Quick answer
Quick answer
Yes, in many places. 16 state programs name Alzheimer's disease on the official list, and 10 more let the certifying provider decide. Either way, a provider licensed in your state has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
Understanding Alzheimer's disease
As the disease moves forward, many people develop agitation, restlessness, sleep changes and a poor appetite, which can be as hard on caregivers as memory loss itself. Care usually combines memory medicines such as donepezil or memantine, newer antibody treatments for some early-stage patients, a steady daily routine, caregiver support and careful use of medicines for behavior and sleep.
Symptoms patients hope to ease
- Agitation, irritability or aggressive outbursts
- Restlessness and pacing, especially in the late afternoon and evening
- Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep through the night
- Poor appetite and unwanted weight loss
- Anxiety and distress that are hard to calm
- Aches and pains that a loved one may not be able to describe clearly
Does Alzheimer's disease qualify in your state?
- AL AlabamaNot listed by name
- AK AlaskaDoctor's discretion
- AZ ArizonaListed as “Agitation of Alzheimer's disease”
- AR ArkansasListed
- CA CaliforniaDoctor's discretion
- CO ColoradoDoctor's discretion
- CT ConnecticutNot listed by name
- DE DelawareDoctor's discretion
- FL FloridaDoctor's discretion
- GA GeorgiaListed
- HI HawaiiDoctor's discretion
- IL IllinoisListed as “Agitation of Alzheimer's disease”
- KY KentuckyNot listed by name
- LA LouisianaListed as “Neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease…”
- ME MaineDoctor's discretion
- MD MarylandNot listed by name
- MA MassachusettsNot listed by name
- MI MichiganListed as “Agitation of Alzheimer's disease”
- MN MinnesotaListed
- MS MississippiListed
- MO MissouriListed as “Any other chronic, debilitating or other medica…”
- MT MontanaNot listed by name
- NV NevadaNot listed by name
- NH New HampshireListed
- NJ New JerseyNot listed by name
- NM New MexicoListed
- NY New YorkListed as “Examples OCM lists include autism, Alzheimer's …”
- ND North DakotaListed as “Agitation of Alzheimer's disease or related dem…”
- OH OhioListed
- OK OklahomaDoctor's discretion
- OR OregonNot listed by name
- PA PennsylvaniaNot listed by name
- RI Rhode IslandListed as “Agitation related to Alzheimer's disease”
- SD South DakotaNot listed by name
- UT UtahListed
- VT VermontNot listed by name
- VA VirginiaDoctor's discretion
- WA WashingtonNot listed by name
- DC Washington, D.C.Doctor's discretion
- WV West VirginiaNot listed by name
What the research says
Limited evidence. Small trials have looked at cannabinoids for agitation in dementia with mixed results. There's no evidence cannabis slows the disease.
- Small randomized trials of the prescription cannabinoids nabilone and dronabinol suggest they may ease agitation in some people with dementia, but results have been mixed.
- A small placebo-controlled trial of low-dose oral THC in older adults with dementia did not show a clear benefit for behavior symptoms.
- No human study has shown that cannabis slows memory loss or changes the course of Alzheimer's disease, even though lab research on brain inflammation is ongoing.
- Systematic reviews describe the overall evidence for cannabinoids in dementia as limited and low in quality, and larger trials are still underway.
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.
How doctors approach Alzheimer's disease
Doctors usually prefer oral forms such as tinctures or capsules, which are easier for a caregiver to measure and give than smoked or vaporized cannabis.
When THC is considered, it is typically used in very small amounts, often balanced with CBD, because older brains are more sensitive to side effects.
An evening dose is sometimes chosen when the main goals are nighttime agitation and sleep.
Starting low, going slow and having a caregiver keep a simple behavior and sleep log helps the doctor judge whether it is truly helping.
Risks and precautions
- THC can cause dizziness, unsteadiness and low blood pressure on standing, which raises the risk of falls and hip fractures in older adults.
- Cannabis can add to confusion, drowsiness and memory problems, so any worsening of thinking should be reported right away.
- Combining cannabis with sedatives, sleep aids, antipsychotics, opioids or alcohol increases drowsiness and fall risk.
- CBD can change how the liver processes many medicines, including blood thinners like warfarin and some antidepressants, so a full medicine review is important.
- Products should be stored safely and given only by a caregiver, because a person with dementia may forget a dose or take too much.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and never drive while impaired.
What to bring to your evaluation
A diagnosis letter or recent notes from a neurologist, geriatrician or primary care doctor confirming Alzheimer's disease or dementia.
Results of memory or cognitive testing and any brain imaging, if you have them.
A complete list of current medicines, including memory drugs, sleep aids, antipsychotics and blood thinners.
Caregiver notes on agitation, sleep and appetite, plus any power of attorney or caregiver paperwork your state may ask for.
A government photo ID and proof that you live in your state.
Don't have records handy? Many patients are evaluated on their history alone.
Start my free checkHow to get certified for Alzheimer's disease
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.
Alzheimer's disease: 9 common questions
Does Alzheimer's disease qualify for a medical marijuana card?
Yes, in many places. 16 state programs name Alzheimer's disease on the official list, and 10 more let the certifying provider decide. Either way, a provider licensed in your state has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
Which states list Alzheimer's disease as a qualifying condition?
As of our latest check of each state's official list: Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Rhode Island and Utah. Providers can also certify it in Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Maine, Oklahoma and 2 more, which don't use a fixed list. Lists change, so confirm on your state's page before you apply.
Can I get certified for Alzheimer's disease online?
Yes, in 17 of those states — including Arizona, Arkansas, Illinois, Louisiana, Minnesota and 12 more — your first evaluation can happen by video with a provider licensed there. In 8 others, such as Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire and 5 more, the first visit must be in person, and renewals can usually be done online.
Can cannabis slow down Alzheimer's disease?
No study in people has shown that cannabis slows memory loss or changes how Alzheimer's progresses. Some lab research is exploring how cannabinoids affect brain inflammation, but that has not translated into a proven treatment. If cannabis is used, the goal is to ease specific symptoms like agitation or poor sleep, alongside the care plan from your loved one's doctors.
Is THC or CBD better for agitation in dementia?
The small trials that showed some benefit for agitation mostly used THC-like prescription medicines, such as nabilone or dronabinol. CBD alone has not been well studied for dementia behavior. Because THC can cause confusion and falls in older adults, doctors usually use very small amounts and often pair it with CBD.
Is medical cannabis safe for older adults with Alzheimer's?
It can be used with care, but older adults are more sensitive to dizziness, low blood pressure, drowsiness and confusion. These effects can lead to falls, which are especially dangerous at this age. A doctor who reviews the full medicine list, starts with a very low amount and checks in often can lower these risks.
Can cannabis interact with my loved one's dementia or behavior medicines?
Cannabis can add to the sleepiness caused by antipsychotics, sleep aids, benzodiazepines and opioids. CBD can also change how the liver breaks down many drugs, including some antidepressants and blood thinners like warfarin. Bring a complete medicine list to the visit and let the prescribing doctors know before starting.
Can a caregiver give medical cannabis to someone with dementia?
In many states, a registered caregiver can buy and give medical cannabis on behalf of a patient who cannot manage it alone. The caregiver should measure each dose, keep products locked away and track how the person responds. Check your state's caregiver rules and ask the certifying doctor how to register.
What signs mean cannabis is not working or is causing harm?
Watch for more confusion, new unsteadiness, excessive sleepiness, falls, or agitation that gets worse instead of better. Any of these is a reason to stop and call the doctor. A simple daily log of sleep, mood and behavior makes it much easier to tell whether a product is helping.