Quick answer
Quick answer
It can. No state lists sciatica by name, but 14 states let providers certify any condition they believe cannabis will help. Either way, a provider licensed in your state has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
Understanding sciatica
Sciatica can cause sharp, burning or electric pain, numbness and tingling that make sitting, walking and sleeping difficult. Most cases improve within weeks with staying active, physical therapy and pain relief, while longer-lasting cases may be treated with nerve pain medicines, spinal injections or surgery.
Symptoms patients hope to ease
- Shooting or burning pain down the leg
- Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
- Low back and buttock pain
- Pain that worsens with sitting
- Trouble sleeping because of nerve pain
Does sciatica 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 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
Stronger evidence. Sciatica is a form of neuropathic pain, where cannabinoid trials show modest benefit.
- The 2017 National Academies review found substantial evidence that cannabis is effective for chronic pain in adults, with many of the trials in nerve pain.
- Few clinical trials have looked at sciatica specifically, so most evidence comes from studies of nerve pain in general.
- The benefits seen in nerve pain trials were modest, with some people responding well and others very little.
- A large recent trial of an oral cannabis extract in chronic low back pain reported a modest benefit over placebo.
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 sciatica
Doctors often consider an oral product or tincture for steady nerve pain and an evening dose for sleep.
Vaporized cannabis may be considered for flare-ups because it works within minutes.
Products containing some THC have the most evidence for nerve pain, often balanced with CBD to reduce side effects.
Starting low, going slow and staying active with physical therapy usually works better than relying on cannabis alone.
Risks and precautions
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or worsening leg weakness is an emergency, and cannabis should never delay care.
- Combining cannabis with gabapentin, pregabalin, opioids or muscle relaxants can cause extra drowsiness.
- THC can slow your reactions, so do not drive while impaired.
- CBD can affect blood thinners like warfarin and other medicines processed by the liver.
- Tell your spine or pain specialist about cannabis use, especially before injections or surgery with sedation.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and never drive while impaired.
What to bring to your evaluation
An MRI or other imaging report showing the cause of nerve compression if you have one.
Notes from a spine specialist, orthopedist, neurologist or pain doctor.
A list of treatments tried, such as physical therapy, nerve pain medicines or injections.
A description of how long the pain has lasted and how it affects sitting, walking and sleep.
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 sciatica
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.
Sciatica: 9 common questions
Does sciatica qualify for a medical marijuana card?
It can. No state lists sciatica by name, but 14 states let providers certify any condition they believe cannabis will help. Either way, a provider licensed in your state has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
Which states list sciatica as a qualifying condition?
None list it by name. It can still be certified in Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine and 6 more, where providers decide. Lists change, so confirm on your state's page before you apply.
Can I get certified for sciatica online?
Yes, in 11 of those states — including California, Delaware, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine and 6 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 sciatica nerve pain?
Cannabis has substantial evidence for chronic nerve pain in adults, which includes pain like sciatica. The effect is usually modest, and few studies looked at sciatica alone. Many people find it most useful for sleep and flare-ups.
Can I use cannabis with gabapentin or pregabalin?
Many people do, but the combination can cause more drowsiness and dizziness. Start with a small amount, avoid driving and tell your prescriber. Your doctor may adjust doses if needed.
Is CBD or THC better for sciatica?
Products with THC have the most evidence for nerve pain. CBD alone has less evidence but causes fewer side effects. A balanced product is a common starting point.
How quickly does cannabis work for sciatica flares?
Vaporized cannabis usually works within minutes, while oral products take one to two hours. Effects from oral products last longer. Wait at least two hours before taking more of an edible or capsule.
Can I use cannabis with my opioid prescription for sciatica?
Combining cannabis and opioids can increase drowsiness and slow breathing at higher doses. Some people find they need fewer opioids, but never change your dose without your prescriber. Check whether your pain agreement allows cannabis.
Should I still do physical therapy if cannabis helps my sciatica?
Yes, physical therapy and staying active remain key to recovery. Cannabis may make it easier to move and exercise, but it does not fix the cause of nerve compression. Use any pain relief as a chance to stay on track with therapy.