Fibromyalgia and Cannabis
- Mar 27
- 3 min read
March 27, 2026
My Diagnosis:
Early-onset (childhood) fibromyalgia ~ due to early-life stress and trauma
- causing numerous comorbidities; insomnia, depression, anxiety, IBS, migraines, Trigeminal Neuralgia, etc.
What I find Helpful:
- activities; walking, swimming, yoga/tai chi, spending time outdoors, being around animals, doing something creative (painting, writing, music)
- other therapies; massage, physio, chiro, acupuncture, psychotherapy (such as CBT, but I am doing IFS at this time) to help manage pain, hypnotherapy (have found great relief with it)
- medication; I tried all the different medications, but nothing worked for me, so I used Cannabis since 2004. I quit THC in 2023 only because I am in psychotherapy and wanted to be more present to deal with my past…a coping mechanism I use often is dissociation, so to be medicated with THC didn’t help that. But I still use the other Cannabis products and would use them more often if they weren’t so expensive, as I do find relief from them, not as much as the THC but it is what it is, and they really do still help.
Here is the breakdown of the different Cannabis products…
THC -
Sativa; daytime use - focus, stimulating/energy, euphoric/happiness
- boosts creativity, productivity and social activity
Indica; evening use - heavy, deep relaxation, physically soothing, sedating
- promotes stress relief, pain management and sleep
Most cannabis on the market are now a hybrid of both Indica and Sativa, and all will affect each individual differently.
Other Cannabinoids;
CBD: (non-intoxicating) works with bodies own endocannabinoid system making it well suited for chronic, persistent pain
- reduces pain, inflammation, anxiety, promoting deep relaxation and sleep
CBG: (non-psychoactive) stronger, more potent anti-inflammatory and pain relief than CBD alone.
- use in the morning/afternoon, seen as an ‘upper’, aiding in energy and focus/clear headed, good for anxiety, calming, therapeutic effects
-may stimulate appetite and helps digestive system
(can use to reduce anxiety and paranoia that can sometimes be caused by THC)
CBN: (mildly psychoactive, but not highly intoxicating like THC) pain relief, anti-inflammatory, prolonged sleep
-nighttime use, less intoxicating but more sedative than THC, focus is on sedation and sleep (side note**works very well in gummies**)
CBC: (non-intoxicating) strong anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, neuroprotective, antidepressant effect, may inhibit pain (esp. combined with THC)
-works best with other Cannabinoids (entourage effect)
Ways to use Cannabis; (if just starting out with THC, be sure to have someone who is understanding to stay with you) ...
Start Low and Go Slow!!
1) Inhalation (fastest acting): vaping (less harsh), smoking (will make you choke) …both can give too much too fast, so need to go very slowly as this way is instantaneous, it comes on after the first pull and moves quickly, starting within minutes and lasts up to 4hrs…can lessen the affects by eating food
2) Ingesting (longest lasting but slow onset): edibles and capsules or oils … start very small, work your way up, take your time, give it at least 2 hrs before trying more…lasts 6 - 12 hrs
3) Sublingual: tinctures and sprays under the tongue, is absorbed quickly, 15 to 45 minutes, again, go slowly
4) Topicals: creams or patches that are applied directly to the skin for pain and inflammation, does not produce any kind of high. Can use as much as you want. Apply, wait to see how you feel, apply more if needed. As you apply to different tender areas, the ones that had been treated, will begin to feel relaxed. I like this much better than the pharmaceutical rubs as they just seem to numb the areas, whereas these creams I find give a sensation of relaxation and soothing. If you are nervous about Cannabis, this is the best route to start at.
www.apollocannabis.ca this is the link to the clinic I had used. They were very kind and understanding. They will give great advice and help along the Cannabis journey.
I truly feel fibromyalgia and cannabis go hand in hand, and I hope that what I have shared, will help those suffering with this horrific chronic pain, find some sort of relief.
