For someone with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, the tasks faced in everyday life feel insurmountable with a limited resource of energy to tap into.
The frustrating nature of CFS, sometimes called Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, is that it is difficult to diagnose. There is no known, underlying medical cause for the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue, which include inexplicable exhaustion that doesn’t improve with increased rest and sleep.
Accompanying symptoms may include inflammation of lymph nodes, joint pain, muscle pain, and difficulty remembering things or focusing. Some individuals may also experience headaches and a sore throat.
Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Even more frustrating is the fact that there isn’t a standard treatment method for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. While there are suspicions that infection, hormonal imbalances, or issues with the immune system may have something to do with the condition, not knowing the cause of the CFS prohibits knowing how to cure or treat it.
For now, the standard approach is management, not treatment of the conditions. One such method is called pacing and involves managing exertion to avoid a flare-up of more severe symptoms. This requires a good understanding of what you are capable of carrying out without bringing yourself to a point of exhaustion. Additional management techniques focus on symptoms or co-occurring conditions, like depression and sleep problems.
CBD and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
From the start, it is important to be upfront that there is no existing formal research on the effects of CBD, or marijuana, on chronic fatigue syndrome. There are anecdotal reports, however, from individuals using CBD to manage their symptoms.
As VeryWell points out, many individuals who have CFS also experience joint paint. There are recent animal studies that have observed improvements in pain symptoms with the use of a topical CBD product, like this study published in 2018.
There is evidence that chronic fatigue is connected to having a hypersensitive central nervous system. In 2017, the journal Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets listed cannabidiol as a way to decrease the activity of brain cells called glia, which triggers that hypersensitivity of the nervous system.
Marijuana and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Like CBD, there isn’t formal research on the use of marijuana for treating or managing the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. However, Marijuana Doctors report on anecdotal evidence that Sativa, which has an energizing effect, could be used for a boost while experiencing fatigue.
Additional uses for marijuana for these individuals could include improving sleep, managing depression, and decreasing chronic pain. Ultimately, we suggest that individuals who are struggling with chronic fatigue find a doctor who is open to alternative therapies. Someone who has experience prescribing medical marijuana and cannabidiol can help guide you on dosing as you look for new ways to manage the worst symptoms for your conditions.
