Marijuana has over 100 chemical compounds with amazing medicinal properties. They can help in relaxing the body & mind. Research says that cannabis use is effective in managing fibromyalgia symptoms such as pain, sleep problems, anxiety, etc.
Also Read- Different Types of Pain Marijuana Can Help
In the United States, using hemp-derived CBD products (with less than 0.3 percent THC) is legal. THC is a psychoactive compound in marijuana. Combining CBD and THC can help you deliver the desired health benefits.
So, how does marijuana work in managing fibromyalgia symptoms? What’s the complete process to get an mmj card San Diego online? Read on to learn more.
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic syndrome, which can result in pain and mental health issues. According to the CDC, about 4 million adults in the United States experience fibromyalgia.
The common fibromyalgia symptoms include pain, fatigue, tiredness, depression & anxiety, trouble sleeping, headaches, and memory problems. However, some patients may also experience numbness in hands & feet, TMJ, and digestive problems such as IBS, constipation, and bloating.
Many confuse fibromyalgia with arthritis. However, the former doesn’t lead to muscle inflammation as the latter. Women are twice as likely to develop fibromyalgia as men.
However, major risk factors associated with fibromyalgia include traumatic events, viral infections, family history, excessive body weight, and repetitive injuries.
Marijuana Use For Fibromyalgia
There’s no cure for fibromyalgia. Medications, regular exercise, and healthy habits can help in easing symptoms of this condition.
However, medical marijuana can help in managing fibromyalgia symptoms naturally. The active compounds in the herb provide quick relief from pain, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, etc.
THC and CBD are the two important cannabinoids, which received the most attention. THC causes psychoactive effects. It has similar chemical structure to that of neurotransmitters that are produced naturally in the body. It stimulates cannabinoid receptors, thus reducing pain and activating the reward system in the brain.
CBD oil is effective in relaxing the body & mind, thus managing pain and anxiety. It interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are found mostly in the central nervous system. Thus, it may alter serotonin signals. Serotonin plays an important role in mental health. Reduced levels of serotonin can lead to depression and anxiety.
However, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Zoloft and Prozac also target serotonin. But, these medications are available only on prescription. And, they may also cause unpleasant side effects.
Since CBD doesn’t cause psychoactive effects, most patients prefer using CBD-infused products. At a medical dispensary, you can find a wide range of CBD oils, tinctures, edibles, etc. Do your own research, check the label carefully before buying any product.
Marijuana can also help in managing sleep problems. For managing your symptoms effectively, make sure you select the right strains with optimal levels of THC and CBD.
Also Read- The Best Strains to Help Ease Fibromyalgia Symptoms
What do Studies Say?
There’s scientific evidence that cannabis can be used as an alternative treatment for managing fibromyalgia pain, anxiety, and sleep problems. Let’s take a look at some studies-
In 2017, a review was published in the National Academies Press about the health benefits of cannabis, including therapeutic properties. It suggests that the herb can help in managing chronic pain in adults.
In a small study of 28 participants, researchers analyzed the medicinal effects of cannabis use for fibromyalgia. 43 percent of the participants reported strong pain relief while 43 percent reported mild relief. However, the remaining 7 percent of the participants said they didn’t see any improvement in pain symptoms.
In 2010, a study evaluated the nabilone effects on health. Nabilone is a synthetic drug like marijuana. Researchers found that the drug was effective in improving sleep in fibromyalgia patients.
According to a 2008 study in the National Library of Medicine, high-THC strains can help in reducing the amount of REM sleep and promoting deep sleep. Reduced REM sleep means one will spend less time in dreaming and for PTSD patients, it can help reduce nightmares.
Should I Take Cannabis For Managing Fibromyalgia Symptoms?
Based on the studies described above, cannabis may help fibromyalgia patients. It can be effective in relieving pain and sleep disturbances.
If you are considering cannabis as a fibromyalgia treatment, make sure you talk to a licensed doctor. This is because everyone has a different condition. And, one type of treatment working for one patient may not work for another.
Moreover, cannabis may interfere with medications. In some cases, it may worsen the symptoms. Your doctor can help you understand the potential risks associated with cannabis use and how it interacts with the medications you are taking.
Dosage is important when using cannabis for medical purposes. If you are a first-time user, start with a low dose. Try to learn the effects of cannabinoids on your body, and adjust dosage accordingly.
For pregnant ladies, it’s recommended not to use cannabis. THC may transfer from breast milk to babies, thus causing various health risks.
How to Access Medical Marijuana Legally?
Medical use of cannabis is legal in 33 states currently. Since laws and requirements may vary from state to state, you need to check local laws.
Moreover, it’s important to see if fibromyalgia is included in the MMJ qualifying conditions’ list of your state. For this, you can visit the health services’ website of the state.
If you qualify, you can apply for an MMJ card San Diego. To apply, you need to talk to a licensed medical marijuana doctor. The doctor may ask you to share your medical history to verify your condition. After you are approved, you will get an mmj recommendation letter valid for 12 months.
Since it’s not safe to visit a doctor’s clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic, choose telemedicine to talk to a professional online. The HIPAA-compliant platform is used for doctor-patient conversation, which is 100 percent safe. Here’s the complete process getting a doctor’s recommendation through telemedicine-
- Sign up an account
- See a doctor online
- Receive your MMJ recommendation letter in PDF format via email instantly
Final Thoughts
Medical marijuana’s medicinal properties can help in managing pain, anxiety, and sleep problems. Research says that it is effective for fibromyalgia patients in managing their symptoms. As compared to prescription medications, cannabis use isn’t linked to unpleasant side-effects.
If you are considering cannabis treatment for fibromyalgia, make sure you talk to a licensed doctor. Have an open discussion related to your condition, strains & dosage right for you.
Moreover, before starting cannabis treatment, you should do comprehensive research on marijuana laws and requirements in your state. Talk to an MMJ doctor to get your MMJ card San Diego today!