Quick answer
Quick answer
Yes, in many places. 7 state programs name fibromyalgia on the official list, and 13 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 fibromyalgia
The pain and exhaustion can make work, exercise and social life hard, and symptoms often flare with stress or poor sleep. Treatment usually combines gentle regular exercise, sleep habits, cognitive behavioral therapy and medicines such as duloxetine, milnacipran, pregabalin or amitriptyline.
Symptoms patients hope to ease
- Widespread aching pain
- Poor, unrefreshing sleep
- Muscle stiffness and tenderness
- Fatigue that does not improve with rest
- Anxiety and low mood
- Frequent headaches
Does fibromyalgia qualify in your state?
- AL AlabamaNot listed by name
- AK AlaskaDoctor's discretion
- AZ ArizonaNot listed by name
- AR ArkansasListed
- CA CaliforniaDoctor's discretion
- CO ColoradoDoctor's discretion
- CT ConnecticutListed as “Spasticity or neuropathic pain associated with …”
- DE DelawareDoctor's discretion
- FL FloridaDoctor's discretion
- HI HawaiiDoctor's discretion
- IL IllinoisListed as “Severe fibromyalgia”
- KY KentuckyListed
- LA LouisianaListed as “Chronic pain associated with fibromyalgia”
- 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
- OH OhioListed
- 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. The National Academies found moderate evidence of improved short-term sleep in fibromyalgia; pain studies are small.
- Small randomized trials of nabilone, a prescription cannabinoid, found improvements in pain and sleep for some people with fibromyalgia.
- A small placebo-controlled study of inhaled cannabis had mixed results, with some measures of pain improving and others not.
- Large patient surveys report that many people with fibromyalgia feel cannabis helps their pain and sleep, though surveys cannot prove cause and effect.
- Reviews rate the overall evidence as moderate to low in quality, and CBD alone has not been well studied for fibromyalgia.
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 fibromyalgia
Doctors often consider an evening dose of an oral tincture or capsule when poor sleep is a main problem.
Balanced THC and CBD products are commonly used, since THC may help pain and sleep while CBD may soften side effects.
Vaporized cannabis is sometimes considered for quick relief during flares, while topicals may help specific tender areas.
Starting low, going slow and continuing to exercise gives cannabis the best chance to be useful.
Risks and precautions
- THC can worsen fibro fog, memory and focus, especially in higher amounts.
- Cannabis can add to the drowsiness of pregabalin, gabapentin, amitriptyline, muscle relaxants and opioids.
- THC can trigger or worsen anxiety and low mood in some people.
- Regular daily use can lead to tolerance and dependence, with irritability and poor sleep when stopping.
- Do not drive after using cannabis, and avoid it during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and never drive while impaired.
What to bring to your evaluation
A fibromyalgia diagnosis letter or notes from your primary care doctor or rheumatologist.
A list of treatments you have tried, including medicines, physical therapy and counseling.
Your current medicine list, especially sleep aids, nerve pain drugs and antidepressants.
A pain, sleep and fatigue diary showing how symptoms affect 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 fibromyalgia
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.
Fibromyalgia: 9 common questions
Does fibromyalgia qualify for a medical marijuana card?
Yes, in many places. 7 state programs name fibromyalgia on the official list, and 13 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 fibromyalgia as a qualifying condition?
As of our latest check of each state's official list: Arkansas, Connecticut, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Dakota and Ohio. Providers can also certify it in Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Maine, Minnesota and 5 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 fibromyalgia online?
Yes, in 15 of those states — including Arkansas, Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, Ohio and 10 more — your first evaluation can happen by video with a provider licensed there. In 5 others, such as Kentucky, North Dakota, Alaska and 2 more, the first visit must be in person, and renewals can usually be done online.
Does cannabis help fibromyalgia pain?
Some small trials and many patient surveys suggest cannabis can ease fibromyalgia pain and improve sleep for some people. The research is still limited and results are mixed. It tends to work best alongside exercise, sleep habits and other proven treatments.
Is CBD or THC better for fibromyalgia?
Most studies showing benefit used THC or THC-like medicines, often in products that also contain CBD. CBD alone has not been well studied for fibromyalgia. Many doctors start with a balanced product and adjust slowly.
Can cannabis help me sleep better with fibromyalgia?
Sleep is one of the areas where people with fibromyalgia most often report benefit, and a small trial of nabilone found improved sleep. An evening dose of an oral product is a common approach. Pair it with regular sleep habits, and watch for next-day grogginess.
Will cannabis make my fibro fog worse?
It can, especially with higher amounts of THC. Some people find that better sleep helps their thinking, while others feel foggier. Using small amounts, favoring evening use and tracking how you feel the next day can help you find the right balance.
Can I use cannabis with my fibromyalgia medicines?
Cannabis can add to the drowsiness and dizziness caused by pregabalin, gabapentin, amitriptyline and muscle relaxants. CBD can also affect how the liver processes some antidepressants. Tell your prescriber before combining them, and do not stop any medicine without guidance.
Can I become dependent on cannabis if I use it daily for fibromyalgia?
Daily THC use can lead to tolerance and dependence, and stopping can bring irritability, poor sleep and cravings. Using the lowest amount that helps and taking regular check-ins with your doctor can lower this risk. Let your doctor know if you feel you need more to get the same effect.