A study conducted in the Netherlands has found that THC-rich medical cannabis is an effective treatment for pain caused by fibromyalgia, according to The Growth Op.
The study was conducted by Leiden University Medical Center and pharma company Bedrocan International in the Netherlands. Interestingly, researchers found that cannabis extracts containing purely CBD were not effective; instead, the evidence suggests that cannabis high in THC is most helpful.
The study compared high-THC extracts against placebo as well as CBD products at several times during the progression of fibromyalgia in 20 patients, via a vaporizer.
“The outcome is very important for patients who suffer from fibromyalgia. Now we have the serious clinical evidence that medical doctors are asking for when prescribing our products and that health insurance companies want to have, to legitimize reimbursement.” — Tjalling Erkelens, CEO of Bedrocan, via the Growth Op
It’s clear in the study that THC specifically is useful for the treatment of fibromyalgia, which affects muscles and tendons specifically. Erkelens said the next phase of testing will be comparing THC-containing products to opiates to determine if cannabis can be used to replace the use of those addictive painkillers.
Another recent study has shown that opioids are largely ineffective against chronic pain. Paired with the new Netherlands study, it seems hopeful that future studies regarding the issue will find that cannabis can be a successful off-ramp for opioid use.
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