Medical Marijuana for Scleroderma: Qualifying States & FAQ

Quick answer

It can. No state lists scleroderma 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.

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Understanding scleroderma

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that causes the skin and connective tissue to harden and tighten, and in its systemic form it can also affect blood vessels, lungs, heart, kidneys and digestive tract. It is uncommon, and it is much more common in women, usually starting between the ages of 30 and 50.

People may live with tight skin, painful fingers, joint stiffness, reflux, fatigue and sometimes breathing problems. Care is usually led by a rheumatologist and may include immune-suppressing medicines, blood vessel medicines for Raynaud's, reflux treatment, lung care and physical and occupational therapy.

Symptoms patients hope to ease

Joint and muscle pain
Painful fingers from Raynaud's phenomenon or ulcers
Itchy, tight skin
Reflux, bloating or other digestive discomfort
Trouble sleeping
Fatigue and low mood

Does scleroderma qualify in your state?

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 scleroderma, and patients typically use it for related symptoms such as pain, itch and sleep.
A lab-made drug that targets the body's cannabinoid system, lenabasum, was tested in a large trial in systemic sclerosis and did not meet its main goal.
Animal studies have explored cannabinoids and skin scarring, but these results have not shown benefit in people.
Evidence from other chronic pain conditions suggests cannabinoids may modestly ease pain for some people.

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 scleroderma

Doctors who consider cannabis usually target pain, itch or sleep rather than the disease itself.
Non-inhaled forms such as tinctures and capsules are preferred, especially if the lungs are involved.
Balanced THC and CBD or CBD-leaning products may be considered to limit side effects, and topicals are sometimes tried on painful areas.
Starting low and going slow is important, and evening use is common when pain or itch disrupts sleep.

Risks and precautions

Smoking or vaping can harm the lungs, which is a serious concern because lung disease is a leading cause of illness in scleroderma.
Case reports link cannabis use to narrowing of blood vessels in the hands and feet, so tell your doctor if you have Raynaud's or finger ulcers.
THC can slow gut movement, and heavy use can cause cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, which may worsen digestive symptoms.
CBD can affect how some immune-suppressing and other medicines are processed, so ask your pharmacist to review your list.
Avoid cannabis during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and do not drive while impaired.
Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and never drive while impaired.

What to bring to your evaluation

A diagnosis letter or notes from your rheumatologist, including antibody test results.
Recent lung tests, heart tests or imaging if those organs are involved.
A list of current medicines, including immune suppressants and blood vessel medicines.
A diary of pain, itch, finger symptoms, digestive symptoms 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.

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How to get certified for scleroderma

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.

Scleroderma: 9 common questions

Does scleroderma qualify for a medical marijuana card?

It can. No state lists scleroderma 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 scleroderma 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 scleroderma 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 treat scleroderma?

No, there is no evidence that cannabis slows skin hardening or organ damage. A related lab-made drug was tested in a large trial and did not meet its main goal. Some people use cannabis to manage pain, itch or sleep alongside their rheumatology care.

Can cannabis make Raynaud's worse?

It may for some people, since case reports link cannabis use to narrowing of blood vessels in the fingers and toes. Smoking anything also tends to worsen blood flow. If your fingers get colder, paler or develop sores, stop and contact your doctor.

Is it safe to smoke cannabis if I have scleroderma lung disease?

Smoking or vaping can irritate and damage the lungs, which are already at risk in scleroderma. Doctors strongly prefer oral forms such as tinctures or capsules. Talk with your lung doctor before using any inhaled product.

Can cannabis interact with my scleroderma medications?

CBD can change how the liver processes some medicines, including certain immune suppressants. Cannabis can also add to drowsiness from pain or sleep medicines. Share your full medicine list with your rheumatologist and pharmacist.

Can cannabis help with scleroderma itch?

Some people report less itching, especially with evening use, but there are no studies in scleroderma. Moisturizers and medicines from your doctor remain the main approach. A topical product may be worth discussing if your skin is intact.

Will cannabis affect my digestive symptoms?

It can go either way. Some people report less nausea or better appetite, but THC can slow gut movement, and heavy use can cause repeated vomiting. Track digestive symptoms and tell your doctor about any worsening.

Medical marijuana for scleroderma