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Study register · detail Systematic Review · Fibromyalgia · 2015

Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Chronic Non-Cancer Pain: An Updated Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Lynch et al. ·Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology Impact 5.5
Clear benefit GRADE High 195 citations
SampleSystematische Review
Durationunclear
ControlPlacebo or control conditions
EndpointPain intensity
Blindingdoppelblind
DesignSystematic Review
Key finding

Seven of eleven studies showed significant analgesic effects; cannabinoids were assessed as safe, moderately effective analgesics with good tolerability.

Summary

Systematic review of RCTs on cannabinoids in chronic non-cancer pain (update); moderate evidence for neuropathic pain, limited data for fibromyalgia; cannabinoids show moderate analgesic effects with acceptable side effect profile.

P
PopulationAdults with chronic non-cancer pain, pooled from 11 new RCTs (sample size not given)
I
InterventionCannabinoids (various formulations and routes of administration)
C
ControlPlacebo or control conditions (details not specified)
O
Outcome7/11 studies showed significant analgesic effect; improvement in secondary outcomes (sleep, muscle stiffness, spasticity); AEs mostly mild-moderate (fatigue, dizziness)
Confidence in the evidence
High

The highest of four GRADE levels, the effect estimate is very reliable.

Quality profile
Sample size —
Blinding Double-blind
Effect size Clear benefit
Citations / year ★★★★★
Authors
Lynch M E, Ware M A
DOI 10.1007/s11481-015-9600-6↗
Design: Systematic Review
Share
Abstract
An updated systematic review of randomized controlled trials examining cannabinoids in the treatment of chronic non-cancer pain was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews reporting on health care outcomes. Eleven trials published since our last review met inclusion criteria. The quality of the trials was excellent. Seven of the trials demonstrated a significant analgesic effect. Several trials also demonstrated improvement in secondary outcomes (e.g., sleep, muscle stiffness and spasticity). Adverse effects most frequently reported such as fatigue and dizziness were mild to moderate in severity and generally well tolerated. This review adds further support that currently available cannabinoids are safe, modestly effective analgesics that provide a reasonable therapeutic option in the management of chronic non-cancer pain.
Indication
Further studies on Fibromyalgia
All studies →
S Rasmussen et al. · 2026 · Annals of the rheumatic diseases
1 citations
Cannabidiol versus placebo in patients with fibromyalgia: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, single-centre trial.
Harm RCT

n=200 Fibromyalgie-Patienten, CBD 50 mg täglich vs. Placebo über 24 Wochen; primärer Endpunkt Schmerzintensität (NRS): CBD-Gruppe -0,4 Punkte (95% CI: -0,82 bis 0,08), Placebo-Gruppe -1,1 Punkte (95% CI: -1,53 bis -0,63), Gruppenunterschied -0,7 Punkte (95% CI: -1,2 bis -0,25; p=0,0028) zugunsten Placebo. CBD 50 mg täglich zeigte keine analgetische Wirksamkeit.

10.1016/j.ard.2025.07.008 View study →
S Walitt et al. · 2016 · Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
120 citations
Cannabinoids for fibromyalgia
No benefit demonstrated Cochrane Review

Cochrane SR über 2 RCTs (n=72) zu Cannabinoiden bei Fibromyalgie; nabilone vs. Placebo zeigte keine statistisch signifikante Schmerzreduktion oder Verbesserung der Lebensqualität; sehr kleine Stichprobengröße und kurze Studiendauer limitieren Aussagekraft; keine ausreichende Evidenz für Wirksamkeit.

10.1002/14651858.cd011694.pub2 View study →
A Häuser et al. · 2018 · European Journal of Pain
189 citations
European Pain Federation (EFIC) position paper on appropriate use of cannabis-based medicines and medical cannabis for chronic pain management
Unclear Leitlinie

EFIC-Positionspapier zur angemessenen Anwendung cannabisbasierter Medikamente bei chronischen Schmerzen; empfiehlt zurückhaltenden Einsatz bei Fibromyalgie aufgrund begrenzter Evidenz (schwache Empfehlung).

10.1002/ejp.1297 View study →

The impediment to action advances action. — Marcus Aurelius