Preventing teen abuse of prescriptions and over the
Fibromyalgia Data
1. VAL VERDE – Austin, TX
A strong increase in Fibromyalgia data has been seen over the past few years. The data sources
include: polls, foundations, research studies (and our own data). Several trends and deductions
are noted below.
42% of all Fibromyalgia patients have tried Cannabis to
relieve their symptoms.
42% - Have Tried Medical Marijuana
While less than half of all patients (42%) have ever tried Cannabis for the treatment of
Fibromyalgia, those who have stated:
Found Cannabis more effective than prescription drug 62%
Have no side effects from Cannabis use 64%
Length of time with symptoms 4 years or more
Have tried prescription drugs 97%
Aware of differences among Cannabis strains 27%
Of those who tried MM for the treatment of Fibromyalgia, 62% found it very helpful. Only 38%
stated prescription drugs were very helpful. (Three prescription drugs exist.)
The polls do not state, however, any specifics with regard to the types of Medical Marijuana
used. Strains, dosage and delivery methods are not identified in the poll results. In that regard
the information is much too general.
2. VAL VERDE – Austin, TX
58% - Have Not Tried Medical Marijuana
Most Fibromyalgia patients (58%) have never tried Cannabis for relief of their symptoms. They
cite a number of reasons.
Cite legal concerns 52%
Have concerns regarding side effects 13%
Cite cost concerns 12%
Have worries about stigma from family and friends 6%
Length of time with symptoms 4 years or more
Have tried prescription drugs 97%
Concerns Of All Patients
Many poll respondents feel their disease is widely misunderstood.
Feels their physician does not take them seriously 35%
Feels physicians are not well educated about fibromyalgia 43%
States family and friends do not take their fibromyalgia seriously 45%
Average time to receive proper diagnosis 5 years or more
Diagnosed with fibromyalgia within the first year of symptoms 11%
Symptoms began at young age (18-34) 49%
Have tried antidepressants 96%
Have tried opiates 86%
General Notes:
Roughly 5 million Americans over the age of 18 suffer from fibromyalgia.
88% of fibromyalgia patients are women.
The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown.
3. VAL VERDE – Austin, TX
Trends And Deductions
Fibromyalgia is a poorly understood disorder characterized by deep tissue pain, fatigue,
headaches, depression, and lack of sleep.
The majority of patients view prescription drugs as ineffective. Many seek out alternatives.
Over the past few years a greater number of patients have sought out Medical Marijuana as a
remedy. Increasing social acceptance is a primary reason. We expect the rising trend-line to
continue.
Medical research for Cannabis and Fibromyalgia is in its infancy. Anecdotal data represents the
largest percentage of current data.
4. VAL VERDE – Austin, TX
Treating chronic pain of any type is difficult. Prescription drugs often include opiates which are
not tolerated well by patients. Cannabis alternatives should include the cannabinoids (and
terpenes) listed below.
Both THCA and 9-THC cannabinoids are required for treatment of chronic pain. These are only
available in states that have legalized Medical Marijuana.
As an alternative, some patients substitute homeopathic remedies for these two
cannabinoids. A Medicinal Hemp remedy high in CBD, CBGA and CBC when coupled with
homeopathic remedies has proven effective in some cases.
Products are available in all 50 states for these alternative combinations.
