Fibromyalgia is a disease that is still a mystery to much of the medical community, even though it affects about five million American adults, and predominantly women. Chronic pain is the main symptom of fibromyalgia, along with depression, headaches, and insomnia. A 2007 study in the Journal of Neurology found that cannabis can help ease the pain caused by peripheral neuropathy, which is pain caused by damaged nerves. The placebo controlled trial found that cannabis was comparable to the best effective treatment that is currently available for peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is one of the main causes of pain for people with fibromyalgia.
In a survey by the National Pain Foundation, medical marijuana was seen as the most effective treatment for fibromyalgia when compared to the three main medications prescribed for the condition, which are Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Savella. 62% of patients who used medical marijuana found it to be a very effective at treating their symptoms of fibromyalgia, and 33% of people said it helped their symptoms. Only 5% said that cannabis was ineffective with alleviating symptoms due to their fibromyalgia.
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The Top Strains for Fibromyalgia
It has also been hypothesized that fibromyalgia could be caused by CECD, or Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency. If fibromyalgia is caused by a lack of the bodies natural endocannabinoids, cannabis could be effective at supplementing the bodies missing endocannabinoids. Marijuana decreases patient’s symptoms ranging from chronic pain to depression to insomnia.
Here are some marijuana strains that have been found to be effective for fibromyalgia patients.
God’s Gift
God’s Gift is an indica strain that stems from Granddaddy Purple and OG Kush. It is known for its high levels of THC, which range from 18% to 22%. God’s Gift produces relaxed and happy feelings that also help fight pain. God’s Gift can also help alleviate depression and insomnia.
Fire OG
Fire OG is a hybrid strain that is a combination of OG Kush and San Fernando Valley OG Kush. Fire OG contains up to 20% THC and under 1% of CBD. It is known for its uplifting, happy, and relaxed effects. Fire OG also contains limonene and linalool, both of which are terpenes that are known for their antidepressant qualities. This is a very good strain to help relieve depression, pain, and stress.
Harlequin
Harlequin is a 75% sativa dominant strain that is known for its high levels of CBD. It has a 5:2 CBD to THC ratio that provides patients with a clear headed and alert effects. Harlequin is great for treatment of pain and reduction of inflammation because of its combination of THC and CBD. Harlequin is a great choice for people who do not do well with high levels of THC or psychoactive effects. Harlequin is also great at helping alleviate depression, anxiety, and headaches.
Romulan
Romulan is an indica strain that stems from North American Indica and White Rhino. It is a strain that is known to help people with muscle spasms and nerve damage related pain, which could be particularly helpful for people with fibromyalgia. Romulan can be very strong and produce sleepy effects, which makes it good for night time use. Romulan is good at fighting pain and insomnia.
Red Dragon
Red Dragon is a hybrid strain that comes from a cross-breeding of Himalayan Kush and Utopia Haze. It is known for its uplifting effects, which makes it great for relieving depression, though it can have high levels of psychoactivity that can cause problems for some people. Red Dragon is known for its energizing effects, while being good at fighting pain.
Critical Mass
Critical Mass is an indica strain that stems from Afgani and Skunk #1. It is known for its high levels of THC, which range from 19% to 22%. Critical Mass is known to produce relaxed and happy feelings while relieving harsh pain. It is also a great choice for insomnia because of its high levels of THC and can also help fight stress and depression.
Strawberry
Strawberry is a sativa strain that is known for its stress and pain relieving qualities. Strawberry is known for its pain relieving qualities, without having high levels of paranoia. Its uplifting effects can also help fight fatigue, depression, and headaches, which makes it a great choice for a daytime strain.
Cannatonic
Cannatonic is a low THC strain that has high levels of CBD. Though its ratios range, Cannatonic normally has THC levels below 6% and levels of CBD ranging from 6% to 17%. It is known for its uplifting and relaxing effects and is one of the most popular medical strains because of its pain and anxiety relieving qualities. Cannatonic also contains limonene, which is a terpene that is great at alleviating depression. It also has great anti-inflammatory properties due to its high levels of CBD.
Scooby Snacks
Scooby Snacks is an indica dominant hybrid that stems from a mix of Face Off OG and Platinum Girl Scout Cookies. It is known for its high THC potency and its ability to produce calming and happy effects. Scooby Snacks is a great strain for relieving symptoms of fibromyalgia like depression, insomnia, and pain. It is best used at night or before bedtime.
Key Lime Pie
Key Lime Pie is a hybrid strain that is a mix of OG Kush, Cherry Pie, and Durban Poison. It is known to produce whole body relaxation that helps with pain and insomnia. Its high levels of THC can be quite potent, which allows it to have strong uplifting and pain relieving effects. Key Lime Pie can also be helpful at relieving headaches.
If you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our Cannabis 101 post. HelloMD can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it’s 100% online, private and efficient.
