In 2018, the United Kingdom legalised unlicensed medical cannabis products, meaning the prescription medication was now available to a wider number of patients, including those diagnosed with arthritis, lower back pain, neuropathic pain, and fibromyalgia.
Medical cannabis is derived from the cannabis plant, which contains hundreds of different cannabinoids (chemical substances). These cannabinoids act on the endocannabinoid system, a widespread system that controls many functions relating to our nervous system.
Fibromyalgia’s complex nature means it is difficult to determine a root cause for the condition. Researchers suggest that abnormal pain messages from the brain, chemical imbalances, genetics, and psychological stress can all play a role. Medical cannabis, which interacts with the endocannabinoid system, may help manage the frequency and severity of symptoms.