Quick answer
Quick answer
It can. No state lists diverticulitis 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 diverticulitis
Flares cause abdominal pain, usually in the lower left side, along with fever, nausea and changes in bowel habits, and some people have repeated episodes or ongoing discomfort. Mild cases are treated with rest and a short liquid diet, sometimes with antibiotics, while severe or complicated cases may need hospital care or surgery.
Symptoms patients hope to ease
- Lower abdominal pain and cramping
- Nausea
- Poor appetite during and after flares
- Bloating and discomfort between flares
- Anxiety about the next flare
Does diverticulitis 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
Not enough research. There is little good research on cannabis for this condition specifically. Patients usually use it for related symptoms such as pain, muscle spasms, nausea or poor sleep, where some evidence exists.
- There is little research on medical cannabis specifically for diverticulitis, and no clinical trials have been done.
- Patients typically use cannabis for related symptoms, such as abdominal pain, nausea and poor appetite.
- Studies in inflammatory bowel disease found that some people felt better with cannabis even though measures of gut inflammation did not improve, which may also apply here.
- Strong evidence for cannabinoids treating nausea comes from chemotherapy studies, not from digestive disease.
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 diverticulitis
Doctors often consider an oral tincture or capsule for cramping and appetite between flares.
Vaporized cannabis is sometimes considered for nausea because it acts quickly, while edibles may be harder to tolerate during a flare.
A low THC product with some CBD is a common starting point to limit side effects.
Starting low and going slow helps you notice whether cannabis affects your bowel habits.
Risks and precautions
- Cannabis can dull pain and hide warning signs, so seek urgent care for severe or worsening abdominal pain, fever, vomiting or rectal bleeding.
- THC can slow movement of the gut, which may worsen constipation in some people.
- Heavy long-term cannabis use can rarely cause cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a condition of repeated severe vomiting.
- Combining cannabis with opioid pain medicines can increase drowsiness and constipation.
- Tell your gastroenterologist or surgeon about cannabis use, especially before a colonoscopy or surgery.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and never drive while impaired.
What to bring to your evaluation
A diagnosis of diverticulitis confirmed by CT scan, colonoscopy or hospital records.
Records of past flares, including hospital stays, antibiotic courses or surgery.
A list of medicines you take for pain, nausea or bowel symptoms.
Notes on how often you have symptoms and how they affect eating, work and sleep.
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 diverticulitis
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.
Diverticulitis: 9 common questions
Does diverticulitis qualify for a medical marijuana card?
It can. No state lists diverticulitis 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 diverticulitis 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 diverticulitis 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 treat a diverticulitis flare?
No, cannabis does not treat the inflammation or infection behind a flare. It may ease some symptoms like cramping or nausea. A flare with fever or severe pain needs medical care, not just symptom relief.
Can cannabis help with abdominal pain from diverticular disease?
Some people report less cramping and discomfort, but there are no studies in diverticular disease itself. Evidence for pain relief comes mostly from nerve pain research. If pain suddenly gets worse, contact your doctor rather than taking more cannabis.
Will cannabis make constipation worse?
THC can slow how fast the gut moves, which may worsen constipation for some people. Constipation and straining matter in diverticular disease, so pay attention to changes. Fiber, fluids and activity remain important.
Can I take cannabis with antibiotics for diverticulitis?
There is no well-known dangerous interaction between cannabis and the antibiotics commonly used for diverticulitis. Still, if you feel sick enough to need antibiotics, it may be wise to pause cannabis so you can track your symptoms clearly. Check with your doctor or pharmacist.
Can cannabis help with nausea and poor appetite after a flare?
Cannabinoids have good evidence for nausea from chemotherapy, and some people find they help with appetite. Evidence for nausea after diverticulitis is anecdotal. A small amount of a vaporized or tincture product is a common way to try it.
Can cannabis cause vomiting?
Yes, in rare cases heavy daily use over a long time can lead to cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. It causes repeated bouts of severe vomiting and belly pain that often ease with hot showers. If this happens, stop using cannabis and see a doctor.