Managing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) with Medical Cannabis
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, also known as ME or myalgicencephalomyelitis, is a neurological condition that can affect a number of areas of the body and have a wide range of symptoms. It gets its name from the most common symptom associated with this condition – Chronic Fatigue.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / ME can vary, but the most common symptoms include:
- Intense fatigue that is not improved by rest and can be made worse after physical / mental exertion
- Sickness / general feelings of being unwell
- Joint and muscle pain
- Complications and discomfort in the stomach and/or intestine
- Difficulty sleeping
- Cognitive issues, such as memory or concentration problems
- Headaches
- Sore throats
- Dizziness
Cause and treatment
Diagnosing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ ME can be complicated and may often take time as many of the symptoms are also shared with other conditions.
The cause of CFS / ME is not fully understood, making treatment complex. However, there are a number of theories for how the condition may be caused. According to the current evidence, potential triggers of CFS / ME may include:
- Viral and bacterial infections
- Contraction of herpesviruses and enteroviruses
- Hormone imbalances
- Problems with the immune system
- Mental health issues (e.g., stress, emotional trauma)
There is no known cure for CFS / ME, however, a number of treatment options may be considered, depending on the severity and symptoms associated with each case. Drug treatments such as painkillers and anti depressants may be offered to help with the management of specific symptoms.
Other treatments may include prescribed lifestyle changes such as diets and supplements, and in some cases, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) may also be considered.
Medical Cannabis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME
For some patients, traditional treatment plans may not be sufficient to effectively manage the symptoms associated with CFS / ME. There is evidence to suggest that medical cannabis may be useful in the management of specific symptoms that are widely associated with this condition, and such therapies may be considered where other treatments have proved ineffective.
While there are currently no studies that have specifically assessed the efficacy of cannabis-based medical products for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, there is evidence that these medicines can be effective in alleviating a number of the symptoms associated with the condition, including pain and inflammation, sleep, and general quality of life.
Our specialist physicians are experienced in assessing individual cases and helping to determine whether medical cannabis could be an effective option.
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Conditions Specialists
Dr Anup Mathew
Lead Psychiatry Specialist
Dr Anup Mathew
Consultant Psychiatrist | Clinical Lecturer
M.D., MA, MSc, BSc (Hons), MRCPsych, FHEADCP, MDCH, DCBH, PGCDM, PGCCE, MAcadMEd
Dr Mathew is a Community Psychiatrist in the NHS responsible for providing medical psychiatric support to a multi-disciplinary Primary Care Mental Health Service across East and North Kent.
Dr Mathew has extensive knowledge of mental health legislation having completed an MA in Medical Ethics and Law. He was appointed by the Ministry of Justice as a Medical Member of the First-tier Tribunal in the Social Entitlement Chamber. Dr Mathew also has a special interest in PTSD and Military Psychiatry having completed an MSc in War and Psychiatry and trained with the Royal Marines Reserve.
Dr Mathew was awarded Membership of the Academy of Medical Educators and Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy following his involvement in medical education which included being a University Lecturer.
As a Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Addictions Faculty, Dr Mathew has qualifications and expertise in the management of alcohol and drug misuse, particularly with co-morbid mental health problems. Due to his expertise, Dr Mathew is a Medical Examiner and Health Examiner for the General Medical Council.
Dr Mathew holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy and he is also a qualified Medical Hypnotherapist. He incorporates a holistic approach in treatment that considers how biological, psychological and social factors impact on a person’s life and recovery journey. His work ethic has always been focused on trying to improve the outcomes of people with mental illness.
Dr Gerard Sinovich
Lead Pain Specialist
Dr Gerard Sinovich
Acute and Chronic Pain Management Consultant
MBBS, FRCA, FFPMRCA
Specialisms: Musculoskeletal pain; neuropathic pain; fibromyalgia; headaches; migraines; chronic neck, upper & lower back, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle pain; myofascial pain; inflammatory and connective tissue disorders; abdominal pain; pelvic pain; post-surgical pain and cancer pain.
Dr Sinovich qualified in anaesthesia and is professionally trained to treat different pain problems, particularly musculoskeletal pain and neuropathic pain. He is well renowned in his field following completion of specialised training in Pain Management at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, a world leading hospital in pain research and management.
Dr Sinovich is a pioneer in medical cannabis prescribing to chronic pain patients in the UK. He has extensive experience in prescribing medicinal cannabis over the last 3 years with training undertaken in Canada. He has featured in cannabis health news, BBC news, and in the daily mirror on topics related to medicinal cannabis. He has presented various web-based seminars on medicinal cannabis to both patients and aspiring doctors wanting to enter the field of medicinal cannabis. He is involved in research trials to better understand the use of medicinal cannabis and making it more accessible to individuals with chronic pain.
Here are some interesting facts about Dr Sinovich:
- Granted Foundation Fellowship of the Faculty of Pain Medicine of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (FFPMRCA)
- Medical director of “Panacea Pain Relief Clinic” with consulting rooms at the Spire Clare Park Hospital, Frimley Park Hospital and Spire St Anthony Hospital
- Presented at numerous national anaesthesia and pain medicine conferences
- Member of the British Pain Society and of the European Society for Regional Anaesthesia & Pain Medicine
- Faculty member of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCA), the European Society of Anaesthesiology (ESA) and the Association of Anaesthetists (AAGBI)
- Local Pain Medicine Educational Supervisor responsible for teaching of undergraduate medical students in acute and chronic pain
Medical cannabis, legally prescribed
As featured on
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Your go-to blog for medical cannabis facts and updates.
FAQ’s
Answers to your most important medical cannabis questions.
Can medical cannabis help manage symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)?
Medical cannabis may support patients with ME/CFS by helping manage symptoms such as chronic pain, sleep disturbances, and anxiety. At Cantourage Clinic, our specialist doctors explore personalised cannabis-based treatments for individuals who haven’t found relief with standard approaches.
Is medical cannabis legally available for ME/CFS patients in the UK?
Yes. In the UK, medical cannabis can be prescribed for chronic conditions like ME/CFS when conventional treatments are ineffective. At Cantourage Clinic, we operate under UK regulations, offering legal access to cannabis-based therapies through professional medical assessment and prescription.
What symptoms of ME/CFS can medical cannabis potentially alleviate?
Patients may find relief from persistent fatigue, muscle pain, insomnia, and low mood. Our clinicians at Cantourage Clinic tailor each treatment to the patient’s unique profile, often using balanced or CBD-dominant products to support day-to-day symptom management without excessive sedation.
How can I start medical cannabis treatment for ME/CFS with Cantourage Clinic?
Simply book an initial consultation with one of our experienced doctors. We’ll review your medical history, symptom progression, and current treatments. If cannabis-based therapy is suitable, we’ll prescribe a personalised plan and support you through every stage of your treatment journey.