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The Cannabis Chronicles and Navigating Fibromyalgia with Medical Cannabis

  • Writer: Brainz Magazine
    Brainz Magazine
  • May 21
  • 11 min read

Berta Kaguako is the Co-Founder and Managing Director for EthVida, a patient educational platform, that promotes plant medicine and a holostic healthcare approach. As a patient herself, Berta has made a remarkable transformation, using Cannabis Based Medical Products, to manage 7 diagnosis and 50+ symptoms. And now advocates for plant medicine.

Executive Contributor Berta Kaguako

The Cannabis Chronicles is not just a story about pain, it’s a story about possibility. In a world where chronic illness is too often met with skepticism or silence, patients are stepping forward to rewrite the narrative. Fibromyalgia, a condition marked by relentless pain, fatigue, and confusion, has left many feeling unseen by conventional medicine. But for some, healing begins when they look beyond the traditional, and toward the therapeutic power of cannabis.


Hand holds a cannabis leaf against a vibrant sunrise, set in a lush green field. Sunlight creates a serene, hopeful mood. No text present.

A patient’s journey with cannabis-based medical products


At EthVida, we believe in the power of real stories to shift perspectives and break down barriers. In today’s interview, we’re honoured to sit down with one of our community members, Charlotte Finn, who has firsthand experience using Cannabis-Based Medical Products (CBMPs) to manage symptoms of fibromyalgia.


Through their personal testimony, we’ll explore the challenges they faced within traditional healthcare systems, the turning point that led them to medical cannabis, and how a holistic approach has impacted their quality of life. This is more than a conversation. It’s a window into the lived reality behind the controversy and stigma. We hope their story brings clarity, connection, and inspiration to others walking a similar path.


Let’s step behind the veil and hear their journey in their own words.


What is fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS)?


Before we can explore the benefits of Cannabis-Based Medical Products and fibromyalgia, we first need to understand what fibromyalgia is. Many people have heard of fibromyalgia and know it can cause pain and fatigue, but it is poorly understood by many others. Fibromyalgia is classified as a chronic pain condition. Although chronic pain is the most prominent symptom, fibromyalgia is actually a much more complex condition.


Fibromyalgia syndrome, also known simply as fibromyalgia, is a chronic disorder categorised by widespread pain, as well as other symptoms including:


  • Fatigue

  • Heightened sensitivity to pain

  • Sleep disturbances

  • Cognitive issues, also known as fibro fog

  • Mood disorders (anxiety and depression)

  • Muscle aches and stiffness

  • Joint pain and stiffness

  • Headaches and migraines


Unfortunately for patients living with fibromyalgia, there is no known cause and therefore no known cure. However, there is a consensus among medical professionals that the condition may be linked to an abnormal response in how the brain and spinal cord process pain signals.


“The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but it's thought to be related to abnormal levels of certain chemicals in the brain and changes in the way the central nervous system (the brain, spinal cord, and nerves) processes pain messages carried around the body.”¹


It is also important to note that fibromyalgia is more common in women, with women constituting roughly 75% of patients diagnosed with the condition. Treatment options such as exercise, talking therapies, medications, and acupuncture are known to offer symptom relief.


To learn more about fibromyalgia and how to manage it, please follow the NHS (National Health Service) guidance: Fibromyalgia – NHS.


CBMPs and fibromyalgia


An important study to note is “Cannabis Use in Patients with Fibromyalgia: Effect on Symptoms Relief and Health-Related Quality of Life”, an observational study conducted on 367 patients to explore the safety and effectiveness of medical cannabis on the all-inclusive symptoms of fibromyalgia. It is important to note the age group of the women had a median of 52 years old, as the onset of fibromyalgia is commonly around the age of 30+.


The study was carried out over a 6-month period, where cannabis was added to patients’ existing treatment plans, with a low dropout rate and high satisfaction among users. The most common form of cannabis medication was flower or oil. The results indicated a significant improvement in symptoms, with many reporting reduced pain, better quality sleep, and relief from anxiety and depressive symptoms. Patients also reported mild and tolerable side effects such as dry mouth, light dizziness, and nausea.


“Approximately 81.1% of patients reported at least moderate improvement in their condition. Significant improvements were noted in pain intensity, sleep disturbances, and depressive symptoms. Notably, 92.9% of patients reported sleep problems at baseline, with 73.4% experiencing improvement and 13.2% reporting complete resolution.”²


The endocannabinoid system (ECS) and fibromyalgia


The endocannabinoid system is a vast network of enzymes, receptors, and naturally occurring cannabinoids that help regulate pain, mood, sleep, and immune function, similar to the role of the nervous system. For a more detailed summary of the endocannabinoid system, please review our debut article: Did you know CBMPs are legal in the UK? 



