Can You Get a Medical Card for Fibromyalgia in PA in 2024?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain. It can also cause a range of other problems, including insomnia, fatigue, and mood disorders. It affects approximately 4 million U.S. adults (2% of the adult population). People with fibromyalgia may be more sensitive to pain, a symptom known as abnormal pain processing. Even light touches from clothing or slight pressure can hurt.

While fibromyalgia isn’t a progressive condition, it can affect your daily functions and quality of life. There is no cure, but there are treatments available that aim to improve symptoms. A doctor may recommend physical activity, stress management strategies, talk therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or medications.

Some people with fibromyalgia manage their pain and other symptoms with alternative or complementary treatments. These may include acupuncture, yoga, tai chi, or massage therapy. Others also find relief with cannabis, leaving some individuals to wonder if they can use medical marijuana for fibromyalgia. It depends on where you live and if your state considers fibromyalgia a qualifying condition.

So, can you get a medical card for fibromyalgia in PA? Let’s take a look.

Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana in Pennsylvania

You may participate in Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program if you have one or more of the following qualifying conditions:

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Anxiety disorders
• Autism
• Cancer
• Chronic hepatitis C
• Crohn’s disease
• Dyskinetic and spastic movement disorders
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• HIV/AIDS
• Huntington’s disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Intractable seizures
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Neurodegenerative diseases
• Neuropathies
• Opioid use disorder (when conventional treatments are ineffective)
• Parkinson’s disease
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Severe chronic or intractable pain
• Sickle cell anemia
• Terminal illness
• Tourette syndrome

So Can You Get a Medical Card for Fibromyalgia in PA?

Cannabis is legal for medical use in Pennsylvania. Although fibromyalgia itself isn’t technically a qualifying condition for a medical card in Pennsylvania, severe, chronic pain is. One of the hallmarks of fibromyalgia is chronic pain. As such, you may be able to get a medical card for fibromyalgia in Pennsylvania.

The Effects of Cannabis on Fibromyalgia

Medical cannabis may provide several benefits for individuals with fibromyalgia including:

Pain Relief

The chronic, widespread pain associated with fibromyalgia can significantly interfere with your life. One of the top reasons why people use cannabis is to manage pain. It’s well-known for its analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. Compounds in cannabis, known as cannabinoids, appear to inhibit the release of neurotransmitters that would typically signal pain, helping to reduce pain perception.

Headaches and Migraines

Medical marijuana may be an effective treatment for fibromyalgia-related headaches, including migraines. Several studies have found that people using cannabis experience a decrease in headache frequency and severity. Some of these studies also discovered a link between cannabis use and a decrease in the use of prescription medications. Cannabis may also help manage the side effects of migraines, such as nausea and vomiting.

Sleep Disorders

When you have fibromyalgia, you might have trouble falling asleep. Or, you might wake up several times during the night. Either way, poor sleep quality can harm your mental and physical health.

By providing pain relief, cannabis can make it easier for you to get the restorative sleep you need each night. Research also shows that cannabis may help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

Anxiety and Depression

Those with fibromyalgia have a higher risk of developing mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression. One way cannabis may help is by pain relief. Experiencing less pain may help you feel better mentally. Although research is limited, cannabis may also ease symptoms of anxiety and depression, which can then help boost your mood.

IBS

Many people with fibromyalgia also have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a gastrointestinal disorder characterized by persistent abdominal pain, cramps, and bloating. Those with IBS appear to have a more sensitive gut, just as those with fibromyalgia appear to be more sensitive to physical touch.

Medical marijuana might provide some relief for those dealing with IBS. Along with its pain-relieving properties, it may improve digestive system functioning and increase intestinal permeability, which could then help ease IBS symptoms.

“Fibro Fog”

“Fibro fog” is a term describing the decrease in mental clarity common in people with fibromyalgia. People with fibromyalgia may feel forgetful, have trouble concentrating, or find it difficult to think quickly or clearly.

Doctors often recommend physical activity, sleep, and pain relievers to improve mental clarity. As medical cannabis may help ease pain and promote better sleep, it may also help reduce the symptoms of fibro fog.

Schedule an Appointment with a Medical Marijuana Doctor in Pennsylvania Today!

If you want to try cannabis for fibromyalgia in Pennsylvania, you’ll first need to find out if you qualify for a PA medical card. It all starts with a consultation with a medical marijuana doctor.

At Green Health Docs, we offer three convenient ways to schedule an appointment — online, by text, or by phone. We even offer same-day appointments, allowing you to consult with a physician in as little as 15 minutes after scheduling.

After a brief evaluation, your doctor will let you know if you qualify for a medical card. Once you register with the state, you’ll receive your medical marijuana card within 7 to 10 days.

Schedule your appointment with Green Health Docs today!

This article has been reviewed by Dr. Anand Dugar, an anesthesiologist, pain medicine physician and the founder of Green Health Docs. Graduating from medical school in 2004 and residency in 2008, Dr. Dugar has been a licensed physician for almost 20 years and has been leading the push for medical cannabis nationwide.