Studies - Teenagers often use opiates in combination with marijuana

03/09/2021 9 min read

Marijuana is, according to the latest hard drug prevention study,

Fibromyalgia is a serious disorder of the nervous system
It causes chronic fatigue, joint pain, pain in the limbs and head, digestive disorders, restlessness, and general weakness
More than 60% of patients rate medical cannabis as a very effective medicine
Studies show that cannabis works better than pharmaceuticals in the case of fibromyalgia

The condition called fibromyalgia is relatively little known, yet it is a serious disorder of the central nervous system that causes pain and, in most cases, constant fatigue, stiffness of the limbs, and insomnia, which can ultimately result in further psychological disorders. Patients suffering from this disease are often unable to effectively perform common household chores. Ordinary cleaning or preparing food can become truly superhuman tasks.

You can look, for example, at the blog of Teri Robnett, an advocate for the rights of patients treated with cannabis from Denver, the capital of the US state of Colorado, who herself suffers from fibromyalgia.

"There were days when I thought I simply couldn't handle it. I felt that the only thing I could do was fall back into bed and cry the day away."

Just a decade ago, many doctors refused to believe that fibromyalgia was a real disease and it was mostly considered mere "hypochondria of hysterical women." Unfortunately, the situation has not completely changed to this day, and fibromyalgia is often still misunderstood and commonly misdiagnosed.

Fibromyalgia, often described as chronic pain syndrome, is, however, a much more complex neurological disorder that, besides constant muscle pain, can also cause joint stiffness, chronic fatigue, insomnia, general weakness, headaches, digestive disorders, restlessness, or the so-called "fibro fog," a general cognitive disorder.

Causes of Fibromyalgia

The causes of fibromyalgia development are still a subject of extensive scientific debate; however, Dr. Ethan Russo, a prominent neurologist and pharmacologist who has dedicated most of his career to the endocannabinoid system, believes that the so-called "clinical endocinocannabinoid deficiency" (CECD) is responsible for the onset of fibromyalgia.

The endocannabinoid system of the body can be imagined as an internal internet or communication network that the human body uses for communication between the brain, organs, connective tissues, glands, and immune system cells.

When the function of the endocannabinoid system is disrupted, the whole body suffers. This instability can cause a whole range of problems that are, lo and behold, identical to the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Cannabis as a Treatment for Fibromyalgia

Since fibromyalgia is still an incurable disease, many sufferers are now curiously looking into treatment with cannabis. Teri Robnett, already mentioned above, is one such case.

Only after some time following a car accident in 1987, which triggered her case of fibromyalgia, did Teri realize that a disruption of her endocannabinoid system could be the cause, and in that case, treatment with cannabis could help. The hopeful realization, however, was quickly replaced by anger. "How can the government deny me the only thing my body cannot produce on its own and that could help me?"

Until 2009, when Teri first started experimenting with medical cannabis, her doctors prescribed various pharmaceuticals. However, their side effects and concerns about the potential consequences of combining different substances completely discouraged Teri from taking them.

"In 2009, I started self-medicating with cannabis. At the end of 2011, I stopped needing all pharmaceuticals and to this day I treat myself exclusively with cannabis."

"At first, the whole treatment was trial and error, but it wasn't long before I realized that the effects of cannabis were much better for me than the pharmaceuticals I had been taking. The symptoms of fibromyalgia change with the seasons, but also from day to day. Among other things, medical cannabis allows me to adjust the dose according to my current needs, and I have a choice of many strains, so I can choose which effect I need most right now."

Fibromyalgia and cannabis

Forms of Administration

At night, Robnett uses cannabis mainly in the form of edibles, whose effect lasts longer and allows her to sleep peacefully through the night. "Long and restful sleep is very important to me; symptoms tend to be milder after a good night's sleep." Since Robnett has to wait for the effect of the medicine administered orally, she starts her routine by vaporizing one of the heavy Indian strains, such as the famous Skywalker.

During the day, to minimize psychoactive effects, Robnett chooses a higher CBD ratio and a lower THC ratio. "One of the symptoms of fibromyalgia is chronic fatigue syndrome, and it seems that a higher ratio of CBD helps give me energy for the whole day."

Medical Cannabis vs. Pharmaceuticals

Robnett, however, is not the only case where cannabis helps with fibromyalgia. In 2014, the National Pain Foundation conducted research on more than 1300 fibromyalgia patients, of whom a full 30% reported using cannabis for self-medication.

These nearly 400 patients then compared the effectiveness of cannabis treatment compared to prescribed pharmaceuticals:

62% described cannabis as a "very effective" treatment method

33% rated cannabis as "good treatment support"

Only 5% of patients said that cannabis did not help them

Also interesting is the comparison with the study where patients were asked to compare the effects of prescribed pharmaceuticals:

Only 8% rated prescribed pharmaceuticals as effective

68% rated pharmaceuticals as "completely ineffective"

These results are certainly very encouraging for all supporters of cannabis treatment, but do not keep them to yourself. There are still many people who are separated from these tremendous benefits of cannabis by social stigma. If you know someone who could be helped by cannabis, do not hesitate to share this information with them.

Strains for the Treatment of Fibromyalgia

Finally, we recommend a few strains that are ideal for the treatment of fibromyalgia. However, let us remember that everyone reacts differently to medical cannabis, so some experimentation is needed to find the right strain for you.

First is the aforementioned Skywalker, a mix of Blueberry and Mazara, a heavy indica ideal for evening treatment. This strain guarantees both a quality antidepressant effect and improved sleep quality.

Next, for example, Pineapple Chunk, a pineapple-flavored hybrid of Pineapple X Skunk X Cheese with a predominantly indica genetic profile. Do not be fooled, however, as most users describe this strain as highly energetic while also being very effective against pain and stress. Pineapple Chunk is therefore ideal for treatment during the day.

Another very popular hybrid, Black Widow from the legendary smuggler Mr. Nice (R.I.P.) seedbank, is also a very suitable strain. Its relaxing effects mixed with euphoria make it suitable for evening use.

And lastly, we should mention the very popular Critical + 2.0, another strain ideally suited for daytime use. After consuming this strain, rich in intense pine and lemon flavor, you will mainly feel stimulating and euphoric effects, perfect for making household chores more pleasant, for example.

You can find all these and many other strains in our e-shop.

Sources: leafly.com cannabispatientsalliance.org patients.aan webmd.com

thenationalpainfoundation.org nationalpainreport.com

Images: rollingstoned.nl royalqueenseeds.de