THC and CBD.
- THC is the part of cannabis that can make you feel high. It also helps with pain and relaxation.
- CBD doesn’t make you high, but it can calm the body, reduce stress, and help with inflammation.
These compounds work with your body to help things feel more balanced. For people with fibromyalgia, that might mean less pain, better sleep, and feeling more like themselves again.
When used carefully and with guidance from a doctor, medical marijuana may help the body feel more in control—and make life with fibromyalgia a little easier.
Can Marijuana Provide Relief from Fibromyalgia? Studies Show Its Promise
Research on the use of cannabis for fibromyalgia is still ongoing, but the results so far are encouraging. Scientists, doctors, and patients are beginning to better understand how medical marijuana may help manage the condition, and many studies show real promise.
One of the most important reviews came out in 2022. This review looked at multiple studies on cannabis and fibromyalgia. The researchers found that inhaled cannabis, such as vaporized or smoked marijuana, was the most effective form of use for improving common symptoms. People reported less pain, better sleep, and overall improved quality of life.
Another study from 2017 focused on how cannabis affects people with migraines and other chronic pain conditions. While it didn’t study fibromyalgia directly, the way cannabis works on nerve-related pain is similar. The results suggested that cannabinoids, especially THC, may help reduce overactive pain signals in the brain—something that’s also believed to happen in fibromyalgia.
A separate year-long study followed 70 people living with fibromyalgia. After using medical marijuana as part of their treatment, most patients reported a 30% or greater reduction in pain. But it didn’t stop there. Many also said they were sleeping better, had more energy, and felt less anxious or depressed. These are huge wins for people who often deal with daily discomfort and emotional stress.
Beyond clinical research, real-world reports also back up these findings. Patients using medical marijuana for fibromyalgia pain often say they:
- Use fewer prescription pain medications
- Feel more in control of their symptoms
- Sleep more soundly
- Experience less overall pain during the day
- Feel less anxious, stressed, or depressed
While cannabis isn’t a cure, it may be a powerful tool for improving daily life with fibromyalgia. And for people who haven’t found relief through traditional treatments, it offers hope for a new kind of support. As more states—including Mississippi—expand access to medical cannabis, more people with fibromyalgia are exploring this option with the guidance of qualified providers.
Talk to One of Our Providers About Using Cannabis for Your Fibromyalgia Symptoms
At Pause Pain & Wellness, we believe in personalized care that puts patients first. If you’re exploring cannabis for fibromyalgia, you’re not alone—and we’re here to help. We offer support for those living with chronic pain, including help with qualifying for a Mississippi medical marijuana card. Our providers walk you through every step, from evaluating your symptoms to choosing the right cannabis products for your needs.
We serve communities throughout Mississippi, including Oxford, Meridian, Flowood/Jackson, Tupelo, Olive Branch, Starkville, Hattiesburg, and Gulfport. No matter where you are in your journey, relief might be closer than you think.
Give us a call at 833-940-5060 to get started—or book your appointment online.