For people with fibromyalgia, their ECS is considered to be underactive, leading to heightened sensitivity to pain and fatigue. Some researchers have expanded on this theory, proposing a “clinical endocannabinoid deficiency” as the underlying cause for conditions such as fibromyalgia, IBS, and persistent migraines. This study identified that individuals with conditions such as fibromyalgia often have lower levels of endocannabinoid, the naturally occurring compounds that activate the body’s cannabinoid receptors. Therefore, promoting ECS activity by introducing cannabis can have promising effects on patients with fibromyalgia.



In summary, both preclinical and clinical research underpin the significance of the endocannabinoid system in the management of fibromyalgia symptoms. However, further comprehensive studies are essential to solidify these findings and establish a definitive evidence-based model for the treatment of fibromyalgia with cannabis-based medical products.


Interview


We sit with Charlotte, a 34-year-old mother living with the relentless grip of fibromyalgia. Like many others with the condition, Charlotte spent years navigating a maze of medications, therapies, and unanswered questions, all while managing chronic pain, brain fog, and extreme fatigue that disrupted her daily life. Traditional treatments offered little relief and plenty of side effects. But everything changed when she turned to cannabis-based medical products.


In this deeply personal account, Charlotte shares her journey from surviving to thriving, offering insight into how medical cannabis has transformed her symptoms, restored her sleep, and given her a sense of control she thought she had lost forever.


Background


  • Full name: Charlotte

  • Age: 34

  • Gender: Female

  • Conditions: Fibromyalgia, joint hypermobility syndrome, costochondritis, and anxiety disorder

  • Symptoms: Joint and muscle widespread chronic pain. Stiffness in joints and muscles. Sharp, stabbing pains in the chest. Nausea, vomiting, GI issues, disturbed or non-restorative sleep, fatigue, and brain fog.

  • NHS prescription: Sertraline, citalopram, diazepam, naproxen, gabapentin, pregabalin, sumatriptan, Targinact, codeine, codydramol, co-codamol.

  • Impact on day-to-day: Inability to do basic levels of self-care such as showering, getting out of bed, preparing food, and housework. Difficulty leaving the house.


“I was in agony all the time,” she recalls. “My joints and muscles ached constantly, I had sharp stabbing chest pains, nerve shooting pains, fatigue, brain fog, blinding headaches, migraines! You name it.”— Charlotte

Daily living


Current prescriptions:


30g medical cannabis flower, CBD and THC edibles.


How easy was it to obtain the medication?


It was impossible to obtain a prescription via the NHS, despite it being legal to prescribe. I have to purchase my prescription via a private clinic, which, in my experience, was relatively easy.


Did you ever experience any adverse reactions?


Yes, definitely. In the beginning, I did have some headaches when I took too much THC. It's something that can happen if you're not careful with your dosage. But I've found a couple of things that help a lot. First, adding some CBD into the mix really helps balance things out. CBD doesn’t have the same psychoactive effects as THC, but it can counteract some of the negative impacts. Also, I discovered that chewing a black peppercorn works wonders. They contain a terpene called beta-caryophyllene, which binds to the body’s CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, and that really helps relieve the discomfort from too much THC. It’s a simple and natural remedy that I keep in mind when I need it.


What aspect of your care stood out?


Moving to a private clinic meant I was supported in my choice of medication.


Current healthcare regime:


One of the biggest changes I’ve made is prioritizing sleep. I aim for 8 hours most nights if possible. Getting enough rest is crucial for managing my symptoms. I’ve also cleaned up my diet; I’ve cut down on sugar, which has made a noticeable difference in how I feel day-to-day. On top of that, I practice daily meditation to help calm my mind and reduce stress, which is a huge trigger for my fibromyalgia flare-ups.


Gentle movement is another key part of my routine. Whether it's stretching, yoga, or just light walking, I make sure to move my body every day. I've also added some supplements to my wellness plan, like magnesium, vitamin D, and omega-3, which support my energy levels and overall well-being. These small changes have really made a big impact on my quality of life.


Impact on day-to-day:


Oh, it’s been huge. Since making these adjustments, I’m able to be more present and actually enjoy doing things again. One of the best parts is being able to spend more time with my daughter, whether it’s playing, going for walks, or just being more engaged in her daily activities.


My mobility has improved too, especially when the pain is under control. I’m able to move around more freely without that constant, nagging discomfort holding me back. And mentally, it’s made a world of difference. My mental health has improved significantly. I feel more balanced, less anxious, and more in control of my life, which, honestly, has been one of the most rewarding changes.


“I replaced all of my medications with cannabis-based medical products and a holistic approach, and I will never look back.”— Charlotte

Social circumstances


Any issues or concerns with regards to your treatment?


