A team of health researchers based in Spain and affiliated with the Hospital Clínic de Barcelona recently conducted a study focused on the use of topically applied cannabidiol (CBD) by fibromyalgia (FM) patients. The study’s findings were published in the Journal of Cannabis Research.
The research team described the work as a single-arm pilot study including 30 women with FM and clinically relevant localized pain due to musculoskeletal, neuropathic, or cutaneous comorbidities. Participants self-applied a commercially available CBD-containing topical formulation to a painful area every 8 h for 12 weeks. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks.
At the 4- and 12-week follow-up visits, all participants reported full adherence to the prescribed application schedule. No adverse events or side effects were reported during the study period. Localized pain showed a significant and clinically meaningful reduction at 4 weeks, a reduction that was sustained at the 12-week mark.
Specifically, 60% of participants achieved the minimal clinically important difference for pain. Functional capacity also improved significantly during the trial. At 4 weeks, 50% of participants exceeded the minimal clinically important difference for function.
The study is limited by its uncontrolled design. The authors stated that the study supports future randomized controlled trials of topical cannabinoids in fibromyalgia.
This latest study in Spain builds on prior research focused on fibromyalgia and cannabis. It contributes to the growing body of evidence regarding cannabinoid therapies. The specific focus on topical application distinguishes it from oral studies.
The results highlight a potential avenue for symptom management.
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