Cannabis for Fibromyalgia: What the Research Actually Shows
What Researchers Found About Fibromyalgia and Cannabis
The Study at a Glance
Published
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2016
Researchers
Cochrane Collaboration (International)
Study Type
Systematic ReviewParticipants
72 patients · 4-6 weeks
Key Finding
There is no convincing, unbiased, high quality evidence suggesting that nabilone is of value in treating people with fibromyalgia. The tolerability of nabilone was low in people with fibromyalgia.
Key Finding: There is no convincing, unbiased, high quality evidence suggesting that nabilone is of value in treating people with fibromyalgia. The tolerability of nabilone was low in people with fibromyalgia.
What Researchers Studied About Fibromyalgia and Cannabis
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition affecting approximately 2% of the population, characterized by widespread pain, sleep problems, and fatigue. People with fibromyalgia often report high disability levels and poor quality of life.
Cannabis has been used for millennia to reduce pain and other symptoms. This Cochrane review examined whether cannabinoids could effectively treat fibromyalgia symptoms.
The review searched for randomized controlled trials of at least 4 weeks duration comparing any form of cannabis products to placebo or other treatments.
How This Systematic Review Was Conducted
Researchers searched the Cochrane Central Register, MEDLINE, and EMBASE through April 2016, plus clinical trial registries.
They found only 2 studies meeting their criteria, with a combined 72 participants. Both studies used nabilone, a synthetic THC-like cannabinoid, at 1 mg per day taken at bedtime.
One study compared nabilone to placebo (4 weeks), and one compared it to amitriptyline, a common fibromyalgia medication (6 weeks).
No studies of herbal cannabis, plant-based cannabinoids, or other synthetic cannabinoids were found.
Fibromyalgia Treatment Results
The Main Results:
- 1Evidence quality was rated as "very low" for ALL outcomes
- 2Nabilone vs placebo: showed greater reduction in pain and quality of life limitations (very low quality evidence)
- 3No significant differences from placebo for fatigue or depression
- 4Nabilone vs amitriptyline: better effects on sleep (very low quality evidence)
- 5No difference between nabilone and amitriptyline for pain, mood, or quality of life
- 6Common adverse events: dizziness, nausea, dry mouth, drowsiness (6 participants)
- 7More dropouts in nabilone groups (4/52) vs control groups (1/20 placebo, 0/32 amitriptyline)
By the Numbers
| Statistic | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 2 studies | Only 2 small studies (72 participants total) met quality standards for inclusion |
| Very low | Quality rating for ALL evidence in this review, meaning results are highly uncertain |
| 1 mg/day | Dose of nabilone used in both studies (taken at bedtime) |
| 4/52 | Participants who dropped out due to adverse events in nabilone groups |
Only 2 small studies (72 participants total) met quality standards for inclusion
Quality rating for ALL evidence in this review, meaning results are highly uncertain
Dose of nabilone used in both studies (taken at bedtime)
Participants who dropped out due to adverse events in nabilone groups
What This Means for Fibromyalgia Patients
If you have fibromyalgia and are considering cannabis, this review cannot tell you it will help. The available evidence is too weak to draw any reliable conclusions.
Only one synthetic cannabinoid (nabilone) has been studied in just 72 total patients, and the evidence quality was rated "very low" for every outcome measured.
Some participants reported more pain relief and better sleep with nabilone compared to placebo, but the evidence is not strong enough to be confident in these findings.
The review found NO studies of herbal cannabis, CBD, or other cannabis products for fibromyalgia. The tolerability of nabilone was low, meaning many people had trouble with side effects like dizziness, nausea, and drowsiness.
Quick Answers: Fibromyalgia and Cannabis
Direct answers based on the findings of this study:
Research Summary: Answers are based on published peer-reviewed studies and represent research findings, not medical recommendations. Individual results may vary. Always consult a healthcare provider before making treatment decisions.
Does weed help fibromyalgia pain?
Unknown. A 2016 Cochrane review found "no convincing, unbiased, high quality evidence" that cannabinoids help fibromyalgia. Only 2 small studies (72 patients) of nabilone exist, all with "very low" quality evidence.
