Quick answer
Quick answer
Yes, in many places. 7 state programs name opioid use disorder 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.
Understanding opioid use disorder
It can affect health, relationships, work and safety, and the risk of fatal overdose is high, especially with fentanyl. The most effective treatments are medicines such as buprenorphine, methadone or extended-release naltrexone, combined with counseling, support and naloxone for overdose rescue.
Symptoms patients hope to ease
- Anxiety and restlessness during recovery
- Trouble sleeping
- Cravings and stress
- Chronic pain that originally led to opioid use
- Nausea and poor appetite during withdrawal
Does opioid use disorder qualify in your state?
- AL AlabamaListed as “A condition causing chronic or intractable pain…”
- 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 IllinoisNot listed by name
- 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 NevadaListed as “Dependence upon or addiction to opioids”
- NH New HampshireListed as “Opioid use disorder with cravings or withdrawal…”
- NJ New JerseyListed
- NM New MexicoListed
- 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 PennsylvaniaListed as “Opioid use disorder where conventional treatmen…”
- 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. Evidence is mixed. Cannabis is not a substitute for proven treatments like buprenorphine or methadone.
- There is little research specifically on cannabis for opioid use disorder, and patients typically use it for related symptoms such as sleep, anxiety or pain.
- Early studies suggested states with medical cannabis laws had fewer opioid overdose deaths, but later research with more years of data did not confirm this.
- A small randomized trial found that CBD reduced cue-triggered cravings and anxiety in people in recovery from heroin use, but this needs larger studies.
- Studies on whether cannabis use helps or hurts staying in buprenorphine or methadone treatment have found mixed results.
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 opioid use disorder
Doctors who consider cannabis treat it only as a possible add-on to proven medicines for opioid use disorder, never as a substitute.
CBD-dominant products are often discussed, since CBD does not cause a high and has been studied for cravings and anxiety.
Oral forms such as capsules or tinctures are usually preferred over smoking or vaping.
Starting low, involving your addiction treatment team and watching for any increase in cravings or use is essential.
Risks and precautions
- Cannabis is not a replacement for buprenorphine, methadone or naltrexone, which are proven to lower the risk of overdose death.
- Combining cannabis with opioids, benzodiazepines or alcohol can increase sedation and breathing risks.
- Cannabis use disorder is a real risk, and people with a history of other substance use disorders may be more vulnerable.
- Many treatment programs test for drugs, so be open with your program about any cannabis use.
- Keep naloxone on hand and make sure people close to you know how to use it.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and never drive while impaired.
What to bring to your evaluation
A diagnosis or treatment letter from your addiction medicine doctor, clinic or primary care provider.
Details of your current treatment, including buprenorphine, methadone or naltrexone and counseling.
A full list of medicines, including any for pain, sleep or mental health.
Notes on symptoms you hope to address, such as sleep, anxiety or pain, and any history of other substance use.
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 opioid use disorder
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.
Opioid use disorder: 9 common questions
Does opioid use disorder qualify for a medical marijuana card?
Yes, in many places. 7 state programs name opioid use disorder 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 opioid use disorder as a qualifying condition?
As of our latest check of each state's official list: Alabama, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York and Pennsylvania. Providers can also certify it in Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine 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 opioid use disorder online?
Yes, in 15 of those states — including Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania and 10 more — your first evaluation can happen by video with a provider licensed there. In 5 others, such as Alabama, New Hampshire, Alaska and 2 more, the first visit must be in person, and renewals can usually be done online.
Can cannabis replace buprenorphine or methadone?
No, cannabis is not a substitute for medicines for opioid use disorder. Buprenorphine and methadone are proven to greatly lower the risk of overdose death. Keep taking them as prescribed and talk with your treatment team about any cannabis use.
Can cannabis help with opioid withdrawal symptoms?
Some people report less anxiety, nausea or sleep trouble, but there is little research to support this. Withdrawal is managed most safely with medical care and medicines such as buprenorphine. Do not try to detox on your own.
Is it safe to use cannabis with buprenorphine or methadone?
Combining them can increase drowsiness, especially if alcohol or benzodiazepines are also involved. Serious interactions are uncommon but possible. Tell your prescriber so they can monitor you.
Will cannabis affect my treatment program?
Policies differ between programs, and many test for drugs. Some programs continue treatment while working with you on cannabis use. Being honest with your team helps you keep access to care.
Can CBD help with cravings?
One small trial found CBD reduced cravings triggered by drug cues in people recovering from heroin use. These results are early and need confirmation. CBD may be worth discussing with your treatment team as an add-on, not a replacement.
Can I become addicted to cannabis if I'm in recovery from opioids?
Yes, cannabis use disorder is possible, and a history of substance use may raise the risk. Signs include using more than planned, cravings or trouble cutting back. If you notice these, tell your treatment team.