Quick answer
Quick answer
Yes, in many places. 2 state programs name complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) 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 complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
CRPS can cause burning pain, swelling, color and temperature changes, and extreme sensitivity to light touch, which can make it hard to use the limb, work or sleep. Treatment focuses on early physical and occupational therapy, nerve pain medicines, nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulation and psychological support.
Symptoms patients hope to ease
- Burning or stabbing pain in an arm, hand, leg or foot
- Pain from light touch, clothing or bedsheets
- Swelling and stiffness in the affected limb
- Muscle spasms and tremor
- Poor sleep because of constant pain
- Anxiety and low mood linked to ongoing pain
Does complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) 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 as “Complex regional pain syndrome, Type I and Type…”
- DE DelawareDoctor's discretion
- FL FloridaDoctor's discretion
- HI HawaiiDoctor's discretion
- IL IllinoisListed as “Causalgia”
- 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. CRPS falls under neuropathic pain, where trials show modest benefit, though CRPS-specific studies are few.
- Evidence specific to CRPS is limited, with no large clinical trials of cannabis in this condition.
- Small randomized trials in other nerve-related pain conditions show cannabinoids can give modest relief for some people.
- The 2017 National Academies review found substantial evidence for chronic pain in adults overall, but CRPS patients were rarely studied on their own.
- Case reports and patient surveys describe improvements in pain and sleep for some people with CRPS, but these lack control groups.
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 complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
Doctors often consider oral products or tinctures for steady background relief, with inhaled forms sometimes used for sudden flares.
Balanced THC and CBD products are commonly discussed for nerve pain, since THC appears to play a role in pain relief and CBD may soften some side effects.
Topical products are sometimes tried, although rubbing a cream on very sensitive skin can itself be painful for some people.
Evening use is common when pain disturbs sleep, and starting low and going slow helps limit dizziness and fogginess.
Risks and precautions
- Cannabis can add to drowsiness from gabapentin, pregabalin, opioids, tricyclic antidepressants and other nerve pain medicines.
- THC can increase anxiety or low mood in some people, which are already common with CRPS.
- Relief should support, not replace, the physical and occupational therapy that is central to CRPS recovery.
- Tell your pain specialist before procedures such as nerve blocks or stimulator trials, since sedation and anesthesia can be affected.
- Avoid cannabis during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and never drive while impaired.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and never drive while impaired.
What to bring to your evaluation
A CRPS diagnosis from a pain specialist, neurologist or orthopedic doctor, ideally noting the criteria used.
Records of the injury, surgery or event that came before the condition.
A list of treatments tried, including medicines, nerve blocks, therapy and stimulators, with results.
A pain and sleep diary, along with photos of swelling or color changes during flares.
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 complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
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.
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS): 9 common questions
Does complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) qualify for a medical marijuana card?
Yes, in many places. 2 state programs name complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) 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 complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) as a qualifying condition?
As of our latest check of each state's official list: Connecticut and Illinois. 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 complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) online?
Yes, in 13 of those states — including Connecticut, Illinois, California, Delaware, Hawaii and 8 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.
Does CBD or THC work better for CRPS?
There are no head-to-head studies in CRPS. In other nerve pain conditions, products containing THC, often balanced with CBD, have shown the most benefit. Many doctors start with a balanced product at a low dose and adjust slowly.
Can cannabis interact with my CRPS medications?
Yes, it can add to sleepiness and dizziness from gabapentin, pregabalin, opioids and tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline. Combining several sedating medicines can raise the risk of falls. Review your full medicine list with your doctor and pharmacist.
Can I use cannabis alongside physical therapy for CRPS?
Yes, and for some people better pain control may make it easier to keep up with therapy, which is key to recovery. Avoid doses that make you dizzy or foggy before sessions. Let your therapist know what you use.
Do cannabis creams help CRPS?
There is very little research on topicals for CRPS. Some people find them soothing, but touching very sensitive skin can trigger pain. If you try one, test a small area first.
How quickly does cannabis work for CRPS pain?
Inhaled cannabis usually acts within minutes and lasts a few hours, while oral forms take one to two hours to start and last longer. Finding a helpful routine often takes a few weeks of slow adjustment. Keep a pain diary to share at your follow-up.
Will cannabis make my mood worse?
It can for some people. THC may raise anxiety or worsen low mood, especially at higher doses or with daily use. If your mood dips, tell your doctor, and consider CBD-heavier products or stopping.