Quick answer
Quick answer
Yes, in many places. 2 state programs name hydrocephalus on the official list, and 14 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 hydrocephalus
People with hydrocephalus may live with headaches, nausea, balance problems, trouble with thinking and sometimes seizures. The main treatment is surgery, usually a shunt that drains fluid or a procedure called endoscopic third ventriculostomy, and shunts often need checks or repairs over a lifetime.
Symptoms patients hope to ease
- Chronic or recurring headaches
- Nausea
- Trouble sleeping
- Muscle tightness or spasticity, especially in people who also have spina bifida or cerebral palsy
- Pain after shunt surgery or revisions
- Anxiety about symptoms and shunt problems
Does hydrocephalus 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 “Hydrocephalus with intractable headache”
- DE DelawareDoctor's discretion
- FL FloridaDoctor's discretion
- HI HawaiiDoctor's discretion
- IL IllinoisListed
- 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 specifically on cannabis for hydrocephalus, and no clinical trials have studied it.
- Patients typically use cannabis for related symptoms like headaches, chronic pain, muscle tightness and sleep.
- The 2017 National Academies review found substantial evidence for chronic pain in adults and for oral cannabinoids for muscle spasticity in multiple sclerosis, which doctors may draw on.
- Cannabis does not reduce fluid buildup or replace a shunt or other surgery.
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 hydrocephalus
Doctors usually prefer oral forms like tinctures or capsules for steady, predictable effects.
CBD-leaning products with small amounts of THC are often considered first to limit dizziness and confusion.
Keeping a headache diary before and after starting helps separate normal day-to-day pain from warning signs.
Starting low and going slow is especially important for older adults with normal pressure hydrocephalus.
Risks and precautions
- Cannabis can mask or mimic signs of shunt failure, such as headache, vomiting, sleepiness and confusion, which need urgent care.
- THC can worsen balance and walking problems, raising fall risk, especially in older adults with normal pressure hydrocephalus.
- Cannabis can add to thinking and memory problems that hydrocephalus may already cause.
- If you take seizure medicines, CBD can interact with drugs like clobazam and valproate, so involve your neurologist.
- Cannabis is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and never drive while impaired.
What to bring to your evaluation
Brain imaging reports and notes from your neurosurgeon or neurologist confirming hydrocephalus.
Records of shunt placement, revisions or other surgeries.
A full medicine list, including any seizure, pain or muscle-relaxing medicines.
A symptom diary covering headaches, nausea, sleep and balance.
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 hydrocephalus
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.
Hydrocephalus: 9 common questions
Does hydrocephalus qualify for a medical marijuana card?
Yes, in many places. 2 state programs name hydrocephalus on the official list, and 14 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 hydrocephalus as a qualifying condition?
As of our latest check of each state's official list: Connecticut and Illinois. Providers can also certify it in Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine and 6 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 hydrocephalus online?
Yes, in 13 of those states — including Connecticut, Illinois, California, Delaware, Hawaii and 8 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 hydrocephalus headaches?
There are no studies on cannabis for hydrocephalus headaches specifically. Some people report relief, and cannabis has modest evidence for chronic pain in general. It does not reduce fluid pressure, so any change in your headache pattern still needs a call to your neurosurgery team.
Could cannabis hide signs that my shunt is failing?
Yes, this is the most important concern. Shunt failure often shows up as headache, vomiting, unusual sleepiness or confusion, and cannabis can either dull these symptoms or cause similar ones. If you notice these signs, seek medical care right away rather than taking more cannabis.
Is CBD or THC better for hydrocephalus symptoms?
Neither has been studied for hydrocephalus. CBD is often the starting point because it does not cause a high and is less likely to affect balance or thinking. Small amounts of THC may help some people with pain or sleep, but it should be added slowly.
Is cannabis safe for older adults with normal pressure hydrocephalus?
It needs extra care. Normal pressure hydrocephalus often affects walking, thinking and bladder control, and THC can make unsteadiness and confusion worse. If it is used, very small amounts and a fall-safe home are important.
Can children with hydrocephalus use medical cannabis?
Some states allow minors to be certified with a parent or guardian as caregiver, but there is no research on cannabis for children with hydrocephalus. Young brains may be more sensitive to THC. Any use should be planned with the child's neurosurgeon and pediatrician.
Can cannabis interact with my seizure or pain medicines?
CBD can change levels of some seizure medicines, including clobazam, and can add liver strain with valproate. Cannabis can also add to the drowsiness of opioids, muscle relaxants and sleep aids. Never change seizure medicines on your own, and share your full list with your doctor.