Quick answer
Quick answer
Yes, in many places. 1 state program name osteogenesis imperfecta 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 osteogenesis imperfecta
People with OI may live with frequent fractures, bone deformity, chronic pain, curved spines, hearing loss and fatigue. Care usually includes physical therapy, safe movement and strengthening, surgery such as rodding to support long bones, medicines like bisphosphonates for some patients, and pain management.
Symptoms patients hope to ease
- Chronic bone and joint pain
- Pain from fractures and healing bones
- Back pain related to a curved spine
- Muscle spasms and tightness
- Pain after orthopedic surgery
- Trouble sleeping because of pain
Does osteogenesis imperfecta 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 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 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 osteogenesis imperfecta, and no clinical trials have studied it.
- Patients typically use cannabis for related symptoms like chronic pain, muscle spasms and poor sleep.
- Doctors mainly draw on the 2017 National Academies review, which found substantial evidence that cannabis can modestly reduce chronic pain in adults.
- Lab studies have explored cannabinoid receptors in bone, but cannabis has not been shown to strengthen bones in people, and some studies link heavy smoking with lower bone density.
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 osteogenesis imperfecta
Topical creams or balms may be tried for localized aches with little effect on the rest of the body.
Oral tinctures or capsules are often preferred over smoking, especially for people whose OI affects chest size or breathing.
CBD-leaning products with small amounts of THC are a common starting point.
Starting low, going slow and making sure cannabis does not affect your balance is key, since falls can cause fractures.
Risks and precautions
- THC can cause dizziness and unsteadiness, and a single fall can mean a new fracture.
- New, sudden or sharp pain may be a fracture and should be checked rather than treated with more cannabis.
- Smoking can irritate the lungs, which may already be affected in more severe OI, and heavy smoking has been linked to lower bone density.
- Combining cannabis with opioids or sedatives can slow breathing and increase drowsiness, which is riskier if OI affects your chest or lungs.
- Cannabis is not recommended 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 specialist notes confirming osteogenesis imperfecta and its type.
Orthopedic records, including fracture history, imaging and surgeries.
A list of pain and bone medicines you have tried or take now.
A pain diary showing how pain affects sleep, movement and daily tasks.
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 osteogenesis imperfecta
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.
Osteogenesis imperfecta: 9 common questions
Does osteogenesis imperfecta qualify for a medical marijuana card?
Yes, in many places. 1 state program name osteogenesis imperfecta 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 osteogenesis imperfecta as a qualifying condition?
As of our latest check of each state's official list: Connecticut. 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 osteogenesis imperfecta online?
Yes, in 12 of those states — including Connecticut, 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 help with OI bone pain?
There are no studies on cannabis for osteogenesis imperfecta, but some people report relief from chronic pain. Cannabis has modest evidence for chronic pain in general. It should be used alongside your care team's pain plan and safe-movement advice.
Can cannabis make my bones stronger?
No. There is no evidence that cannabis strengthens bones or reduces fractures in people with OI. Some studies have linked heavy cannabis smoking with lower bone density. Keep following your bone health plan with your specialist.
Could cannabis increase my risk of fractures?
It might, if it makes you dizzy or unsteady. Falls are a major cause of fractures in OI, and THC can affect balance. Start with small amounts, use it when you can sit or rest, and make your home fall-safe.
Is CBD or THC better for osteogenesis imperfecta?
Neither has been studied for OI. CBD does not cause a high and is less likely to affect balance, so it is often tried first. Small amounts of THC may help more with pain and sleep, but should be added slowly.
Can children with osteogenesis imperfecta use medical cannabis?
Some states allow minors to be certified with a parent or guardian as caregiver, but there is no research on cannabis in children with OI. Young brains may be more sensitive to THC. Any use should be planned with the child's OI specialist and pediatrician.
Can I use cannabis with opioids after a fracture or surgery?
Combining cannabis with opioids can increase drowsiness, dizziness and slowed breathing. Some people find cannabis lets them use less opioid medicine, but the research is mixed. Tell your doctors about any cannabis use and do not change your opioid dose without their guidance.