Quick answer
Quick answer
Yes, in many places. 21 state programs name terminal illness & hospice on the official list, and 9 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 terminal illness & hospice
In the final stage of an illness, people often face pain, nausea, poor appetite, anxiety and trouble sleeping, and families take on much of the daily care. Hospice and palliative care teams manage these symptoms with medicines such as opioids and anti-nausea drugs, along with emotional, spiritual and family support.
Symptoms patients hope to ease
- Pain that is hard to control
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Anxiety, restlessness and emotional distress
- Trouble sleeping
Does terminal illness & hospice qualify in your state?
- AL AlabamaListed as “A terminal illness”
- 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 “Terminal illness requiring end-of-life care”
- DE DelawareDoctor's discretion
- FL FloridaListed as “Terminal condition diagnosed by a physician oth…”
- GA GeorgiaListed as “Hospice care patient”
- HI HawaiiListed as “Patients in hospice care (certified by a hospic…”
- IL IllinoisNot listed by name
- IA IowaListed as “Any terminal illness with a probable life expec…”
- KY KentuckyListed as “Terminal illness”
- LA LouisianaListed as “Any condition for which a patient is receiving …”
- ME MaineDoctor's discretion
- MD MarylandNot listed by name
- MA MassachusettsNot listed by name
- MI MichiganNot listed by name
- MN MinnesotaListed as “Terminal illness with a life expectancy under o…”
- MS MississippiListed as “A chronic, terminal or debilitating disease or …”
- MO MissouriListed as “Any terminal illness”
- MT MontanaListed as “Admittance into hospice care”
- NV NevadaNot listed by name
- NH New HampshireListed as “Any debilitating or terminal condition or sympt…”
- NJ New JerseyListed as “Terminal illness with a prognosis of less than …”
- NM New MexicoListed as “Hospice care”
- NY New YorkDoctor's discretion
- ND North DakotaListed as “A terminal illness”
- OH OhioListed as “Terminal illness (life expectancy of six months…”
- OK OklahomaDoctor's discretion
- OR OregonNot listed by name
- PA PennsylvaniaListed as “Terminal illness”
- RI Rhode IslandNot listed by name
- SD South DakotaNot listed by name
- TX TexasListed as “Terminal illness or a condition for which the p…”
- UT UtahListed as “Terminal illness with life expectancy under six…”
- 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 “Terminal illness with a life expectancy of abou…”
What the research says
Limited evidence. Used mainly for nausea, appetite, pain and sleep — areas with some supporting evidence.
- The 2017 National Academies review found conclusive evidence that oral cannabinoids help chemotherapy-induced nausea and substantial evidence that cannabis can modestly reduce chronic pain in adults.
- Dronabinol and nabilone are FDA-approved for chemotherapy-related nausea, and dronabinol is also approved for appetite loss in people with AIDS.
- Studies of cannabis in palliative care are small and mixed, and reviews have not found clear benefit over standard comfort medicines for most symptoms.
- Surveys of patients and families suggest cannabis is commonly used near the end of life for comfort, appetite and sleep.
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 terminal illness & hospice
Doctors often consider tinctures or oils placed under the tongue, which are easy for a caregiver to give when swallowing pills becomes hard.
Balanced THC and CBD products are commonly used to ease pain, nausea and anxiety while limiting confusion.
Doses are often timed around meals for appetite or at bedtime for sleep.
Starting low and going slow still matters, because frail patients are more sensitive to side effects.
Risks and precautions
- Cannabis adds to the drowsiness and slowed breathing caused by opioids, benzodiazepines and other sedatives.
- THC can cause confusion or agitation, which can be mistaken for or worsen delirium near the end of life.
- Never smoke near home oxygen, because it is a serious fire risk.
- Some hospices and care facilities have rules about storing or using cannabis, so ask the team about their policy.
- CBD can raise blood levels of blood thinners like warfarin and other medicines processed by the liver.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and never drive while impaired.
What to bring to your evaluation
A physician's note or hospice enrollment records confirming a terminal diagnosis.
Recent notes from the hospice, palliative care or treating specialist team.
A full medicine list, including opioids, anti-nausea drugs, sedatives and blood thinners.
Caregiver details, and any power of attorney or health care proxy paperwork if someone helps manage care.
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 terminal illness & hospice
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.
Terminal illness & hospice: 9 common questions
Does terminal illness & hospice qualify for a medical marijuana card?
Yes, in many places. 21 state programs name terminal illness & hospice on the official list, and 9 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 terminal illness & hospice as a qualifying condition?
As of our latest check of each state's official list: Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah and West Virginia. Providers can also certify it in Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Maine, New York, Oklahoma, Virginia and 1 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 terminal illness & hospice online?
Yes, in 18 of those states — including Connecticut, Hawaii, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri and 13 more — your first evaluation can happen by video with a provider licensed there. In 9 others, such as Alabama, Florida, Kentucky and 6 more, the first visit must be in person, and renewals can usually be done online.
Can medical cannabis help with comfort at the end of life?
Some patients and families find cannabis helps with pain, nausea, appetite, anxiety and sleep. Research in hospice settings is limited and mixed, so it is usually an add-on to standard comfort care. Talk with the hospice team about how it fits the overall plan.
Can cannabis be used together with morphine or other opioids?
Many hospice patients use both, but the combination can increase sleepiness and slow breathing. Start with a small amount and watch closely, especially in frail patients. Let the hospice nurse or doctor know so they can adjust other medicines if needed.
What is the easiest way for a very ill person to take cannabis?
Tinctures or oils placed under the tongue are often easiest, since they need only a few drops and no swallowing of pills. Edibles and capsules can work for people who still eat comfortably. Avoid smoking, especially if the person uses oxygen.
Will hospice allow medical cannabis?
Policies vary. Many hospices will not provide or store cannabis because of federal rules, but some allow patients and families to use it at home. Ask your hospice team about their policy so everyone is on the same page.
Can cannabis help with appetite near the end of life?
THC can increase appetite and ease nausea for some people, and dronabinol is FDA-approved for appetite loss in AIDS. Near the end of life, though, a lower appetite is natural and not always something to fix. Focus on comfort and enjoyment of food rather than weight gain.
Can a family member give medical cannabis to a loved one in hospice?
In many states, a registered caregiver can buy and give medical cannabis for a patient. The caregiver should measure doses carefully, keep a log and store products safely. Check your state's caregiver rules and ask the certifying doctor how to register.