Quick answer
Quick answer
Yes, in many places. 8 state programs name muscular dystrophy 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 muscular dystrophy
Depending on the type, people may lose walking ability, develop breathing and heart problems, and live with pain, stiffness and fatigue. Care includes physical therapy, braces and mobility aids, steroid medicines and newer gene-targeted therapies for some types, plus regular heart and lung care.
Symptoms patients hope to ease
- Muscle and joint pain
- Painful cramps and stiffness
- Back pain from posture changes or scoliosis
- Trouble sleeping
- Anxiety and low mood linked to living with a progressive condition
Does muscular dystrophy 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
- DE DelawareDoctor's discretion
- FL FloridaDoctor's discretion
- HI HawaiiDoctor's discretion
- IL IllinoisListed
- KY KentuckyListed
- LA LouisianaListed
- 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 MissouriDoctor's discretion
- MT MontanaNot listed by name
- NV NevadaNot listed by name
- NH New HampshireListed
- NJ New JerseyListed
- NM New MexicoNot listed by name
- NY New YorkListed as “Examples OCM lists include autism, Alzheimer's …”
- 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 muscular dystrophy, and patients typically use it for related symptoms such as pain, cramps and sleep.
- No clinical trials show that cannabis slows muscle loss or changes the course of any muscular dystrophy.
- Some animal studies have looked at CBD and muscle inflammation, but these results have not been tested in people.
- Evidence that cannabis eases spasticity comes from multiple sclerosis studies, which is a different problem from the muscle weakness in muscular dystrophy.
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 muscular dystrophy
Doctors who consider cannabis usually focus on pain, cramps or sleep rather than the muscle disease itself.
Oral products or tinctures are often preferred, and inhaled forms are generally avoided because of weaker breathing muscles.
CBD-leaning or balanced products may be considered to limit sedation and dizziness.
Starting very low and going slow is important, especially for people with breathing or heart involvement.
Risks and precautions
- Sedation can reduce breathing effort, which is a concern for people with weak breathing muscles or who use breathing support at night.
- THC can raise heart rate and change blood pressure, so people with cardiomyopathy should talk with their cardiologist first.
- CBD can affect how some steroids and heart medicines are processed, so ask your pharmacist to review your list.
- Dizziness can increase the risk of falls in people with weak legs.
- Children and teens should only use cannabis under a specialist's care, and it should be avoided during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and never drive while impaired.
What to bring to your evaluation
Genetic test results or a neuromuscular specialist's letter confirming the type of muscular dystrophy.
Recent breathing test results and heart test results such as an echocardiogram.
A full medicine list, including steroids, heart medicines and pain medicines.
A diary of pain, cramps, sleep and how symptoms affect daily activities.
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 muscular dystrophy
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.
Muscular dystrophy: 9 common questions
Does muscular dystrophy qualify for a medical marijuana card?
Yes, in many places. 8 state programs name muscular dystrophy 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 muscular dystrophy as a qualifying condition?
As of our latest check of each state's official list: Connecticut, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey and New York. 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 muscular dystrophy online?
Yes, in 14 of those states — including Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York and 9 more — your first evaluation can happen by video with a provider licensed there. In 6 others, such as Kentucky, Mississippi, New Hampshire and 3 more, the first visit must be in person, and renewals can usually be done online.
Can cannabis slow muscular dystrophy?
No, there is no evidence that cannabis slows muscle loss or changes the course of the disease. Some people use it to manage pain, cramps or sleep. Keep following your neuromuscular care plan.
Is cannabis safe if I have breathing problems from muscular dystrophy?
Sedation from cannabis can weaken breathing, especially during sleep. Smoking or vaping can also irritate the lungs. Talk with your lung or neuromuscular specialist first, and avoid inhaled forms.
Can cannabis affect my heart if I have cardiomyopathy?
THC can raise heart rate and change blood pressure, which may strain a weakened heart. CBD can also interact with some heart medicines. Ask your cardiologist before starting.
Can cannabis interact with steroid treatment?
CBD can affect liver enzymes that process some steroids and other medicines, which may change their levels. Serious problems are not well documented, but monitoring is wise. Share your full medicine list with your doctor and pharmacist.
Can children with muscular dystrophy use medical cannabis?
Any use in children should be guided by their neuromuscular specialist, since the developing brain is sensitive to THC. If considered, doctors usually start with CBD-leaning products at low doses. Watch for sleepiness and breathing changes.
Can cannabis help with muscle cramps?
Some people report fewer or less painful cramps, but there are no trials in muscular dystrophy. Stretching, physical therapy and other medicines remain important. Track cramps in a diary to see if anything changes.