Yes, unfortunately, there are some significant challenges. Having a disability that limits my ability to work, while relying on medication that isn’t available through the NHS, creates a lot of stress. The financial instability that comes with that means there are some months when I just can’t afford enough medication to last. This can have a serious impact on my overall health, as I’m not able to stay consistent with my treatment.


The supply chain issues around cannabis-based products can also be unpredictable, and when something I rely on isn’t available, it can throw everything off balance. It's frustrating because it feels like I’m doing everything right to manage my condition, but these external factors are often out of my control. That adds another layer of stress to an already challenging situation.


What has the support from your peers been like?


Honestly, not always. While some friends and family try to be supportive, there’s still a lot of misunderstanding and stigma around my choice to use medical cannabis. I get comments about the smell, or jokes comparing my prescribed medication to someone’s “medicinal wine,” as if it’s not legitimate or serious.


It’s incredibly frustrating, even hurtful, especially when I know how much this treatment has helped me. What really sickens me is how much of UK society still refuses to accept plant medicines, yet we turn a blind eye to alcohol, which is widely accepted despite the damage it causes.


I’m not using cannabis to escape. I'm using it to function, to live, to be a present mum, and to manage my condition. That lack of understanding can feel really isolating.


Are you engaging with any services in the NHS (National Health Service UK), or any other healthcare professional?


Unfortunately, no, not in any meaningful way. I’ve been on the NHS rheumatology waiting list for 42 weeks now, just hoping for support to help manage my condition. That’s almost a year of waiting with no specialist guidance while trying to handle daily pain and fatigue on my own. It’s incredibly disheartening.


In the meantime, I’ve had to take matters into my own hands with alternative treatments like medical cannabis, because I simply couldn’t afford to wait in silence any longer. It’s not that I don’t want to work with the NHS, I do, but the system is overwhelmed, and people like me are being left behind.


If yes, how has your experience with them been? Have they been accommodating of your prescription?


Yes, my GP has actually been quite supportive, which I really appreciate. They’ve acknowledged that my prescription is legitimate and have even suggested adjusting my dose to better manage some of the new pain levels and symptoms I’ve been experiencing.


But the problem is, I simply can’t afford to increase my medication. So even though there’s a clear medical need and support from my doctor, I’m left in a really difficult position. It’s heartbreaking knowing that the help is there in theory but not in practice, because of the financial barriers. It’s a constant juggling act between health and affordability, and no one should have to choose between the two.


Any message or feedback you would like to share with people who are cannabis-naïve and either sceptical or curious about cannabis as medicine?


I’d say, keep an open mind. If conventional treatments haven’t worked for you, I highly recommend giving medical cannabis a try, especially if you're dealing with chronic pain. In my experience, it’s been far more effective and gentler on my body than many of the traditional medications I was prescribed over the years.


Honestly, I believe medical cannabis should have been offered to me as a first-line treatment, not a last resort. It’s frustrating to think I spent years suffering and managing side effects from pharmaceuticals when there was a plant-based alternative with far fewer long-term risks. This isn’t about getting high, it’s about getting well, and I hope more people can see that.


Charlotte’s story powerfully illustrates the life-changing impact that a cannabis-based prescription can have on someone living with chronic illness. Her health and wellbeing have improved significantly, but like many patients, she continues to face stigma and judgment for choosing this form of treatment.


Before cannabis, Charlotte was managing 14 different medications, many of which were not only less effective but also came with side effects that mimicked and worsened her existing symptoms. So, when you criticise someone like Charlotte for using a legally prescribed plant-based medicine, consider what you’re really asking: a return to suffering, complexity, and diminished quality of life.


It’s time we rethink the narrative around medical cannabis and start listening to the lived experiences of patients.


Conclusion


Hearing this patient’s journey reminds us why advocacy, education, and access matter so deeply. Their story is a powerful testament to the potential of Cannabis-Based Medical Products and the importance of a healthcare system that listens, evolves, and puts people first.


At EthVida, we are proud to amplify voices like theirs, voices that challenge stigma, encourage open dialogue, and pave the way for a more compassionate, patient-led future. To those navigating similar paths, know that you're not alone. We're here to support, signpost, and stand with you every step of the way.


Stay connected, stay informed, and continue the conversation here | EthVida: Overview | LinkedIn.


Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info!

Read more from Berta Kaguako

Berta Kaguako, Health and Social Care Consultant

Berta Kaguako is a Health and Social Care Consultant, with an Undergraduate in Psychotherapy and Masters in Psychoanalysis. Berta’s background is in Mental Health, Substance Misuse and Children & Families: in both a therapeutic and senior management capacity, having won 3x Blooming Strong Awards (Recognition from UN for contribution to violence against Women).


Berta is also the Co-Founder and Managing Director for EthVida, and independently runs the wellbeing service / educational platform.

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