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Of fibromyalgia patients responded to medical cannabis treatment over six months in a 367-patient observational study. Journal of Clinical Medicine
Median pain scores fell from 9 out of 10 to 5 out of 10 after six months in the same study. Journal of Clinical Medicine
Reported good or very good quality of life after six months, compared with 2.7% before treatment. Journal of Clinical Medicine
People may be affected by fibromyalgia to some degree, although it can be hard to diagnose. NHS
Could treatment be suitable?
A specialist may assess you if:
- You have a diagnosed condition or an established clinical history.
- Standard treatments have not helped enough or were unsuitable.
- You are 18 or over and live in the UK.
- Your records allow a doctor to review previous care and current medicines.
Understanding the condition
A long-term condition that affects the whole body
Fibromyalgia, sometimes called fibromyalgia syndrome, is thought to involve a change in the way the nervous system processes pain, making the body more sensitive to it. It does not cause lasting damage to joints or tissues, but its symptoms can be persistent and wearing.
Alongside widespread pain, many people experience extreme tiredness, unrefreshing sleep and difficulties with memory and concentration, often described as “fibro-fog”. Symptoms can fluctuate, sometimes improving and sometimes flaring without clear warning.
Because there is no single test for fibromyalgia and the symptoms overlap with other conditions, an accurate diagnosis and a considered, individual approach to treatment matter a great deal.
Recognising the impact
Common fibromyalgia symptoms
Fibromyalgia affects people differently, and the mix and severity of symptoms can change over time.
- Widespread, persistent pain
- Fatigue and low energy
- Poor, unrefreshing sleep
- Problems with memory and concentration
- Heightened sensitivity to pain or touch
- Headaches and low mood
Conventional treatments
Conventional treatment options
Fibromyalgia care combines self-management with therapies and, where needed, medicines. Recognised options include:
- Graded exercise and physiotherapy
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Antidepressants such as amitriptyline, fluoxetine or sertraline
- Acupuncture and other supportive approaches for some people
- Sleep, pacing and pain-management support
Although these options help many people, they are not enough for everyone. If fibromyalgia symptoms still affect daily life, a specialist assessment can help you understand whether another route may be suitable.
Specialist-led care
How may medical cannabis support fibromyalgia symptoms?
Where widespread pain and disturbed sleep continue despite recognised care, a specialist may review whether medical cannabis could support these specific symptoms as part of a wider plan.
Research into medical cannabis and fibromyalgia is still ongoing. Cannabis-based medicines may contain CBD and/or THC, two compounds that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is involved in pain signalling, mood and sleep.
For adults whose fibromyalgia symptoms still affect daily life after recognised options, a GMC-registered specialist can review whether a prescription may be suitable and monitor how you respond over time.
Where fibromyalgia symptoms continue to affect daily life after recognised options have been tried, a GMC-registered specialist can review your history and consider whether medical cannabis may help as part of your wider care.
Effects can vary from person to person, which is why a GMC-registered specialist reviews your symptoms, goals, medicines and records before deciding whether treatment may be appropriate.
1
Eligibility screening
Tell us about your diagnosis, symptoms and treatments already tried. No GP referral is needed.
2
Specialist consultation
A GMC-registered specialist reviews your records, goals, current medicines and relevant risks by online video.
3
Decision and follow-up
When treatment is appropriate, outcomes and side effects are monitored and the plan is reviewed.
Evidence
What does the evidence say?
Developing evidence (pain and sleep)
Fibromyalgia evidence is largely observational and still developing. Reported improvements are not proof of benefit, so decisions are individual and treatment is monitored.
- Exercise, pacing and psychological therapies remain the foundation of care.
- Evidence is mostly observational, so benefit is not guaranteed.
- Any role focuses on pain and sleep, reviewed individually.
Related support
Explore related fibromyalgia support
These pages may help if symptoms overlap or you want to understand the wider specialist assessment pathway.
Safety
Possible side effects
Medical cannabis is prescribed under specialist supervision, and patient experience can vary. Your clinician will explain what to watch for and adjust your plan if needed.
- Decreased appetite or feeling sick
- Diarrhoea or weakness
- Dizziness or feeling very tired
- Behavioural or mood changes
They’ll usually ease on their own, but speak to your clinician if they don’t improve over time.
Questions
Fibromyalgia FAQs
Clear answers on eligibility, suitability and legal prescribing in the UK.
Is medical cannabis legal for fibromyalgia in the UK?
Medical cannabis has been legal to prescribe in the UK since November 2018, but only a specialist doctor on the GMC Specialist Register can prescribe it, and only when it is clinically appropriate. Eligibility does not guarantee a prescription.
Is medical cannabis a cure for fibromyalgia?
No. There is no cure for fibromyalgia. Where it is appropriate, medical cannabis is used to help manage symptoms such as pain and sleep disturbance, as part of a wider plan, and only after standard options have been considered.
Do I need a GP referral to be assessed?
No GP referral is needed. You can complete a short online eligibility check yourself, and we will keep your GP informed where you would like us to.
Is an online assessment as reliable as in person?
Yes. Our structured video assessments follow the same recognised diagnostic standards used in face-to-face appointments, with the added convenience of being seen from home.
Will I definitely be prescribed medical cannabis?
Not necessarily. A prescribing decision is only made after a full clinical assessment, and treatment is not suitable for everyone. Eligibility means a specialist can review your case.
Find out whether a specialist assessment may be suitable
Complete a short eligibility check. A prescribing decision can only be made after a full clinical assessment by a GMC-registered specialist.