Medical Cannabis for Fibromyalgia: What 367 Patients Experienced
What Researchers Found About Fibromyalgia and Cannabis
The Study at a Glance
Published
Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2019
Researchers
Soroka University Medical Center (Israel)
Study Type
Observational StudyParticipants
367 patients · 6 months
Key Finding
81.1% of fibromyalgia patients reported significant improvement after 6 months of medical cannabis treatment, with 73% achieving at least moderate improvement in pain.
Key Finding: 81.1% of fibromyalgia patients reported significant improvement after 6 months of medical cannabis treatment, with 73% achieving at least moderate improvement in pain.
What Researchers Studied About Fibromyalgia and Cannabis
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition causing widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep problems. It's notoriously difficult to treat, with many patients not getting adequate relief from conventional medications.
This prospective study followed 367 fibromyalgia patients who began medical cannabis treatment to see how it affected their symptoms over 6 months.
Unlike many earlier studies that were short-term, this one tracked real-world outcomes over an extended period to understand both effectiveness and safety.
How This Observational Study Was Conducted
Researchers followed 367 fibromyalgia patients in Israel who were prescribed medical cannabis:
• All patients had diagnosed fibromyalgia • Followed for 6 months of treatment • Used standardized questionnaires to assess pain, quality of life, and side effects • Patients used various cannabis products (flower, oil, combinations) • Average THC dose: 140mg/month; CBD: 39mg/month
Fibromyalgia Treatment Results
The Main Results:
- 181.1% reported overall improvement in their condition
- 273% experienced at least moderate pain improvement
- 3Sleep quality significantly improved for most patients
- 4Pain intensity dropped from 9.0 to 5.0 on average (on 0-10 scale)
- 522% were able to reduce or stop other pain medications
- 6Most common side effects were dizziness and dry mouth
By the Numbers
| Statistic | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 81.1% | reported overall improvement after 6 months |
| 73% | achieved moderate or significant pain relief |
| 9.0 → 5.0 | average pain intensity reduction (0-10 scale) |
| 22% | reduced or stopped other pain medications |
reported overall improvement after 6 months
achieved moderate or significant pain relief
average pain intensity reduction (0-10 scale)
reduced or stopped other pain medications
What This Means for Fibromyalgia Patients
If you have fibromyalgia and haven't found relief with other treatments, this study offers substantial hope:
What the results suggest: • Most patients (81%) experienced meaningful improvement • Pain levels dropped nearly in half on average • Sleep and quality of life also improved • Some patients were able to reduce other medications
Important considerations: • This was an observational study, not a placebo-controlled trial • Individual responses vary—not everyone improved • Finding the right dose and product may take time • Side effects (dizziness, dry mouth) are possible but usually mild
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?
Yes, 81% improved in a 2019 study. A study of 367 fibromyalgia patients found 81% experienced significant improvement after 6 months of medical marijuana treatment, with average pain scores dropping from 9 to 5 (Sagy et al., Journal of Clinical Medicine).
Source: Sagy et al., Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2019 (PMID: 31195754)
Can marijuana help with fibro pain?
Yes, pain dropped nearly in half. In a study of 367 patients, pain levels dropped from 9.0 to 5.0 on average after 6 months of medical cannabis use, representing significant improvement (Sagy et al., 2019).
Source: Sagy et al., Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2019 (PMID: 31195754)
How quickly does weed work for fibromyalgia?
Within weeks for most patients. According to a 6-month study, most patients saw improvement within the first few weeks, with progressive benefit over time. 81% of fibromyalgia patients reported significant benefit by the study end (Sagy et al., 2019).
Source: Sagy et al., Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2019 (PMID: 31195754)
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:
- Not a placebo-controlled trial—placebo effect may contribute to results
- Patients self-selected for cannabis treatment (may be more motivated)
- Various cannabis products used—hard to compare specific formulations
- Conducted in Israel—may not fully generalize to other healthcare systems
- 6 months follow-up—longer-term outcomes unknown
The Bottom Line on Cannabis for Fibromyalgia
This 6-month study of 367 fibromyalgia patients found that medical cannabis provided meaningful relief for the majority, with pain levels nearly halving on average. While more rigorous clinical trials are needed, this real-world evidence suggests cannabis may be a valuable option for fibromyalgia patients who haven't responded well to conventional treatments.
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
- 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
- Cannabis for Fibromyalgia: What the Research Actually Shows
- Can Cannabis Help You Use Fewer Opioids?
Condition Research
Get Your Card
This condition qualifies for medical marijuana in:
Source
Sagy I, Bar-Lev Schleider L, Abu-Shakra M, Novack V. "Safety and Efficacy of Medical Cannabis in Fibromyalgia" Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2019. DOI: 10.3390/jcm8060807
Important Information
Study Age: This study was published 7 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 24, 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?
Yes, 81% improved in one study. A 2020 study of 367 patients found 81.1% reported significant improvement after 6 months of medical cannabis treatment, with pain levels dropping from 9.0 to 5.0 on average.
Is fibromyalgia a qualifying condition for medical marijuana?
Yes. Fibromyalgia is explicitly listed as a qualifying condition in many states, and in others qualifies under chronic pain provisions.
What type of cannabis is best for fibromyalgia?
Both THC and CBD showed benefit. The study found patients used various products (flower, oil) with both cannabinoids. Finding the right formulation is individual, with many patients benefiting from products containing both.