Quick answer
Quick answer
It can. No state lists diabetic neuropathy 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 diabetic neuropathy
Painful neuropathy can cause burning, tingling and shooting pain that is often worse at night, making sleep and walking harder. Treatment focuses on good blood sugar control, daily foot care and nerve pain medicines such as duloxetine, pregabalin, gabapentin or amitriptyline, along with topical options.
Symptoms patients hope to ease
- Burning pain in the feet and legs
- Tingling or pins-and-needles feelings
- Sharp, shooting or electric-shock pain
- Pain that gets worse at night and disrupts sleep
- Painful sensitivity to light touch, such as bed sheets on the feet
Does diabetic neuropathy 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
Stronger evidence. Painful diabetic neuropathy is one of the neuropathic pain conditions studied in cannabinoid trials.
- The 2017 National Academies review found substantial evidence that cannabis is effective for chronic pain in adults, and neuropathic pain is among the best-studied types.
- A small randomized trial of inhaled cannabis in people with painful diabetic neuropathy found short-term pain relief that increased with dose.
- Reviews of nerve pain trials show that the benefit is usually modest, and side effects like dizziness and drowsiness are common.
- Cannabis has not been shown to repair damaged nerves or slow neuropathy, which depends on blood sugar control.
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 diabetic neuropathy
Doctors often consider oral tinctures or capsules for steady, all-day or overnight relief.
Balanced THC and CBD products are commonly used, since THC appears to drive much of the pain relief and CBD may ease side effects.
An evening dose is often chosen when night pain and poor sleep are the main problems.
Topical creams may be tried on the feet, and starting low and going slow helps limit dizziness.
Risks and precautions
- Some edibles contain a lot of sugar, and THC can increase appetite, both of which can affect blood sugar control.
- Being high can make it harder to notice low blood sugar symptoms, so check your glucose as usual.
- Dizziness and unsteadiness can raise fall risk, especially when feet are numb.
- Cannabis can add to the drowsiness of gabapentin, pregabalin, duloxetine, opioids and alcohol.
- Smoking cannabis may add to heart and blood vessel risk, which is already higher with diabetes.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and never drive while impaired.
What to bring to your evaluation
Records confirming your diabetes diagnosis and recent A1C results.
Notes from your doctor or a nerve study report confirming neuropathy.
A list of nerve pain medicines you have tried and how well they worked.
A pain and sleep diary showing how neuropathy affects your daily life.
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 diabetic neuropathy
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.
Diabetic neuropathy: 9 common questions
Does diabetic neuropathy qualify for a medical marijuana card?
It can. No state lists diabetic neuropathy 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 diabetic neuropathy 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 diabetic neuropathy 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.
Is CBD or THC better for diabetic nerve pain?
Most studies that showed pain relief used products containing THC, often with some CBD. CBD alone has less evidence for nerve pain. Many doctors start with a balanced product and adjust slowly based on how you respond.
Can cannabis affect my blood sugar?
Cannabis itself is not known to cause large blood sugar swings, but THC can increase appetite and many edibles are high in sugar. Being high can also make it harder to notice low blood sugar. Choose sugar-free forms like tinctures or capsules, and keep checking your glucose as you normally would.
Can I take cannabis with gabapentin, pregabalin or duloxetine?
Many people do, but the combination can increase drowsiness, dizziness and slowed thinking. Start cannabis at a low amount and avoid driving until you know how it affects you. Tell your prescriber so they can watch for side effects and adjust if needed.
Do CBD creams work for burning feet?
Some people find topical products soothing, and topicals have little effect on the rest of the body. Research on topical CBD for neuropathy is still early and small. Check your feet daily for cuts or irritation, since numb skin may not warn you of a problem.
Can cannabis repair nerve damage from diabetes?
No. Cannabis may ease pain, but it has not been shown to repair nerves or stop neuropathy from getting worse. Keeping your blood sugar in your target range is still the most important way to protect your nerves.
Is cannabis safe for older adults with diabetic neuropathy?
It can be, with care. Older adults are more sensitive to dizziness and low blood pressure, and numb feet already raise fall risk. Starting with a very low amount, using it at bedtime at first and reviewing all medicines with your doctor can lower these risks.