Medical Marijuana for Lupus: Qualifying States & FAQ

Quick answer

Yes, in many places. 4 state programs name lupus 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.

4list it by name

13provider's discretion

Not enough researchresearch strength

Understanding lupus

Lupus is a long-term autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy tissue, which can affect the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, heart and brain. It affects an estimated hundreds of thousands of people in the US, and about 9 in 10 are women.

Lupus tends to come in flares, causing joint pain, fatigue, rashes and other symptoms that can make work and daily life hard to predict. Treatment usually includes hydroxychloroquine, steroids, immune-suppressing medicines and biologic drugs, guided by a rheumatologist.

Symptoms patients hope to ease

Joint and muscle pain
Trouble sleeping
Fatigue
Headaches
Anxiety and low mood related to living with lupus

Does lupus 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 on medical cannabis specifically for lupus, and no completed clinical trials show that it helps.
Patients typically use cannabis for related symptoms, such as joint pain, poor sleep and stress.
Lab studies suggest cannabinoids can affect immune activity, but this has not been shown to calm lupus in people.
The 2017 National Academies review found substantial evidence for chronic pain in adults, but those studies did not focus on lupus.

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 lupus

Doctors often consider an oral product or tincture in the evening for joint pain and sleep.
Topicals are sometimes tried for sore joints because they cause few whole-body effects.
A CBD-dominant or balanced product is a common starting point, with THC kept low.
Starting low and going slow is important because lupus and its medicines can make some people more sensitive to side effects.

Risks and precautions

Cannabis does not control lupus, so keep taking hydroxychloroquine and other prescribed medicines.
If you take warfarin for antiphospholipid syndrome, CBD can raise warfarin levels and increase bleeding risk, so your blood tests may need closer watching.
CBD can affect levels of some immune-suppressing medicines processed by the liver, such as tacrolimus.
Lupus raises the risk of heart disease, and smoking cannabis can add to strain on the heart and lungs.
Cannabis is not recommended during pregnancy, which is important to plan for since lupus pregnancies already need specialist care.
Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and never drive while impaired.

What to bring to your evaluation

A lupus diagnosis from a rheumatologist, including lab results like ANA or other antibody tests.
A current list of medicines, especially blood thinners and immune-suppressing drugs.
Notes on joint pain, sleep problems or other symptoms you hope to manage.
Records of treatments you have tried for pain and how well they worked.
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 lupus

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.

Lupus: 9 common questions

Does lupus qualify for a medical marijuana card?

Yes, in many places. 4 state programs name lupus 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 lupus as a qualifying condition?

As of our latest check of each state's official list: Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois and New Hampshire. Providers can also certify it in Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Louisiana, 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 lupus online?

Yes, in 12 of those states — including Hawaii, Illinois, California, Delaware, Louisiana and 7 more — your first evaluation can happen by video with a provider licensed there. In 4 others, such as New Hampshire, Alaska, Colorado and 1 more, the first visit must be in person, and renewals can usually be done online.

Can cannabis help lupus joint pain?

Some people with lupus report less joint pain and better sleep with cannabis, but there is little research to confirm this. Evidence for pain in general comes from studies in other conditions. If you try it, track your symptoms and share them with your rheumatologist.

Can cannabis calm my immune system or lupus flares?

Lab studies show cannabinoids can influence immune cells, but this has not been shown to reduce lupus activity in people. Cannabis should never replace your lupus medicines. Report any flare to your rheumatologist as usual.

Can I use cannabis with hydroxychloroquine?

There is no well-known direct interaction between cannabis and hydroxychloroquine. Keep taking it daily as prescribed, since it helps prevent flares. Tell your doctor about any cannabis use.

Is it safe to use CBD if I take a blood thinner for lupus?

CBD can raise warfarin levels, which increases the risk of bleeding. If you take warfarin, your doctor may want to check your INR more often after starting. Do not start CBD without telling the person who manages your blood thinner.

Is CBD or THC better for lupus symptoms?

There is no research comparing them in lupus. Many people start with CBD or a balanced product because it is less likely to cause side effects. Small amounts of THC in the evening may help sleep for some people.

Can cannabis worsen lupus fatigue or brain fog?

THC can cause drowsiness and affect memory and focus, which may feel like worse fatigue or brain fog. This tends to be more noticeable with daytime use. If you notice this, try using it only in the evening or lowering the THC.

Medical marijuana for lupus