Quick answer
Quick answer
Yes, in many places. 2 state programs name cerebral palsy on the official list, and 14 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 cerebral palsy
Depending on the type, people with cerebral palsy may have stiff or tight muscles, uncontrolled movements or poor balance, and some also have seizures, pain or sleep problems. Care usually involves physical, occupational and speech therapy, medicines such as baclofen, botulinum toxin injections and sometimes surgery.
Symptoms patients hope to ease
- Muscle stiffness and spasticity
- Painful muscle spasms
- Chronic pain in the hips, back or joints
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Irritability linked to discomfort
Does cerebral palsy 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 ConnecticutListed
- 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 MichiganListed
- 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
Not enough research. Patients mostly use cannabis for spasticity and pain, symptoms where cannabinoids have some evidence in other conditions.
- There is little research on medical cannabis specifically in cerebral palsy, and no large clinical trials have been done.
- Evidence that oral cannabinoids can ease patient-reported spasticity comes mainly from multiple sclerosis, not cerebral palsy.
- Small observational studies in children with complex motor disorders, including some with cerebral palsy, reported improvements in spasticity, pain and sleep, but they had no placebo group.
- The FDA-approved CBD medicine Epidiolex treats certain seizure syndromes, but it is not approved for cerebral palsy itself.
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 cerebral palsy
Doctors often consider an oral oil or tincture because it can be measured carefully and does not require smoking.
A CBD-dominant product is a common starting point, with small amounts of THC added only if needed and under close supervision.
Evening dosing is often used when spasms and pain interfere with sleep.
Starting at a very low amount and increasing slowly is essential, especially for children and people with limited communication who may not be able to report side effects.
Risks and precautions
- Children and teens have developing brains, and THC exposure may affect learning and mood, so pediatric use needs special care and specialist input.
- CBD can interact with seizure medicines such as clobazam and valproate and can raise liver enzymes, so blood tests may be needed.
- Combining cannabis with baclofen, benzodiazepines or other sedating medicines can cause extra sleepiness or breathing problems.
- People with swallowing difficulties should avoid smoked products, and caregivers should watch for drowsiness during meals.
- Tell the neurologist and any physiatrist or pediatrician involved in care before starting cannabis.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and never drive while impaired.
What to bring to your evaluation
A cerebral palsy diagnosis from a physician, such as neurology, pediatric or rehabilitation notes.
A list of current medicines, including seizure and muscle relaxant medicines.
Records of treatments tried, such as baclofen, botulinum toxin, therapy or surgery.
For a minor or dependent adult, guardianship or caregiver documents your state may require.
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 cerebral palsy
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.
Cerebral palsy: 9 common questions
Does cerebral palsy qualify for a medical marijuana card?
Yes, in many places. 2 state programs name cerebral palsy on the official list, and 14 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 cerebral palsy as a qualifying condition?
As of our latest check of each state's official list: Connecticut and Michigan. Providers can also certify it in Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine and 6 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 cerebral palsy online?
Yes, in 12 of those states — including Connecticut, California, Delaware, Hawaii, Louisiana and 7 more — your first evaluation can happen by video with a provider licensed there. In 4 others, such as Michigan, Alaska, Colorado and 1 more, the first visit must be in person, and renewals can usually be done online.
Can cannabis help with spasticity in cerebral palsy?
Oral cannabinoids have good evidence for spasticity in multiple sclerosis, and some families report similar benefits in cerebral palsy. However, there are no strong studies in cerebral palsy itself. If you try it, work with your doctor and track muscle tone, pain and sleep carefully.
Is cannabis safe for children with cerebral palsy?
Safety in children is not well studied, and THC may affect the developing brain. Some states allow pediatric certification with extra steps and caregiver involvement. Talk with your child's pediatric specialists before starting, and favor CBD-dominant products with careful supervision.
Can CBD interact with seizure medicines?
Yes, CBD can raise levels of some seizure medicines, such as clobazam, and can increase liver enzymes when combined with valproate. This can cause extra drowsiness or liver strain. Your neurologist may want to check blood work after you start.
Can cannabis be used alongside baclofen or botulinum toxin?
Cannabis is sometimes used as an add-on to these treatments, not as a replacement. Baclofen and cannabis can both cause drowsiness, so the combination needs careful monitoring. Do not stop baclofen suddenly, since that can be dangerous.
What form of cannabis works best for cerebral palsy?
Oral oils and tinctures are most often used because they can be measured precisely and avoid smoking. Topicals may help localized sore muscles. Smoking and vaping are generally not advised, especially for people with breathing or swallowing problems.
Will cannabis help my child sleep better?
Some families report better sleep, often because pain and spasms ease at night. Evidence is limited to small studies and reports. If sleep improves, review the plan regularly with your doctor rather than increasing the amount over time.