Medical cannabis can play an efficient role in managing fibromyalgia and its associated symptoms such as depression and anxiety according to a new study by MediPharm Labs Corp. (TSX: LABS) (OTCQB: MEDIF) (FSE: MLZ).
The study was published in the American Journal of Endocannabinoid Medicine and was run by MediPharm Labs wholly-owned subsidiary, Harvest Medicine. It found that 75 per cent of patients saw a significant decrease in their self-reported illness severity. Anxiety scores improved in 22 per cent with mild-moderate severity and 48 per cent in those with severe anxiety.
Similarly, 27 per cent of patients reporting mild to medium depression noted a reduction in symptoms, while 48 per cent of patients reporting severe depression showed a reduction in their PHQ-9 score, a standard measure for diagnosing depression.
Fibromyalgia is a complex rheumatic condition characterized by widespread chronic pain, tenderness, fatigue among other life-impairing symptoms.
The study is the largest peer-reviewed research of its kind, involving over 800 patient assessments. The research primarily focused on the effects of medical cannabis on fibromyalgia patients, particularly its impact on symptoms of anxiety and depression.
The study reviewed data from patients who cited fibromyalgia as the primary reason for seeking medical cannabis. Around 76 per cent of patients reported using CBD oil.
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The study concludes that medical cannabis may play an effective role in the management of fibromyalgia and associated symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Barbara Vermeulen, Director of Harvest Medicine, said that Harvest Medicine’s primary objective since 2017 has been to improve the quality of patients’ lives by providing access to medical cannabis and offering the highest standard of medical care with a scientifically informed approach.
“We will continue to advocate for patients to maintain access to physician-guided consultations and education, with the goal of reducing stigma among health care professionals and advancing patient outcomes,” Vermeulen said in a statement.
In addition to the study on fibromyalgia, MediPharm Labs continues to supply sponsors and investigators with cannabis-derived study drugs, placebos and other services and assistance as may be required during the course of the studies.
“These data show that medical cannabis may play an important role in the management of fibromyalgia and associated symptoms of depression and anxiety. Further studies are needed to support the use of medical cannabis in patients with fibromyalgia,” reads the study.
