Quick answer
Quick answer
It can. No state lists brain tumors by name, but 14 states let providers certify any condition they believe cannabis will help. Either way, a provider licensed in your state has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
Understanding brain tumors
Brain tumors can cause headaches, seizures, fatigue and changes in thinking, mood or movement, and treatment side effects add their own burden. Care usually involves surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, along with steroids to reduce swelling and anti-seizure medicines when needed.
Symptoms patients hope to ease
- Nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy or radiation
- Poor appetite and weight loss during treatment
- Headaches and head pain
- Trouble sleeping, including sleep problems from steroids
- Anxiety and emotional distress after diagnosis
- General pain and discomfort during treatment
Does brain tumors qualify in your state?
- AL AlabamaNot listed by name
- AK AlaskaDoctor's discretion
- AZ ArizonaNot listed by name
- AR ArkansasNot listed by name
- CA CaliforniaDoctor's discretion
- CO ColoradoDoctor's discretion
- CT ConnecticutNot listed by name
- DE DelawareDoctor's discretion
- FL FloridaDoctor's discretion
- HI HawaiiDoctor's discretion
- IL IllinoisNot listed by name
- KY KentuckyNot listed by name
- LA LouisianaDoctor's discretion
- ME MaineDoctor's discretion
- MD MarylandNot listed by name
- MA MassachusettsNot listed by name
- MI MichiganNot listed by name
- MN MinnesotaDoctor's discretion
- MS MississippiNot listed by name
- MO MissouriDoctor's discretion
- 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 YorkDoctor's discretion
- ND North DakotaNot listed by name
- OH OhioNot listed by name
- OK OklahomaDoctor's discretion
- 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 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. Cannabinoids can help with nausea and appetite during treatment; there's no good evidence they shrink tumors.
- The 2017 National Academies review found conclusive evidence that oral cannabinoids help prevent and treat chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
- Dronabinol and nabilone are FDA-approved prescription cannabinoids for chemotherapy-related nausea when standard anti-nausea medicines are not enough.
- Lab studies have looked at cannabinoids and brain tumor cells, but no human study has shown that cannabis shrinks brain tumors or helps people live longer.
- Research on cannabis for other brain tumor symptoms, like headaches, sleep and appetite, is limited and comes mostly from small studies and patient reports.
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 brain tumors
Doctors often consider oral forms such as tinctures or capsules, or the prescription options dronabinol and nabilone, for nausea and appetite.
Products that balance THC with CBD may be used to limit side effects like confusion and anxiety.
Taking a dose before chemotherapy or meals is sometimes used when nausea or appetite is the main concern.
Starting low and going slow is especially important because the tumor and its treatment can already affect thinking and balance.
Risks and precautions
- CBD can interact with anti-seizure medicines such as clobazam and valproate, and changes to seizure medicines should only be made by your neurologist.
- Cannabis can add to confusion, drowsiness and unsteadiness that the tumor or treatment may already cause.
- CBD can change how the liver processes some chemotherapy drugs and steroids, so your oncology team needs to know what you take.
- Smoking or vaping is best avoided during treatment, especially when your immune system is weakened.
- Do not drive after using cannabis, and avoid it during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and never drive while impaired.
What to bring to your evaluation
Pathology or imaging reports confirming the brain tumor diagnosis.
Recent notes from your oncologist or neuro-oncologist describing your treatment plan.
A full medicine list, including anti-seizure drugs, steroids and anti-nausea medicines.
A short record of symptoms such as nausea, appetite changes, headaches and sleep problems.
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 brain tumors
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.
Brain tumors: 9 common questions
Does brain tumors qualify for a medical marijuana card?
It can. No state lists brain tumors by name, but 14 states let providers certify any condition they believe cannabis will help. Either way, a provider licensed in your state has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
Which states list brain tumors as a qualifying condition?
None list it by name. It can still be certified in Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine and 6 more, where providers decide. Lists change, so confirm on your state's page before you apply.
Can I get certified for brain tumors online?
Yes, in 11 of those states — including California, Delaware, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine and 6 more — your first evaluation can happen by video with a provider licensed there. In 3 others, such as Alaska, Colorado and Florida, the first visit must be in person, and renewals can usually be done online.
Can cannabis shrink a brain tumor?
No. Some lab studies have looked at cannabinoids and tumor cells, but no study in people has shown that cannabis shrinks brain tumors or extends survival. Cannabis is used to ease treatment side effects like nausea and poor appetite, not to treat the tumor. Please stay with the treatment plan from your oncology team.
Can cannabis help with nausea from chemotherapy for a brain tumor?
Yes, this is the best-supported use. Oral cannabinoids, including the FDA-approved medicines dronabinol and nabilone, have strong evidence for chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting. They are usually added when standard anti-nausea drugs are not enough, so talk with your oncology team first.
Can cannabis interact with my seizure medicine?
It can. CBD is known to raise levels of clobazam's active form and can increase liver strain when taken with valproate. Some people also react unpredictably to THC. Never change or stop a seizure medicine on your own, and tell your neurologist before starting cannabis.
Will cannabis make my confusion or memory problems worse?
It might, particularly products with higher THC. Brain tumors and their treatment can already affect memory, focus and balance, and THC can add to these effects. Starting with small amounts, choosing balanced or CBD-leaning products and having a family member watch for changes can help.
Is it safe to use cannabis during radiation or chemotherapy?
Many patients use cannabis during treatment for nausea and appetite, but it should be planned with your oncology team. CBD can affect how the liver processes some drugs, and smoking adds risk when your immune system is weak. Oral forms are usually preferred, and your team can tell you about any timing concerns.
Can children with brain tumors use medical cannabis?
Some states allow minors to be certified with a parent or guardian acting as caregiver, but children need extra care. Most of the research on cannabis for nausea was done in adults, and children's developing brains may be more sensitive. Any use should be guided by the child's pediatric oncology team.