Medicinal Cannabis in the Treatment of Fibromyalgia: Clinical Evidence and Advances in Access to Cannabidiol
International clinical study and decision of the TJ-SP reinforce the debate on the use of medicinal cannabis in the treatment of fibromyalgia and broaden the discussion on access to cannabidiol in Brazil
Fibromyalgia is a chronic syndrome marked by widespread pain, persistent fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive alterations. Difficult to manage and often associated with anxiety and headache, the condition leads many patients to seek therapeutic alternatives beyond conventional treatments.
In this scenario, medicinal cannabis has been gaining ground both in clinical practice and in the Brazilian Judiciary.
Case Study: The Medical Perspective
An article published by the Cannabis Health News portal presented the account of British doctor Dr. Tahzid Ahsan regarding the follow-up of a 38-year-old patient diagnosed with fibromyalgia and psychological comorbidities.
According to the doctor, the patient had diffuse pain, debilitating fatigue, and a significant impact on quality of life, even after attempts with traditional therapies. Faced with limited response to conventional medications, a protocol with medicinal cannabis was initiated, initially with CBD-rich formulations and later with adjustments that included THC.
According to the account, throughout the follow-up there was a reduction in pain intensity, improvement in sleep, and increased functional capacity. The doctor emphasized that the gradual titration of doses and individualized follow-up were crucial to the observed results.
Although this is a case study, considered an initial level of evidence in the scientific hierarchy, the account adds to other publications that investigate the potential of cannabis in managing chronic pain.
Endocannabinoid System and Chronic Pain
Research has been exploring the action of cannabinoids such as CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) on the endocannabinoid system, responsible for modulating functions such as pain, sleep, mood, and inflammatory response. In patients with fibromyalgia, the hypothesis is that regulating this system may contribute to symptom reduction.
Experts emphasize, however, that use should occur with a medical prescription and proper monitoring, as doses, cannabinoid ratios, and clinical profile vary from patient to patient.
Judicial Decision in São Paulo Expands Access to Cannabidiol
In Brazil, the debate on the use of medicinal cannabis is also advancing in the legal field. As reported by the Sechat portal, the São Paulo State Court of Justice determined that the State of São Paulo and the municipality of Campinas provide a cannabidiol-based medication to a patient diagnosed with fibromyalgia, headache, and anxiety.
The decision was issued by the 3rd Public Law Chamber and considered the medical evidence of the treatment's necessity. The rapporteur highlighted that the right to health, provided for in the Federal Constitution, imposes on the public authorities the duty to guarantee access to appropriate therapies when clinical indication is demonstrated.
The case reinforces a trend observed in Brazilian courts, where patients resort to the judiciary to ensure the supply of cannabis-based medications, especially when there are no effective therapeutic alternatives available in the Unified Health System (SUS).
With information from Cannabis Health News.