Quick answer
Quick answer
Yes, in many places. 14 state programs name neuropathy (nerve pain) 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 neuropathy (nerve pain)
Nerve pain can disturb sleep, make walking and standing uncomfortable, and raise the risk of falls and foot injuries. Treatment usually targets the cause where possible, along with medicines such as gabapentin, pregabalin, duloxetine or certain antidepressants, topical treatments, physical therapy and foot care.
Symptoms patients hope to ease
- Burning nerve pain in the feet or hands
- Electric or shooting pains
- Tingling and pins and needles
- Pain from light touch, such as bed sheets on the feet
- Trouble sleeping because of night-time nerve pain
- Numbness that affects balance
Does neuropathy (nerve pain) qualify in your state?
- AL AlabamaNot listed by name
- AK AlaskaDoctor's discretion
- AZ ArizonaNot listed by name
- AR ArkansasListed as “Peripheral neuropathy”
- CA CaliforniaDoctor's discretion
- CO ColoradoDoctor's discretion
- CT ConnecticutListed as “Spasticity or neuropathic pain associated with …”
- DE DelawareDoctor's discretion
- FL FloridaDoctor's discretion
- GA GeorgiaListed as “Peripheral neuropathy (severe)”
- HI HawaiiDoctor's discretion
- IL IllinoisListed as “Neuropathy”
- KY KentuckyListed as “Neuropathies”
- 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 MississippiListed as “Diabetic/peripheral neuropathy”
- MO MissouriListed as “Any other chronic, debilitating or other medica…”
- MT MontanaListed as “Painful peripheral neuropathy”
- NV NevadaListed as “Neuropathic conditions, whether or not they cau…”
- NH New HampshireNot listed by name
- NJ New JerseyNot listed by name
- NM New MexicoListed as “Painful peripheral neuropathy”
- NY New YorkListed as “Examples OCM lists include autism, Alzheimer's …”
- ND North DakotaListed as “Spinal stenosis or chronic back pain, including…”
- OH OhioNot listed by name
- OK OklahomaDoctor's discretion
- OR OregonNot listed by name
- PA PennsylvaniaListed as “Damage to the nervous tissue of the central ner…”
- 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 as “Neuropathies”
What the research says
Stronger evidence. Neuropathic pain is where most chronic-pain trials were done, with modest but consistent benefit.
- The 2017 National Academies review found substantial evidence that cannabis can ease chronic pain in adults, and many of the trials it relied on were in nerve pain.
- Several small randomized trials of inhaled cannabis found meaningful short-term relief in nerve pain, including pain linked to HIV and nerve injuries.
- Larger reviews show that benefits are real but usually modest, and side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness are common.
- Long-term studies are still limited, and there is no evidence that cannabis repairs damaged nerves.
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 neuropathy (nerve pain)
Doctors often consider oral tinctures or capsules for steady background relief, with inhaled forms sometimes discussed for flares.
Products containing THC have the most evidence for nerve pain, and many doctors suggest a balanced THC and CBD product to limit side effects.
Evening use is a common starting point because nerve pain is often worse at night.
Starting low and going slow helps you find the smallest amount that works while keeping side effects down.
Risks and precautions
- Cannabis can add to the drowsiness and dizziness from gabapentin, pregabalin, duloxetine, opioids and alcohol.
- Dizziness on top of numb feet can raise the risk of falls, especially in older adults.
- If your neuropathy comes from chemotherapy, tell your oncologist before starting, since cannabis can interact with some cancer treatments.
- Pain relief should not replace daily foot checks if you have diabetes, since numb feet can hide injuries.
- Cannabis is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and you should not drive while impaired.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and never drive while impaired.
What to bring to your evaluation
A diagnosis letter or notes confirming neuropathy and its cause, such as diabetes, chemotherapy or shingles.
Nerve conduction or EMG test results, if you have had them.
A list of nerve pain medicines you take or have tried, and why any were stopped.
A pain and sleep diary showing how nerve pain affects your nights and daily activity.
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 neuropathy (nerve pain)
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.
Neuropathy (nerve pain): 9 common questions
Does neuropathy (nerve pain) qualify for a medical marijuana card?
Yes, in many places. 14 state programs name neuropathy (nerve pain) 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 neuropathy (nerve pain) as a qualifying condition?
As of our latest check of each state's official list: Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Providers can also certify it in Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine 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 neuropathy (nerve pain) online?
Yes, in 19 of those states — including Arkansas, Connecticut, Illinois, Missouri, Montana and 14 more — your first evaluation can happen by video with a provider licensed there. In 6 others, such as Kentucky, Mississippi, North Dakota and 3 more, the first visit must be in person, and renewals can usually be done online.
Does cannabis really help nerve pain?
Nerve pain is one of the areas with the best research support for cannabis. Several small trials found meaningful short-term relief, though the average benefit is modest. Many people get some relief, but not everyone does.
Does CBD or THC work better for neuropathy?
Most trials showing benefit used products containing THC. CBD alone has less evidence for nerve pain, though some people find it helpful. Many doctors start with a balanced product to get relief with fewer side effects.
Can I take cannabis with gabapentin or pregabalin?
Many people do, but the combination can increase drowsiness, dizziness and unsteadiness. This matters especially for older adults and anyone at risk of falls. Start with a very small amount and tell the doctor who prescribes your nerve pain medicine.
Do CBD creams help neuropathy in the feet?
Topical cannabis products are popular for foot pain, but there is little research showing they work for neuropathy. They are unlikely to cause a high or interact with medicines. If you try one, use it on unbroken skin and check your feet daily.
Can cannabis help me sleep with nerve pain?
Many people with neuropathy say cannabis helps them fall asleep when pain flares at night. Some trials also found better sleep along with less pain. An oral product taken in the evening is a common approach.
Can cannabis help chemotherapy-induced neuropathy?
Research on chemotherapy-related nerve pain is still limited, with only small studies so far. Some people report relief, but results are mixed. Talk with your oncologist first, since cannabis can interact with some cancer treatments.