Quick answer
Quick answer
Yes, in many places. 1 state program name polycystic kidney disease 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 polycystic kidney disease
People with PKD often have high blood pressure, back or side pain, kidney stones, urinary infections and, over time, kidney failure, and cysts can also form in the liver. Treatment focuses on blood pressure control, slowing cyst growth with tolvaptan for some people, managing pain without kidney-harming medicines and, if needed, dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Symptoms patients hope to ease
- Chronic back, side or abdominal pain
- Pain from enlarged kidneys or liver
- Poor sleep because of pain
- Nausea or poor appetite
- Limited pain relief options because NSAIDs can harm the kidneys
Does polycystic kidney disease 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 as “Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)”
- 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 on medical cannabis specifically for polycystic kidney disease, and no clinical trials have been done.
- Patients typically use cannabis for related symptoms, mainly chronic pain from enlarged kidneys and poor sleep.
- The 2017 National Academies review found substantial evidence for chronic pain in adults, but those studies were not in kidney disease.
- Lab studies suggest the endocannabinoid system affects kidney function, but how cannabis affects people with reduced kidney function is not well understood.
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 polycystic kidney disease
Doctors often consider an oral product or tincture for steady background pain and sleep.
Smoking is usually discouraged because it can raise blood pressure and harm blood vessels.
A balanced CBD and THC product is a common starting point, with THC used mainly at night.
Starting low and going slow is important, especially if kidney or liver function is reduced.
Risks and precautions
- CBD can affect liver enzymes that process tolvaptan, and both can affect the liver, so tell your nephrologist before starting.
- If you are on a transplant list or have had a transplant, CBD can raise tacrolimus levels, and some transplant centers have rules about cannabis use.
- THC can raise heart rate and may affect blood pressure, which matters in a condition where blood pressure control is key.
- A sudden, severe headache can signal a brain aneurysm, which is more common in PKD, and needs emergency care.
- Cannabis does not slow cyst growth or protect kidney function.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and never drive while impaired.
What to bring to your evaluation
A diagnosis of polycystic kidney disease from imaging or genetic testing.
Notes from your nephrologist, including kidney function lab results.
A list of medicines, including tolvaptan, blood pressure medicines and pain treatments.
A description of pain and how it affects your sleep and daily life.
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 polycystic kidney disease
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.
Polycystic kidney disease: 9 common questions
Does polycystic kidney disease qualify for a medical marijuana card?
Yes, in many places. 1 state program name polycystic kidney disease 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 polycystic kidney disease 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 polycystic kidney disease 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 help kidney pain from PKD?
There are no studies in PKD itself, but some people report relief from chronic back and side pain. Evidence for chronic pain in general is modest. Because many common pain relievers are risky for the kidneys, discuss cannabis as one option with your nephrologist.
Is cannabis safe for my kidneys?
Research on cannabis and kidney function is limited and mixed. Some studies have not found harm, while smoking is known to damage blood vessels. Choose non-smoked forms and keep up regular kidney checks.
Can I use cannabis with tolvaptan?
Tolvaptan is processed by liver enzymes that CBD can affect, and both can raise liver test results. This combination needs caution. Talk to your nephrologist, who may want to monitor your liver tests more closely.
Will cannabis affect my chance of getting a kidney transplant?
Some transplant centers have policies about cannabis use for people on the waiting list. CBD can also raise levels of anti-rejection medicines like tacrolimus. Ask your transplant team about their rules before you start.
Is CBD or THC better for PKD pain?
There is no research comparing them in PKD. THC has more evidence for pain but can raise heart rate. Many doctors suggest starting with CBD or a balanced product at a low dose.
Can cannabis raise my blood pressure?
THC can briefly raise heart rate and sometimes blood pressure, especially when smoked or in larger amounts. Blood pressure control is important for slowing kidney damage in PKD. Keep monitoring your blood pressure and share readings with your doctor.