Quick answer
Quick answer
Yes, in many places. 9 state programs name Huntington's disease on the official list, and 12 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 Huntington's disease
Symptoms usually begin in adulthood and include involuntary movements called chorea, trouble with planning and memory, and mood changes such as depression and irritability. There is no cure, so care focuses on medicines for chorea and mood, speech, physical and occupational therapy, and support for families.
Symptoms patients hope to ease
- Involuntary jerking or writhing movements
- Irritability and anxiety
- Trouble sleeping
- Weight loss and poor appetite
- Muscle stiffness and discomfort
Does Huntington's disease 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 ConnecticutListed as “Movement disorders associated with Huntington d…”
- DE DelawareDoctor's discretion
- FL FloridaDoctor's discretion
- HI HawaiiDoctor's discretion
- IL IllinoisNot listed by name
- KY KentuckyListed
- LA LouisianaListed as “Neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease…”
- ME MaineDoctor's discretion
- MD MarylandNot listed by name
- MA MassachusettsNot listed by name
- MI MichiganNot listed by name
- MN MinnesotaDoctor's discretion
- MS MississippiListed
- MO MissouriListed as “Any other chronic, debilitating or other medica…”
- MT MontanaNot listed by name
- NV NevadaNot listed by name
- NH New HampshireNot listed by name
- NJ New JerseyNot listed by name
- NM New MexicoListed
- NY New YorkDoctor's discretion
- ND North DakotaNot listed by name
- OH OhioListed
- OK OklahomaDoctor's discretion
- OR OregonNot listed by name
- PA PennsylvaniaListed
- 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 VirginiaListed
What the research says
Not enough research. The National Academies found insufficient evidence for Huntington's chorea.
- There is little research on cannabis specifically for Huntington's disease, so people typically use it for related symptoms like sleep, appetite and irritability.
- A small trial of nabilone suggested some improvement in movements and behavior, but it involved very few patients.
- Small controlled trials of CBD and of a THC and CBD mouth spray did not show a meaningful benefit for symptoms.
- There is no evidence that cannabis slows the progression of Huntington's disease in people.
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 Huntington's disease
Doctors may consider CBD-dominant products first, given the risk that THC can worsen thinking or mood problems.
Oral tinctures are often preferred, and forms should be reviewed with a speech therapist if swallowing is affected.
Evening use may be discussed when the main goals are sleep or night-time restlessness.
Starting very low and going slow, with a caregiver helping track changes, is the usual approach.
Risks and precautions
- THC can worsen memory, attention and judgment, which may already be affected by Huntington's disease.
- Cannabis can trigger or worsen psychosis, anxiety and depression, which are common in Huntington's disease.
- Cannabis can add to the drowsiness of medicines often used for chorea and mood, such as tetrabenazine, deutetrabenazine, antipsychotics and antidepressants.
- Dizziness and unsteadiness can raise the risk of falls and choking.
- Tell your doctor right away about any thoughts of self-harm, since suicide risk is higher in Huntington's disease.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and never drive while impaired.
What to bring to your evaluation
Genetic test results or a neurologist's letter confirming Huntington's disease.
Notes from your Huntington's clinic or neurologist about current symptoms and stage.
A full list of medicines for movement, mood and sleep.
A caregiver or symptom diary showing sleep, movements, appetite and mood.
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 Huntington's disease
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.
Huntington's disease: 9 common questions
Does Huntington's disease qualify for a medical marijuana card?
Yes, in many places. 9 state programs name Huntington's disease on the official list, and 12 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 Huntington's disease as a qualifying condition?
As of our latest check of each state's official list: Connecticut, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Providers can also certify it in Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Maine, Minnesota and 4 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 Huntington's disease online?
Yes, in 16 of those states — including Connecticut, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio and 11 more — your first evaluation can happen by video with a provider licensed there. In 5 others, such as Kentucky, Mississippi, Alaska and 2 more, the first visit must be in person, and renewals can usually be done online.
Can cannabis slow Huntington's disease?
No, there is no evidence that cannabis slows Huntington's disease in people. Lab research has looked at whether cannabinoids protect brain cells, but human trials have not shown this. Cannabis may help some symptoms for some people, but it does not change the disease.
Does cannabis help with chorea?
Research is very limited and mixed. One small trial of nabilone suggested some improvement in movements, while other small trials showed no clear benefit. Prescription medicines for chorea remain the main treatment.
Can cannabis affect mood and thinking in Huntington's disease?
Yes, THC can worsen memory, attention and judgment, and it can trigger anxiety or psychosis in some people. These problems can already be part of Huntington's disease. Caregivers should watch for changes and report them to the care team.
Can cannabis interact with tetrabenazine or other Huntington's medicines?
Cannabis can add to the drowsiness, low mood and unsteadiness caused by tetrabenazine, deutetrabenazine, antipsychotics and some antidepressants. CBD can also change how the liver processes some drugs. Talk with your neurologist before combining them.
Can cannabis help with sleep and appetite in Huntington's disease?
Some people report better sleep and appetite with cannabis, which can matter because weight loss is common. Research in Huntington's disease has not tested this well. Work with your care team and dietitian so cannabis supports, rather than replaces, other strategies.
How can caregivers help if a loved one uses cannabis?
Caregivers can help measure doses, store products safely and keep a simple diary of sleep, mood, movements and side effects. They should watch for confusion, falls, choking or mood changes. Sharing this diary with the care team makes follow-up visits more useful.