Quick answer
Quick answer
It can. No state lists spina bifida 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 spina bifida
Depending on the level and type, people may have leg weakness or paralysis, bladder and bowel problems, hydrocephalus treated with a shunt, and chronic pain as they age. Lifelong care often involves neurosurgery, urology, orthopedics, physical therapy, mobility aids and bladder and bowel programs.
Symptoms patients hope to ease
- Chronic back, hip and joint pain
- Nerve pain in the legs or feet
- Muscle spasticity and spasms
- Bladder spasms and urgency
- Trouble sleeping
- Anxiety and low mood
Does spina bifida 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
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 spina bifida, and patients typically use it for related symptoms such as pain, spasms and sleep.
- Evidence that cannabinoids can ease spasticity comes mainly from multiple sclerosis trials, which may not fully apply to spina bifida.
- Some multiple sclerosis studies also found cannabis extracts reduced bladder urgency, but this has not been studied in spina bifida.
- Evidence from other chronic pain conditions suggests modest pain relief 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 spina bifida
Doctors who consider cannabis usually target pain, spasticity, bladder spasms or sleep.
Oral products and tinctures are often preferred for steady effects, with inhaled forms sometimes used for sudden spasms.
Balanced THC and CBD products are commonly discussed for pain and spasticity, with CBD-leaning options for people sensitive to THC.
Starting low and going slow is especially important for teens and for people who also take bladder or seizure medicines.
Risks and precautions
- Headache, drowsiness, vomiting or confusion can be signs of shunt malfunction, so never assume these are just cannabis effects, and seek urgent care.
- Reduced feeling in the legs means pressure sores and injuries can go unnoticed, and cannabis may dull warning signs further, so keep up daily skin checks.
- Cannabis can add to drowsiness or confusion from bladder medicines such as oxybutynin, muscle relaxants like baclofen and seizure medicines.
- THC can slow the gut, which may affect bowel programs and constipation.
- Children and teens should only use cannabis under a specialist's care, and it should be avoided during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and never drive while impaired.
What to bring to your evaluation
Records confirming the spina bifida diagnosis and type, including surgical history.
Notes from your spina bifida clinic, neurosurgeon, urologist or rehab doctor.
A full medicine list, including bladder, bowel, spasticity, pain and seizure medicines.
A diary of pain, spasms, bladder 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.
Start my free checkHow to get certified for spina bifida
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.
Spina bifida: 9 common questions
Does spina bifida qualify for a medical marijuana card?
It can. No state lists spina bifida 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 spina bifida 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 spina bifida 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 spasticity from spina bifida?
Cannabinoids have been shown to modestly ease spasticity in multiple sclerosis, but they have not been studied in spina bifida. Some people report fewer spasms. Keep up stretching and therapy, and track spasms to see if anything changes.
Could cannabis hide signs of a shunt problem?
It could, because drowsiness, headache, confusion and nausea can come from both cannabis and shunt malfunction. Never assume these symptoms are from cannabis. If you have a shunt and these symptoms appear, seek medical care right away.
Can cannabis interact with my bladder medications?
Cannabis can add to the drowsiness, dry mouth and confusion that some bladder medicines like oxybutynin can cause. Combined with muscle relaxants, this can increase fall risk. Review all your medicines with your doctor or pharmacist.
Can teenagers with spina bifida use medical cannabis?
Any use should be guided by their spina bifida clinic, since the teenage brain is more sensitive to THC. Teens may also have learning differences linked to hydrocephalus. If considered, CBD-leaning products at low doses are usually preferred.
Can cannabis help bladder spasms?
Some studies in multiple sclerosis found cannabis extracts reduced bladder urgency, but spina bifida has not been studied. Do not change your catheter routine or bladder medicines based on cannabis. Discuss any changes with your urologist.
What's the best way to take cannabis with spina bifida?
Many doctors favor tinctures or capsules for steady effects. Edibles take one to two hours to work, so wait before taking more. Choose a time of day when you are not transferring or driving.