Quick answer
Quick answer
It can. No state lists essential tremor 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 essential tremor
The tremor can make eating, drinking, writing and buttoning clothes difficult, and it often worsens with stress, caffeine or tiredness. Treatment usually includes medicines such as propranolol or primidone, occupational therapy and, for severe cases, procedures like deep brain stimulation or focused ultrasound.
Symptoms patients hope to ease
- Hand shaking that makes eating or writing hard
- Tremor that worsens with stress or anxiety
- Social anxiety about visible shaking
- Trouble sleeping
- Tired muscles from trying to control movements
Does essential tremor 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 very little research on cannabis specifically for essential tremor, so people typically use it for related symptoms such as anxiety.
- The few small studies that exist have not shown that cannabinoids clearly reduce tremor.
- Patient surveys report mixed results, with some people noticing calmer hands and others noticing no change.
- No large trials have tested cannabis against standard tremor medicines.
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 essential tremor
Doctors may discuss CBD-dominant products for stress-related tremor, since they are less likely to cause dizziness or a high.
Oral tinctures are often preferred because shaking hands can make other forms harder to measure and use.
Some people try cannabis before stressful events, such as eating in public, after testing it at home first.
Starting low and going slow is especially important for older adults with essential tremor.
Risks and precautions
- Cannabis can add to the drowsiness and unsteadiness caused by primidone, gabapentin, benzodiazepines and other tremor medicines.
- Many people with essential tremor notice that alcohol calms their tremor, but combining alcohol and cannabis greatly increases impairment.
- THC can raise heart rate, which may matter if you take propranolol for tremor or a heart condition.
- Older adults face a higher risk of dizziness, confusion and falls with THC.
- Tell your neurologist if your tremor changes, since new symptoms may need a fresh evaluation.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and never drive while impaired.
What to bring to your evaluation
A diagnosis letter or notes from a neurologist confirming essential tremor.
A list of tremor medicines you take or have tried, such as propranolol, primidone or topiramate.
Notes on any procedures, such as deep brain stimulation or focused ultrasound.
A short diary or video showing how the tremor affects eating, writing or daily tasks.
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 essential tremor
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.
Essential tremor: 9 common questions
Does essential tremor qualify for a medical marijuana card?
It can. No state lists essential tremor 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 essential tremor 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 essential tremor 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 stop hand tremors?
There is no good evidence that cannabis reduces essential tremor, and the few small studies have not shown a clear effect. Some people feel calmer, which may help tremor that worsens with stress. Standard medicines remain the proven option.
Does CBD help essential tremor?
CBD has not been shown to reduce essential tremor in research, although some people report it helps them feel less anxious about shaking. It does not cause a high, which makes it a common first choice. Track your tremor carefully to see whether it makes a difference.
Can I use cannabis with propranolol or primidone?
Cannabis can add to the drowsiness and unsteadiness caused by primidone and other sedating medicines. THC can also raise heart rate, which may work against propranolol. Talk with your neurologist before combining them.
Will cannabis make my tremor worse?
Some people notice shakiness or a racing heart with THC, especially at higher amounts, which may make tremor seem worse. Anxiety from too much THC can also increase shaking. Starting with a small amount and choosing CBD-dominant products can lower this risk.
Is cannabis safe for older adults with essential tremor?
Older adults are more sensitive to THC and more likely to feel dizzy, confused or unsteady, which raises fall risk. Very low amounts and slow changes are usually advised. Talk with your doctor about your other medicines and fall risk first.
What's the easiest form of cannabis to take with shaky hands?
Tinctures with a marked dropper, sprays or pre-measured capsules are often easier than handling smoking or vaping devices. Some people ask a family member to help measure doses at first. Choose a form that lets you take a consistent amount each time.