Quick answer
Quick answer
Yes, in many places. 1 state program name degenerative disc disease 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 degenerative disc disease
Pain can flare with sitting, bending or lifting, and some people also have nerve pain into the arms or legs if a disc presses on a nerve. Treatment usually focuses on physical therapy, staying active, pain relievers, spinal injections and, less often, surgery.
Symptoms patients hope to ease
- Chronic low back or neck pain
- Pain that worsens with sitting, bending or lifting
- Muscle spasms in the back
- Nerve pain, numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
- Trouble sleeping because of back pain
Does degenerative disc disease 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 DakotaListed as “Spinal stenosis or chronic back pain, including…”
- 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
Moderate evidence. Covered by the chronic pain evidence in most cases.
- The 2017 National Academies review found substantial evidence that cannabis can modestly reduce chronic pain in adults, but few of those studies focused on spine conditions.
- A large recent randomized trial of an oral full-spectrum cannabis extract in chronic low back pain reported a modest benefit over placebo, along with more mild side effects.
- Other small studies of cannabinoids for back pain have had mixed results.
- Cannabis has not been shown to repair or slow disc degeneration.
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 degenerative disc disease
Doctors often consider an oral product or tincture for steady daily back pain, especially in the evening.
Topicals may help with muscle tightness, though they do not reach the disc itself.
A balanced CBD and THC product is a common starting point, with THC kept low during working hours.
Starting low, going slow and staying active with physical therapy works better than relying on cannabis alone.
Risks and precautions
- Combining cannabis with opioids, muscle relaxants such as cyclobenzaprine or gabapentin can cause extra drowsiness.
- Sudden leg weakness, numbness in the groin or loss of bladder or bowel control is an emergency, and cannabis should never delay care.
- THC can slow reaction time, so do not drive or operate machinery while impaired.
- CBD can affect blood thinners like warfarin and other medicines processed by the liver.
- Tell your spine specialist or pain doctor about cannabis use, especially before procedures that involve sedation.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and never drive while impaired.
What to bring to your evaluation
MRI, CT or X-ray reports showing disc changes in your spine.
Notes from a spine specialist, orthopedist, pain doctor or physical therapist.
A list of treatments tried, such as physical therapy, injections, medicines or surgery.
A description of how back or neck pain affects work, sleep and activity.
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 degenerative disc 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.
Degenerative disc disease: 9 common questions
Does degenerative disc disease qualify for a medical marijuana card?
Yes, in many places. 1 state program name degenerative disc disease 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 degenerative disc disease as a qualifying condition?
As of our latest check of each state's official list: North Dakota. 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 degenerative disc disease 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 4 others, such as North Dakota, Alaska, Colorado and 1 more, the first visit must be in person, and renewals can usually be done online.
Can cannabis heal a degenerated disc?
No, cannabis does not repair discs or reverse wear in the spine. It may help ease pain so you can sleep and stay active. Exercise and physical therapy remain the most important parts of care.
Does cannabis help with back muscle spasms?
Some people report fewer and milder spasms, and cannabinoids have evidence for muscle spasticity in multiple sclerosis. Evidence in back pain specifically is limited. A topical or evening oral product is a common way to try it.
Can I use cannabis with muscle relaxants or gabapentin?
These combinations can add up to more drowsiness and dizziness than expected. Start with a small amount at home, and do not drive until you know how you react. Let the doctor who prescribes these medicines know you are using cannabis.
Is CBD or THC better for degenerative disc pain?
The back pain trials with positive results used products containing THC. CBD alone has less evidence for pain but causes fewer side effects. Many people start with a balanced product in the evening and adjust with their doctor.
Can cannabis help me avoid back surgery?
Cannabis cannot fix structural problems that may need surgery. For some people, better pain control helps them stay active and continue therapy, which may help them avoid or delay surgery. Your spine specialist is the best person to advise on surgery.
How long should I try cannabis before deciding if it helps my back?
Many doctors suggest a trial of four to eight weeks while tracking pain, sleep and activity. Effects can vary depending on dose, timing and product. Review your notes with your doctor before continuing long term.