Source: Walitt et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2016 (PMID: 27428009)
Is there research on CBD for fibromyalgia?
No. The Cochrane review found no randomized controlled trials of CBD, herbal cannabis, or any plant-based cannabinoids for fibromyalgia. The only studies used nabilone, a synthetic drug.
Source: Walitt et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2016 (PMID: 27428009)
Is medical marijuana safe for fibromyalgia?
Tolerability was low in studies. Common side effects were dizziness, nausea, dry mouth, and drowsiness. The Cochrane review noted that "tolerability was low" in fibromyalgia patients.
Source: Walitt et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2016 (PMID: 27428009)
This is educational content, not medical advice
The research summarized here is for informational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and what works in studies may not work the same way for everyone. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment plan or starting medical cannabis therapy.
Important Limitations
This study has some caveats to keep in mind when interpreting the results:
- Only 2 studies (72 participants) found worldwide
- All evidence rated as "very low" quality
- Only nabilone (synthetic) studied, not herbal cannabis or CBD
- Studies were only 4-6 weeks, no long-term data
- Neither study reported serious adverse events
- No studies assessed development of abuse or dependence
The Bottom Line on Cannabis for Fibromyalgia
This Cochrane review found no convincing evidence that cannabinoids help fibromyalgia. Only 2 small studies of nabilone (a synthetic cannabinoid) exist, and the evidence quality is very low. No studies have examined herbal cannabis, CBD, or other cannabinoids for this condition. Patients should know that claims about cannabis helping fibromyalgia are not supported by high-quality research at this time.
Do You Qualify for Medical Marijuana?
If you're living with Fibromyalgia, you may qualify for a medical marijuana card. Our licensed physicians can evaluate you from home via telehealth.
Related Research & Resources
Related Research
- Medical Cannabis for Fibromyalgia: What 367 Patients Experienced
- Cannabis for Chronic Pain: A Critical Look at 104 Studies
- Clinical Practice Guidelines: Cannabis for Chronic Pain & Co-Occurring Conditions (2024)
- Cannabinoids for Arthritis and Rheumatic Pain: Insufficient Evidence
- Can Cannabis Help You Use Fewer Opioids?
Condition Research
Get Your Card
This condition qualifies for medical marijuana in:
Source
Walitt B, Klose P, Fitzcharles MA, et al. "Cannabinoids for fibromyalgia" The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2016. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011694.pub2
Important Information
Study Age: This study was published 10 years ago. Newer research may have updated or refined these findings.
Not Medical Advice: This research summary is for educational purposes only. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or changing any treatment.
Individual Variation: Research findings represent group averages. Your individual response to cannabis may differ based on genetics, other medications, underlying conditions, and many other factors.
Last reviewed: January 25, 2026
Important Notices
Research Summary Disclaimer
This content represents our interpretation of published scientific research for educational purposes. It should not be used to make treatment decisions without consulting a qualified healthcare provider. Individual results may vary from study findings.
FDA Notice
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Cannabis is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not approved cannabis for any medical condition except specific prescription medications.
Copyright & Fair Use
Research summaries are provided under fair use (17 U.S.C. § 107) for educational purposes. We provide brief summaries with attribution, not full reproductions. All studies remain the intellectual property of their respective authors and publishers.
Data Sources
Study information sourced from PubMed®, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by NLM, NIH, or the federal government.
For complete information, see our Terms of Use and Research Content Policy.
FAQs: Cannabis for Fibromyalgia
Does cannabis help fibromyalgia?
Inconclusive, very limited evidence. A Cochrane review found only 2 small studies (72 patients) of nabilone, with "very low" quality evidence. No studies of herbal cannabis, CBD, or other cannabinoids exist for fibromyalgia.
What cannabinoids have been studied for fibromyalgia?
Only nabilone, a synthetic THC-like drug, has been studied in randomized trials (2 studies, 72 patients). No studies have examined herbal cannabis, plant-based cannabinoids, or CBD for fibromyalgia.
What are the side effects of cannabinoids for fibromyalgia?
Common side effects include dizziness, nausea, dry mouth, and drowsiness. The review concluded that "tolerability of nabilone was low" in fibromyalgia patients.