FMA UK Statement on Medicinal Cannabis

From our posts, you should be aware that we are eager to support research looking into all treatment options that could potentially help people living with fibromyalgia. We are registered stakeholders in various consultations by NICE, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, who provide national guidance on the use of medicines. Our involvement includes participation in their guidance on the use of medicinal cannabis. We have also linked up with other lobbying or research groups in this area too. Further research is required to better understand the benefits (and consequences) of alternative therapies for fibromyalgia, including medicinal cannabis.

Firstly, we would like to clarify some definitions. According to the NHS website ( https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/medical-cannabis/ ):

"Medical cannabis" is a broad term for any sort of cannabis-based medicine used to relieve symptoms. Many cannabis-based products are available to buy online, but their quality and content is not known. They may be illegal and potentially dangerous.

Some products that might claim to be medical cannabis, such as "CBD oil" or hemp oil, are available to buy legally as food supplements from health stores. But there's no guarantee these are of good quality or provide any health benefits.

Read more...

Case Study Requests

You may have seen a previous case study on our site or social media. Positive and informative case studies can help others that are struggling. True accounts can help people identify with others, and these studies can raise awareness as well. All of these case studies come from people with the condition and start by telling others about your journey. These can featured in media articles or used in our campaigns. 

Did you find any of the case studies helpful or could you relate to them? 

If you feel you have something that you can contribute then please fill in the form in the link below:

Submit your Case Study here

Steph's case study
	"You don’t necessarily look unwell, in fact even on your worst days you may still look ‘normal’ to some people. You can still smile, use your phone and go to the bathroom unaided, but you might be pumped full of pain medication and surviving on 45 minutes sleep." Click to read Steph's experience of fibromyalgia
Chris's case study
	"I can honestly say that every day I am in pain, sometimes its bearable, other days it’s totally unbearable." Click to read Chris's experience of fibromyalgia
Katrina's case study
	"Fibromyalgia had taken so much away from me physically and mentally and I was constantly asking myself “why me?”. I would cry every day and night that this is what my life had become, I was sick of missing so much school, being sent to different hospitals, the pills, the therapies, the blood tests and all the treatments." Click to read Katrina's experience of fibromyalgia
Ian's case study
	"At its worst, I never left the house. Hardly left my makeshift bedroom in the lounge as I couldn't get up the stairs. 2 sticks and wheelchair to get around the house." Click to read Ian's experience of fibromyalgia