Quick answer
Quick answer
Yes, in many places. 1 state program name psoriatic arthritis 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 psoriatic arthritis
It can cause swollen, painful joints and fingers, back pain, fatigue and nail changes that make daily tasks harder. Treatment usually includes anti-inflammatory medicines, methotrexate and biologic or targeted drugs that help control both skin and joint disease.
Symptoms patients hope to ease
- Joint pain and swelling
- Morning stiffness
- Pain where tendons attach, such as the heel
- Poor sleep because of pain
- Fatigue
- Itchy, uncomfortable skin
Does psoriatic arthritis 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 as “Severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis”
- 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
Moderate evidence. Joint pain falls under the chronic pain evidence.
- The 2017 National Academies review found substantial evidence that cannabis can modestly reduce chronic pain in adults, though few studies focused on psoriatic arthritis.
- A randomized trial of oral CBD in people with hand osteoarthritis and psoriatic arthritis found no clear pain benefit over placebo.
- Lab studies suggest cannabinoids can affect skin cells and inflammation, but this has not been shown to improve psoriasis or joint damage in people.
- Patient surveys show many people with psoriatic arthritis try cannabis for pain and sleep, but surveys cannot prove it works.
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 psoriatic arthritis
Doctors often consider an oral product or tincture in the evening for joint pain and sleep.
Topicals are sometimes tried for sore joints, but they should not be applied to broken or inflamed skin without checking with your dermatologist.
A balanced CBD and THC product is a common starting point, since CBD alone did not reduce pain in a trial.
Starting low and going slow helps limit side effects while you keep up your prescribed treatment.
Risks and precautions
- Cannabis does not stop joint damage, so keep taking methotrexate, biologics or other prescribed treatment.
- Methotrexate and CBD can both affect the liver, so your doctor may want to check your liver tests more often.
- Smoking can worsen psoriasis and harm the lungs, especially if biologics raise your infection risk.
- Psoriatic arthritis raises the risk of heart disease, and THC can raise heart rate.
- Tell your rheumatologist and dermatologist about any cannabis use.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and never drive while impaired.
What to bring to your evaluation
A psoriatic arthritis diagnosis from a rheumatologist.
Imaging or lab results if you have them.
A list of treatments tried, including NSAIDs, methotrexate and biologics, and how well they worked.
Notes on joint pain, fatigue and how symptoms affect your 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 psoriatic arthritis
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.
Psoriatic arthritis: 9 common questions
Does psoriatic arthritis qualify for a medical marijuana card?
Yes, in many places. 1 state program name psoriatic arthritis 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 psoriatic arthritis 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 psoriatic arthritis 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 psoriatic arthritis pain?
Cannabis has modest evidence for chronic pain in general, and some people with psoriatic arthritis report relief. A trial of CBD alone did not reduce pain compared with placebo. If you try cannabis, track your pain and sleep and review them with your doctor.
Can I use cannabis with methotrexate?
Both methotrexate and CBD can affect the liver. Using them together may need closer monitoring of liver tests. Avoid alcohol as well, and tell your rheumatologist before starting.
Can cannabis help my psoriasis?
Lab studies are interesting, but there is no good evidence that cannabis clears psoriasis in people. Smoking is linked with worse psoriasis. Keep working with your dermatologist on proven treatments.
Is CBD or THC better for psoriatic arthritis?
A trial of CBD alone did not show a clear pain benefit. Most pain evidence comes from products that include THC. A balanced product used in the evening is a common starting point.
Can I use cannabis with my biologic?
There is no known direct interaction between cannabis and most biologic drugs. Smoking is the main concern because biologics can increase infection risk. Choose non-smoked forms and let your rheumatologist know.
Can I use a cannabis topical on my psoriasis patches?
There is little evidence that cannabis topicals help psoriasis, and some products contain fragrances or alcohol that can irritate skin. Test a small area first and avoid broken skin. Ask your dermatologist before using it on plaques.
Related conditions
- Ankylosing spondylitis Autoimmune & inflammatory
- Gout Autoimmune & inflammatory
- Lupus Autoimmune & inflammatory
- Myasthenia gravis Autoimmune & inflammatory
- Psoriasis Autoimmune & inflammatory
- Rheumatoid arthritis Autoimmune & inflammatory
- Scleroderma Autoimmune & inflammatory
- Sjögren's syndrome Autoimmune & inflammatory