Medical Marijuana for Gout: Qualifying States & FAQ

Quick answer

It can. No state lists gout 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.

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Understanding gout

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by uric acid crystals building up in a joint, often the big toe. It is the most common inflammatory arthritis in adults, affecting about 9 million people in the US.

Gout flares come on suddenly with intense pain, swelling and redness that can make walking or even wearing a sock unbearable, and repeated flares can damage joints over time. Flares are treated with anti-inflammatory medicines, colchicine or steroids, while long-term care uses uric acid-lowering medicines like allopurinol or febuxostat plus diet and alcohol changes.

Symptoms patients hope to ease

Sudden, severe joint pain during flares
Swelling, warmth and tenderness in the affected joint
Trouble sleeping during a flare
Ongoing joint aches and stiffness from long-standing gout
Limited options when anti-inflammatory medicines are unsafe for you

Does gout qualify in your state?

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 specifically on cannabis for gout, and no clinical trials have studied it.
Patients typically use cannabis for related symptoms like joint pain and poor sleep during flares.
Lab and animal studies suggest cannabinoids can affect inflammation, but this has not been shown to help gout in people.
Cannabis does not lower uric acid, which is the root cause of gout.

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 gout

Topical creams or balms may be tried directly on a painful joint, with little effect on the rest of the body.
Oral tinctures or capsules are sometimes considered at night when flare pain disrupts sleep.
CBD-leaning products with small amounts of THC are often a starting point.
Cannabis is used alongside, not instead of, your flare medicines and uric acid-lowering treatment.

Risks and precautions

Do not stop or skip uric acid-lowering medicine, since untreated gout leads to more flares, joint damage and kidney stones.
CBD may affect how the body handles colchicine, which can be dangerous at high levels, so check with your doctor before combining them.
Alcohol is a common gout trigger and adds to cannabis drowsiness, so avoid mixing them.
Many people with gout also have kidney or heart disease, which can affect how cannabis is handled and whether smoking is safe.
Sugary edibles and drinks can raise uric acid, so check product labels.
Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and never drive while impaired.

What to bring to your evaluation

Records confirming gout, such as joint fluid test results or notes from your doctor or rheumatologist.
Recent uric acid levels and kidney function tests.
A list of flare and long-term gout medicines, plus any reasons you cannot take certain pain relievers.
A record of how often flares happen and how they affect walking, 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.

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How to get certified for gout

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.

Gout: 9 common questions

Does gout qualify for a medical marijuana card?

It can. No state lists gout 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 gout 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 gout 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 help with a gout flare?

Some people find cannabis eases flare pain or helps them sleep, but there are no studies on gout specifically. It does not treat the inflammation the way colchicine or anti-inflammatory medicines do. Keep using your prescribed flare treatment and think of cannabis as an add-on at most.

Does cannabis lower uric acid?

No. There is no evidence that cannabis lowers uric acid or prevents crystals from forming. Uric acid-lowering medicines and diet changes remain the only proven ways to prevent future flares and joint damage.

Can I take cannabis with colchicine or allopurinol?

CBD can slow the liver enzymes that help clear colchicine, which could raise its levels and cause side effects like diarrhea or muscle problems. Interactions with allopurinol are not well known. Tell your doctor before combining cannabis with any gout medicine.

Do CBD creams work on gout joints?

Topical products may offer some soothing relief on a painful joint, and they have little effect on the rest of the body. They have not been tested for gout specifically. Avoid rubbing products on broken or very inflamed skin, and stop if irritation develops.

Can cannabis be an option if I cannot take NSAIDs for gout?

Some people with kidney disease, stomach ulcers or heart problems cannot safely take NSAIDs, which limits flare options. Your doctor may first suggest colchicine or steroids. Cannabis may be considered for pain relief, but it should be planned with your doctor, especially if your kidneys are affected.

Can I drink alcohol while using cannabis for gout?

It is best not to. Alcohol, especially beer, is a common trigger for gout flares, and mixing it with cannabis increases drowsiness and fall risk. Cutting back on alcohol is one of the most helpful steps you can take for gout.

Medical marijuana for gout