Chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis, can be debilitating. A 2015 report estimated that chronic fatigue syndrome affects as many as 2.5 million Americans. There are treatments available, but people have varying reactions to them.
In order to receive this diagnosis, you need to experience extreme fatigue consistently for at least six months. If there are additional medical diagnoses that could explain your fatigue, you will likely not qualify for this condition.
There isn’t one single test that’s run to diagnose this condition. Instead, most physicians will run general tests and seek to understand your overall wellness better.
What Causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
The medical field does not currently recognize one leading cause of this condition. Many different lifestyle, biological, and environmental factors may lead to the development of this diagnosis.
Possible causes include:
- Stress,
- Genetics,
- Infections,
- Immune system complications,
- Problems with energy generation.
If you have any concerns about the things listed above, it doesn’t mean you’ll develop this condition or need treatment for fatigue. However, it is essential to pay attention to your overall wellness and bring any concerning symptoms to your doctor.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Signs & Symptoms
Chronic fatigue syndrome is more than feeling a little tired. It is an overwhelming feeling of fatigue that lasts for months. This condition should be taken seriously, and its symptoms should not be overlooked.
If you have chronic fatigue syndrome, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Depression
- Dizziness
- Feeling tired after a full night of sleep
- Headaches
- Light sensitivity
- Insomnia
- Memory difficulty
- Muscle and joint pain
- Sore throat
- Trouble concentrating
- Weakness
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a valid condition. However, fatigue can result from a variety of diagnoses. If you’re experiencing lasting fatigue, consider speaking with a medical professional about your symptoms and discussing if cannabis could be an effective solution.
Can Cannabis Help Alleviate Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Chronic fatigue syndrome is highly complex. There are a variety of different things that can contribute to the development and treatment of this syndrome.
When it comes to a condition centered around chronic fatigue, most people would probably ask: does weed make you tired?
Yes, weed can make you tired. However, there are a lot of different things to consider when answering this question. Certain strains of cannabis can encourage sleep, while others can cause alertness. When it comes to using cannabis for chronic fatigue syndrome, it’s essential to find the right strain.
Cannabis can make you tired, but chronic fatigue syndrome is more than just being “tired.” Chronic fatigue is debilitating and isn’t solved after a night of rest. In fact, one of the potential symptoms includes insomnia. This is a significant differentiation to make when it comes to discussing cannabis and the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome.
A study published in 2022 collected self-reported data from 1,224 users over 3,922 sessions over the course of three years and found that 92% of individuals who were using cannabis felt that it reduced their perceived fatigue. However, individual metabolism, as well as methods of absorption, can play a significant role. For chronic users, the cannabinoid levels and plant labels of “Indica” and “Sativa” did not predict the effect.1
Those with chronic fatigue syndrome may have trouble sleeping. Research has demonstrated that cannabinoids like THC, as well as higher doses of CBD, have the potential to be sedating.2,3 If you’re having difficulty sleeping due to chronic fatigue syndrome, you may consider whether cannabis could work well for you. As mentioned previously, it’s essential to make sure you speak to your doctor before making any changes to your treatment plan.
There hasn’t been enough research to solidify the actual benefits of using cannabis for chronic fatigue syndrome. While many individuals with chronic fatigue may find cannabis helpful for their symptoms, some may not. It is important to consult your doctor if you’re curious about adding cannabis to your treatment regime.
Legality and Doctor’s Recommendation
To determine if your state considers chronic fatigue syndrome to be a qualifying condition for medical marijuana, check out our Laws & Regulations section for the medical cannabis rules for your state.
If you find that your state recognizes chronic fatigue syndrome or its symptoms as a qualifying medical condition, you can seek a doctor’s recommendation to get your medical cannabis card in your state.
How NuggMD Can Help
NuggMD is the nation's leading medical marijuana technology platform, serving patients in over half the United States. We’ve connected over 1,300,000 patients with their new medical marijuana doctors face-to-face via our state-of-the-art telemedicine platform.
We believe that every human being has the right to explore the benefits of medical cannabis and are fully committed to helping each patient explore all their options in their journey to wellness. For further information on whether you qualify for medical cannabis, select your state.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cannabis & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Experiencing chronic fatigue syndrome can be devastating. If you’re having symptoms, then you probably want to learn more about the condition. Here are some common questions and their answers:
What are the best strains for fatigue?
There are so many different strains out there, and it’s important to find one that you react well to. Many people find that Durban Poison and Sour Diesel are great for helping with symptoms of fatigue. If you’re worried about using the right strain, consider speaking with a cannabis professional about the options available.
Should I speak with my doctor about using cannabis for my fatigue?
Making sure that your medical team is aware of your cannabis use is important. Advocating for yourself and the treatments you want to use can be challenging, but it’s worth it. It can also be helpful to get multiple opinions and speak to a variety of medical professionals when considering if cannabis use could be the right choice for you.
I’m hesitant to try cannabis for my fatigue because I don’t like the feeling of being high. Are there any other options?
If you don’t want to experience the high that THC creates, consider trying CBD. It’s a great way to get some positive effects without feeling high. Many people find that they can continue going throughout their daily lives after taking CBD, making it a convenient option for treating fatigue.
Is there a specific place where I should get cannabis for fatigue?
You should always purchase cannabis from a reputable dispensary. This is the best way to minimize risk and ensure you get a quality product. Many dispensaries have their products online so that you can research them beforehand.
Should I try indica or sativa to relieve my fatigue?
Research on cannabis users finds that there is no preference between “Indica,” “Sativa,” or “Hybrid” labels when it comes to helping relieve symptoms of fatigue.
Am I too old to use cannabis for my fatigue?
While some older individuals may find the idea of cannabis daunting, there are ways to help ease them into a cannabis routine with the help of their medical team and cannabis professionals.
References
- Li X, Diviant JP, Stith SS, et al. The Effects of Consuming Cannabis Flower for Treatment of Fatigue. Med Cannabis Cannabinoids. 2022;5(1):76-84. Published 2022 Apr 13. doi:10.1159/000524057.
- Edwards D, Filbey FM. Are Sweet Dreams Made of These? Understanding the Relationship Between Sleep and Cannabis Use. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2021;6(6):462-473. doi:10.1089/can.2020.0174
- Peng J, Fan M, An C, Ni F, Huang W, Luo J. A narrative review of molecular mechanism and therapeutic effect of cannabidiol (CBD). Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology. 2022;130(4):439-456. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/bcpt.13710
The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
