Launch of a clinical study on fibromyalgia using cannabis

On February 8, 2017, the company Bedrocan announced that the Department of Anesthesiology at Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands is launching a clinical study on the effects of inhaled cannabis on fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is a rheumatic condition. Its symptoms include constant chronic pain, muscle stiffness, sleep disturbances, and persistent fatigue. Between 3 and 5% of the population is believed to be affected by this condition. More surprisingly, 80 to 90% of patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia are women. While researchers still do not know the cause of this condition, the United States and Australia already authorize the use of medical cannabis to provide relief to patients.

Identify effective varieties

The Professor Albert Dahan and his team are investigating whether cannabis, in its vaporized form, could serve as an alternative to traditional medications. Specifically, the drugs Lyrica and Cymbalta, both of which have received positive reviews from health agencies around the world. However, some people reportedly experience various side effects: emotional changes, dizziness, drowsiness, and in some cases, depression.

We had as previously reported the potential benefits of cannabinoids for patients with fibromyalgia. For this clinical study, the researchers will use the various cannabis strains formulated by Bedrocan.

The strains to be tested on patients will be:

Bedrocan: 221 ppm THC, less than 11 ppm CBD

Bediol: 6.31% THC, 81% CBD

Bedrolite: less than 11% THC, 91% CBD

This will enable scientists to determine which types of strains patients should request as an alternative to traditional treatments. Currently, Dutch patients with fibromyalgia can obtain cannabis only if conventional treatments have proven completely ineffective.

In the United States, the National Pain Foundation surveyed 1,339 people. One in three people with fibromyalgia had tried medical cannabis. Of that third, 621 found the treatment effective. 331 experienced a slight improvement, and 51 reported no positive effects.