Quick answer
Quick answer
Yes, in many places. 2 state programs name obstructive sleep apnea on the official list, and 13 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 obstructive sleep apnea
People with sleep apnea often snore loudly, wake up tired and feel sleepy during the day, and untreated sleep apnea raises the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and car crashes. The main treatment is CPAP, with other options including oral appliances, weight loss, positional therapy and, for some, surgery or nerve stimulation devices.
Symptoms patients hope to ease
- Daytime sleepiness
- Broken, unrefreshing sleep
- Trouble tolerating CPAP
- Trouble falling asleep with a mask on
- Morning tiredness and poor focus
Does obstructive sleep apnea 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 MinnesotaListed
- 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 MexicoListed
- 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. The National Academies found moderate evidence for improved short-term sleep outcomes in sleep apnea. Cannabis doesn't replace CPAP.
- The 2017 National Academies review found moderate evidence that cannabinoids improve short-term sleep outcomes in people with sleep problems linked to conditions including sleep apnea.
- Small trials of dronabinol, a lab-made form of THC, showed some reduction in breathing pauses and daytime sleepiness, but they were short and small.
- The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has advised that cannabis and its synthetic forms should not be used to treat sleep apnea outside of research.
- No study has shown cannabis to be as effective as CPAP.
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 obstructive sleep apnea
Doctors who consider cannabis usually see it as a possible add-on for sleep quality, never a replacement for CPAP or other proven treatment.
Oral products or tinctures are commonly considered over smoking, which can irritate the airway.
Low doses taken before bed are typically suggested to avoid next-day drowsiness.
Starting low and going slow helps you notice whether cannabis affects how well you use your CPAP.
Risks and precautions
- Cannabis is never a replacement for CPAP, so keep using your device every night.
- Combining cannabis with alcohol, sleeping pills, opioids or benzodiazepines can relax the airway and worsen breathing during sleep.
- Smoking cannabis can irritate and inflame the airway.
- Daytime sleepiness from sleep apnea plus lingering THC effects can make driving dangerous.
- Tell your sleep specialist about cannabis use so they can watch your CPAP data and symptoms.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and never drive while impaired.
What to bring to your evaluation
A sleep study report confirming obstructive sleep apnea.
Records of your CPAP or other treatment, including usage data if available.
Notes from your sleep specialist about how your symptoms are responding.
A description of daytime sleepiness and how sleep apnea affects 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 obstructive sleep apnea
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.
Obstructive sleep apnea: 9 common questions
Does obstructive sleep apnea qualify for a medical marijuana card?
Yes, in many places. 2 state programs name obstructive sleep apnea on the official list, and 13 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 obstructive sleep apnea as a qualifying condition?
As of our latest check of each state's official list: Minnesota and New Mexico. Providers can also certify it in Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine and 5 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 obstructive sleep apnea online?
Yes, in 12 of those states — including Minnesota, New Mexico, California, Delaware, Hawaii 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 replace my CPAP?
No, cannabis is not a replacement for CPAP. CPAP keeps your airway open, and no study has shown cannabis does that as well. Keep using CPAP every night even if you try cannabis.
What does the research say about dronabinol for sleep apnea?
Small trials found dronabinol reduced breathing pauses and daytime sleepiness for some people. The studies were short, and sleep medicine experts do not recommend it as standard treatment. Talk to your sleep specialist before considering it.
Can cannabis help me tolerate my CPAP mask?
Some people find that cannabis helps them relax and fall asleep with a mask on. There is no research on this specific use. If anxiety about the mask is the problem, your sleep team may also suggest mask changes or a desensitization program.
Can cannabis make sleep apnea worse?
Smoking can irritate the airway, and combining cannabis with alcohol or sedatives can relax the throat muscles further. Both can worsen breathing during sleep. Avoid smoking and these combinations.
Will cannabis make me sleepier during the day?
It can, especially with edibles or larger doses taken at night. Sleep apnea already causes daytime sleepiness, so this can stack up. Use a low dose and do not drive if you feel drowsy.
Is CBD or THC better for sleep with sleep apnea?
The small sleep apnea trials used THC in the form of dronabinol. CBD alone has not been studied for sleep apnea. Any product you use should be a low dose and an add-on to CPAP.