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 chronic pain?
Does chronic pain 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
Stronger evidence. The National Academies found substantial evidence that cannabis is an effective treatment for chronic pain in adults. Most trials looked at neuropathic pain and measured modest reductions in pain scores, and many patients use cannabis to cut back on other medications.
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
- Cannabis can cause dizziness, drowsiness and slower reaction time, and it can interact with sedatives and opioids. Your doctor will ask what you take now.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and never drive while impaired.
How to get certified for chronic pain
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.
Chronic pain: 5 common questions
Does chronic pain 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 chronic pain 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 chronic pain online?
In most states that list it, the first visit must be in person. Renewals can usually be done online afterwards.
Does back pain count as chronic pain?
Usually, yes. If your back pain has lasted more than a few months and affects daily life, most states treat it as chronic pain. Your doctor makes the final call.
Do I need an MRI or records to prove chronic pain?
Not usually. A clear history of your pain and what you have tried is often enough. Records help when the cause isn't obvious.