Quick answer
Quick answer
Yes, in many places. 10 state programs name spinal cord injury or disease 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 spinal cord injury or disease
Many people live with nerve pain, muscle spasms, bladder and bowel changes and trouble sleeping. Care usually involves rehabilitation, mobility aids, medicines for pain and spasticity such as gabapentin, pregabalin and baclofen, and long-term support from a spinal cord injury team.
Symptoms patients hope to ease
- Burning or shooting nerve pain below the injury
- Muscle spasms and stiffness
- Trouble sleeping because of pain or spasms
- Shoulder and back pain from wheelchair use
- Anxiety and low mood after injury
Does spinal cord injury or disease qualify in your state?
- AL AlabamaListed as “Spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis o…”
- 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 “Damage to the nervous tissue of the spinal cord…”
- DE DelawareDoctor's discretion
- FL FloridaDoctor's discretion
- HI HawaiiDoctor's discretion
- IL IllinoisListed as “Spinal cord disease (including arachnoiditis)”
- KY KentuckyNot listed by name
- LA LouisianaDoctor's discretion
- ME MaineDoctor's discretion
- MD MarylandNot listed by name
- MA MassachusettsNot listed by name
- MI MichiganListed as “Spinal cord injury”
- MN MinnesotaDoctor's discretion
- MS MississippiListed as “Spinal cord disease”
- MO MissouriDoctor's discretion
- MT MontanaNot listed by name
- NV NevadaNot listed by name
- NH New HampshireListed
- NJ New JerseyNot listed by name
- NM New MexicoListed as “Damage to the nervous tissue of the spinal cord…”
- NY New YorkDoctor's discretion
- ND North DakotaListed as “Spinal stenosis or chronic back pain, including…”
- OH OhioListed as “Spinal cord disease or injury”
- 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 VirginiaListed as “Damage to the nervous tissue of the spinal cord…”
What the research says
Moderate evidence. The National Academies found limited evidence for spasticity in spinal cord injury; neuropathic pain evidence is stronger.
- The 2017 National Academies review found substantial evidence that cannabis can ease chronic pain and that oral cannabinoids improve patient-reported spasticity, mostly from studies in nerve pain and MS.
- Small randomized trials in spinal cord injury found that vaporized cannabis eased nerve pain for some people over a few hours.
- A small trial of nabilone, an FDA-approved drug similar to THC, suggested less spasticity in people with spinal cord injury.
- Results are not uniform, as one trial of oral dronabinol did not ease spinal cord injury pain better than a comparison drug.
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 spinal cord injury or disease
Doctors often consider oral tinctures or capsules for steady pain and spasm relief, with inhaled forms sometimes discussed for flares.
Products with a balance of THC and CBD are commonly discussed, since THC appears important for pain and spasticity.
Evening use is a common starting point when pain and spasms disrupt sleep.
Starting low and going slow helps you find relief without too much sedation or dizziness.
Risks and precautions
- THC can lower blood pressure when sitting up or standing, which may worsen dizziness that is already common after spinal cord injury.
- Sedation can reduce how often you shift position, raising the risk of pressure sores.
- People with high-level injuries may have weak breathing muscles, so sedation and smoking need extra caution.
- Cannabis can add to the drowsiness from baclofen, gabapentin, pregabalin, opioids and benzodiazepines.
- Tell your doctor about any history of autonomic dysreflexia, since changes in heart rate and blood pressure need careful attention.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and never drive while impaired.
What to bring to your evaluation
Medical records confirming your spinal cord injury or disease, including the level of injury.
MRI or CT reports of the spine.
Notes from your rehabilitation doctor, neurologist or spine specialist.
A list of pain and spasticity medicines and a diary of pain, spasms 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 spinal cord injury or disease
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.
Spinal cord injury or disease: 9 common questions
Does spinal cord injury or disease qualify for a medical marijuana card?
Yes, in many places. 10 state programs name spinal cord injury or disease 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 spinal cord injury or disease as a qualifying condition?
As of our latest check of each state's official list: Alabama, Connecticut, Illinois, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio and West Virginia. 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 spinal cord injury or disease online?
Yes, in 16 of those states — including Connecticut, Illinois, New Mexico, Ohio, West Virginia and 11 more — your first evaluation can happen by video with a provider licensed there. In 8 others, such as Alabama, Michigan, Mississippi and 5 more, the first visit must be in person, and renewals can usually be done online.
Does cannabis help nerve pain after spinal cord injury?
Small randomized trials in spinal cord injury found that vaporized cannabis eased nerve pain for some people. Benefits are usually modest and short-lived per use. It may be worth discussing if standard nerve pain medicines have not been enough.
Can cannabis help spasms from spinal cord injury?
Research in MS shows good support for cannabinoids easing patient-reported spasticity, and a small trial in spinal cord injury pointed the same way. Results vary from person to person. Keep a spasm diary to see whether it helps you.
Is it safe to combine cannabis with baclofen or gabapentin?
Many people do, but the combination increases drowsiness and dizziness. This can make transfers and pressure relief harder to manage. Start low and tell your rehab team so they can adjust your plan.
Can cannabis affect blood pressure after spinal cord injury?
THC can lower blood pressure when you sit up and raise heart rate, and blood pressure control is often already affected after spinal cord injury. This can lead to dizziness or fainting. Change position slowly and talk with your doctor if you have frequent low blood pressure or autonomic dysreflexia.
What's the best way to take cannabis with limited hand function?
Tinctures with easy-grip droppers, oral sprays or pre-measured capsules can be easier to manage. Some people have a caregiver help measure doses. Choose a form that lets you take a consistent amount safely.
Can cannabis help me sleep after a spinal cord injury?
Many people report better sleep when pain and spasms ease at night. An oral product taken in the evening is a common approach. Make sure sedation does not stop you from changing position or using breathing equipment as needed.