Quick answer
Quick answer
Yes, in many places. 1 state program name neurofibromatosis 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 neurofibromatosis
Depending on the type, people may have skin changes, visible or internal nerve tumors, nerve pain, hearing loss, learning differences or bone problems. Care involves regular monitoring by an NF specialist team, surgery when needed, and for some plexiform neurofibromas, targeted medicines called MEK inhibitors.
Symptoms patients hope to ease
- Nerve pain from tumors pressing on nerves
- Chronic widespread pain, especially in schwannomatosis
- Headaches
- Trouble sleeping
- Anxiety and stress linked to visible tumors or ongoing monitoring
Does neurofibromatosis 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 ConnecticutNot listed by name
- 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 neurofibromatosis, and patients typically use it for related symptoms such as nerve pain and sleep.
- No studies show that cannabis shrinks or prevents nerve tumors, and it should not be used for that purpose.
- Evidence from other nerve pain conditions suggests cannabinoids can modestly ease pain for some people.
- Patient surveys from NF communities report pain and anxiety as the most common reasons for trying cannabis, but these lack control groups.
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 neurofibromatosis
Doctors who consider cannabis usually focus on nerve pain or sleep rather than the tumors themselves.
Oral products or tinctures are often discussed for steady relief, and evening use is common for sleep.
Balanced THC and CBD products may be considered for nerve pain, with CBD-leaning options for people sensitive to THC.
Starting low and going slow, with a pain diary, helps you and your doctor judge benefit.
Risks and precautions
- New or rapidly worsening pain can signal tumor growth or change and should be checked by your NF team, not masked with cannabis.
- CBD can affect how some medicines, including targeted cancer drugs, are processed, so tell your oncologist or NF specialist before starting.
- Many children and teens with NF1 have learning or attention differences, and THC can further affect memory and focus.
- Cannabis can add to drowsiness from gabapentin, pregabalin and opioids.
- Avoid cannabis during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and do not drive while impaired.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and never drive while impaired.
What to bring to your evaluation
A diagnosis letter from a geneticist or NF specialist, or genetic test results.
MRI or other imaging reports describing nerve tumors.
A list of current medicines and past treatments, including surgeries and any MEK inhibitor therapy.
A pain diary noting where pain occurs, how strong it is and how it affects 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.
Start my free checkHow to get certified for neurofibromatosis
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.
Neurofibromatosis: 9 common questions
Does neurofibromatosis qualify for a medical marijuana card?
Yes, in many places. 1 state program name neurofibromatosis 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 neurofibromatosis as a qualifying condition?
As of our latest check of each state's official list: 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 neurofibromatosis online?
Yes, in 12 of those states — including Illinois, California, Delaware, Hawaii, Louisiana and 7 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 shrink neurofibromas?
No, there is no evidence that cannabis shrinks or stops nerve tumors. Proven options such as surgery or MEK inhibitor medicines are managed by your NF team. Some people use cannabis only to ease related pain or sleep problems.
Can cannabis help with nerve pain from neurofibromatosis?
There are no trials in NF specifically. Studies in other nerve pain conditions show modest relief for some people. If you try it, use it as part of a wider pain plan with your doctor.
Can cannabis interact with MEK inhibitors or other NF treatments?
CBD can change how the liver processes some medicines, which could affect levels of targeted therapies. These interactions have not been well studied. Check with your oncologist or pharmacist before starting any cannabis product.
Can children with NF1 use medical cannabis?
Children with NF1 often have learning or attention challenges, and THC can make these harder. Any use should be guided by their NF specialist, usually starting with CBD-leaning products. Track school performance and mood closely.
Does CBD or THC work better for NF pain?
There are no head-to-head studies in NF. In other nerve pain conditions, products with some THC, often balanced with CBD, show the most benefit. Your doctor can help you find a low starting point.
Should I tell my NF team if I use cannabis?
Yes, your team needs to know so they can check for interactions and interpret any changes in your symptoms. Cannabis might mask pain that signals a tumor is changing. Report new or worsening pain promptly.