Study Finds Medical Cannabis Linked to Improvements in Fibromyalgia Symptoms, Including Improved Sleep, Anxiety, and Overall Wellness

OG article by Anthony Martinelli

December 5, 2025

A study by Kings College London and Imperial College London, published in Clinical Rheumatology, examined 497 fibromyalgia patients from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry over 18 months. Mostly mid-40s women, over half unemployed, participants reported significant improvements (p < 0.010) in pain, anxiety, sleep, and quality of life at follow-ups of 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. Those using over 25 mg CBD daily or with prior cannabis experience showed greater relief on fibromyalgia scales. Adverse events hit 46% (2,100 total), mostly mild/moderate, with fatigue predominant, possibly due to the condition's sensitization. Researchers concluded cannabis-based products associate with enhanced symptom management and wellness, offering a viable option for this chronic pain disorder affecting connective tissues and causing widespread discomfort, fatigue, and cognitive issues. The findings underscore cannabis's potential in addressing unmet needs where traditional treatments fall short, advocating further research into dosing and long-term effects. This adds to growing evidence supporting medical cannabis for fibromyalgia, highlighting its role in improving daily functioning and reducing reliance on opioids or other pharmaceuticals with harsher side effects.