Medical cannabis and fibromyalgia: a narrative review of current evidence

Abstract

Fibromyalgia is a common central sensitisation disorder, which is characterised by widespread chronic pain and the presence of other impairing somatic and psychological symptoms. As is the case for most causes of chronic pain, there is a need to develop novel therapies for fibromyalgia, because of the limited pharmaceutical options available. Cannabis-based medicinal products have a growing evidence base that demonstrates associated positive effects on chronic pain and other common symptoms or comorbidities reported by individuals with fibromyalgia. However, becasue there is a paucity of randomised controlled trials, cannabis-based medicinal products currently remain unlicensed for the treatment of fibromyalgia. Cannabis-based medicinal products may be prescribed by consultant clinicians in the UK at specialist centres, such as Curaleaf Clinic, if licensed therapies have failed to provide sufficient benefit. The aim of this narrative review is to assess the available evidence for cannabis-based medicinal products across core fibromyalgia symptoms and the safety of the products.