ARAÚJO, Daiane Silva De; LIMA, Rafaella Cristina Da Silva; COLOMBO, Meiriane Sanches
Abstract:
This study analyzed the therapeutic use of Cannabis sativa and its derivatives in the
management of chronic pain, with an emphasis on fibromyalgia, a syndrome
characterized by diffuse pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and functional impairment.
The growing clinical relevance of the topic motivated a synthesis of evidence on the
efficacy, safety, and limitations of cannabinoids in difficult-to-treat conditions. The
objective was to evaluate the contributions of cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-
tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to the modulation of pain, mood, and quality of life in
patients with fibromyalgia. The methodology was qualitative, descriptive, and
exploratory, based on a systematic and integrative bibliographic review of studies
published between 2021 and 2025, emphasizing clinical trials, systematic reviews,
and observational studies retrieved from national and international databases.
The results indicate consistent biological plausibility and signs of clinical benefit,
although the evidence remains limited and heterogeneous. Rigorous clinical trials
have not demonstrated statistically significant superiority over placebo in primary
pain outcomes. On the other hand, observational studies and integrative reviews
reported multidimensional improvement in pain, sleep, fatigue, and mood, especially
when combined CBD and THC formulations were individualized and titrated
gradually. The safety profile proved favorable, with mild and self-limited adverse
events predominating.
It is concluded that Cannabis sativa has therapeutic potential as an adjuvant
treatment in refractory cases of fibromyalgia, and its use should occur under medical
supervision and with clear indication, dosing, and monitoring protocols. Further
multicenter and standardized studies with robust samples are recommended to
consolidate clinical guidelines and safely integrate medicinal Cannabis into
contemporary therapeutic practice.