Can Cannabis Combat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) ?

Can Cannabis Combat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) ?

Many women and some men wake with lethargic, flu-like symptoms and brain fog that they just can’t shake. As the condition lingers, they become embarrassed and confused, while trying to understand what’s happened to their health. These patients suffer from cognitive symptoms, drowsiness and apathy (lack of interest/enthusiasm/concern) that can’t be improved with effort or attitude. Across the globe, health care systems have offered little support, while patients grow weary as their symptoms worsen and they attempt to cope with this life-altering illness.

Common Fatigue vs. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

While common fatigue causes diminished levels of energy and motivation, it is a normal and vital bodily response to physical activity, emotional stress, boredom or jet lag. However, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), is abnormal and extremely challenging to cope with. A key to diagnosis, is that it the life-altering fatigue lasts for at least six months and these symptoms worsen with physical or mental activity but don’t fully improve with rest.

Medical Marijuana and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Medical marijuana could help these otherwise healthy adults manage some of the common symptoms associated with CFS. Some symptoms that could improve with cannabis include: 

•  performing regular daily activities
•  headaches
•  a lack of concentration 
• memory loss
• Muscle or joint pain
• difficulty sleeping
• brain fog
• irritability
  

Challenges and Stigma Faced by CFS Patients

CFS is also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS) and Systemic Exertion Intolerance Disease (SEID). Sadly, it often comes with discrimination, stigmatism and shame, mainly because the emotional support network, along with physicians and the health care network, are challenged to believe the symptoms that can’t be seen. Patients not only have the burden of managing the symptoms, but the intolerance promotes anxiety and depressions, as they are commonly deemed as lazy liars. The disproportionate diagnosis is highest for women at a rate of 75- 85%. Although, the disease itself does not discriminate. Of the estimated 15-30 million people around the world suffering from ME, at least a million are American, but other counties have reports of 250 thousand in the UK, 560 thousand in Canada and 100 thousand in Australia and it’s estimated that 80- 90% of sufferers go underdiagnosed.

Possible Causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

According to Anthony William, “neurological fatigue” stems from, “an ongoing and chronic Stage Four Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection…accompanied by toxic heavy metals such as mercury and aluminum, which create viral neurotoxins that inflame and drain the central nervous system, creating an exhaustion that’s far more pronounced and limiting than simply being tired. In its more aggressive forms, the neurotoxins cause a mild encephalitis (which is undetectable by MRI or CT scan), which creates even heavier fatigue. Viral neurotoxins are flooding their systems, creating an undetectable viral encephalitis (brain inflammation) that creates irritated, lethargic, sensitive nerves throughout the body and can get in the way of life in devastating ways.

Patient Experiences

A patient named Liz, explained that articulating the disease is challenging. “Sometimes I say it is like ‘gas not getting to the engine,’ or that ‘the circuit breaker shuts off and there is no power to switch it back on.’” According to the CDC, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is extreme fatigue that can’t be explained by an underlying medical condition. Meanwhile, there’s been little support for patients, as they battle with health care providers and government agencies to get support.

Impact on Quality of Life

“People with ME experience a substantial loss of physical and/or cognitive function. The average person with ME scores as more disabled on quality-of-life surveys than those with multiple sclerosis, stroke, diabetes, renal failure, lung disease, heart failure, and cancer. Someone with mild ME may be able to work full-time with accommodations; someone with very severe ME may be bedbound and have trouble communicating.” According to ME Action, “There are no approved treatments for ME. Because many ME patients’ symptoms vary over time, specialists often suggest treatments that are highly personalized.” Many of those patients could get some relief with medical cannabis strains like Jack Herer. Derek R. (verified purchase, Oct. 8, 2022) gave the strain a thumbs up and called it his, “everyday go-to for ADHD and Major Depressive Disorder. Best way to start the day to be happy and productive.

Potential Causes and Treatment Options for CFS

 According to the Mayo Clinic, the cause of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is still unknown and a combination of factors may be involved, including: 

• Infection 
• Immune system 
• Energy production
• Anxiety disorders
• Fibromyalgia 
• Genes 
• Stress 
• Insomnia 
• Autoimmunity
• Brain abnormalities
• Cancer 
• COPD 
• Diabetes 
• Drug dependence 
• Endocrine disorders
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease 
• Poor diet
• Too little physical activity

Again, treatment focuses on symptom relief. Some options include antidepressants, sleeping pills, physical therapy, medical marijuana and counseling. Another strain that could prove to be beneficial to ME patients is Pineapple Express. Debra C. (verified purchase March 16, 2022), described it as her, “instant get up an go! A lil goes a long way. Excellent for daytime use: relaxing, focusing, creative inducing.