Quick answer
Quick answer
Not by name in the programs we track, though related symptoms such as chronic pain may qualify. Either way, a provider licensed in your state has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
What is arthritis?
Does arthritis qualify in your state?
- AL AlabamaNot listed by name
- AK AlaskaNot listed by name
- AZ ArizonaNot listed by name
- AR ArkansasNot listed by name
- CA CaliforniaNot listed by name
- CO ColoradoNot listed by name
- CT ConnecticutNot listed by name
- DE DelawareNot listed by name
- FL FloridaNot listed by name
- HI HawaiiNot listed by name
- IL IllinoisNot listed by name
- KY KentuckyNot listed by name
- LA LouisianaNot listed by name
- ME MaineNot listed by name
- MD MarylandNot listed by name
- MA MassachusettsNot listed by name
- MI MichiganNot listed by name
- MN MinnesotaNot listed by name
- MS MississippiNot listed by name
- MO MissouriNot listed by name
- MT MontanaNot listed by name
- NV NevadaNot listed by name
- NH New HampshireNot listed by name
- NJ New JerseyNot listed by name
- NM New MexicoNot listed by name
- NY New YorkNot listed by name
- ND North DakotaNot listed by name
- OH OhioNot listed by name
- OK OklahomaNot listed by name
- OR OregonNot listed by name
- PA PennsylvaniaNot listed by name
- RI Rhode IslandNot listed by name
- SD South DakotaNot listed by name
- UT UtahNot listed by name
- VT VermontNot listed by name
- VA VirginiaNot listed by name
- WA WashingtonNot listed by name
- DC Washington, D.C.Not listed by name
- WV West VirginiaNot listed by name
What the research says
Moderate evidence. Arthritis-specific trials are few, but arthritis pain falls under chronic pain, where the National Academies found substantial evidence of benefit. Many patients prefer topicals for joint pain.
Sources: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids (2017); FDA approvals; published trials. General information, not medical advice.
Risks and precautions
- Topicals and low-dose edibles are popular with older patients who want relief without feeling high.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and never drive while impaired.
How to get certified for arthritis
Answer a few questions
Pick your state, tell us your symptoms and what you've already tried. Review your answers and contact you to schedule your video visit.Meet your doctor by video
Join from your phone or laptop. Have a photo ID ready. The doctor reviews your history and decides whether cannabis is right for you.Get certified and registered
Pay the evaluation fee, then submit your state registry form. The doctor files your certification. We walk you through the state form line by line.
Arthritis: 4 common questions
Does arthritis qualify for a medical marijuana card?
Not by name in the programs we track, though related symptoms such as chronic pain may qualify. Either way, a provider licensed in your state has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
Which states list arthritis as a qualifying condition?
None of the state programs we track list it by name. Check your state page for related conditions that do. Lists change, so confirm on your state's page before you apply.
Can I get certified for arthritis online?
In most states that list it, the first visit must be in person. Renewals can usually be done online afterwards.
Do topicals work for arthritis?
Many patients find them helpful for localized joint pain, and they rarely cause a high. Evidence is still early.