Quick answer
Quick answer
Yes, in many places. 7 state programs name traumatic brain injury (TBI) 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 traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Moderate and severe TBI can bring lasting problems with memory, attention, mood, sleep, headaches, muscle stiffness and sometimes seizures. Care often involves rehabilitation with physical, occupational, speech and cognitive therapy, along with treatment for headaches, mood, sleep and seizures.
Symptoms patients hope to ease
- Chronic headaches
- Trouble sleeping
- Irritability, anxiety and mood swings
- Muscle stiffness or spasticity
- Chronic pain from the injury
- Agitation
Does traumatic brain injury (TBI) 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 IllinoisListed as “Traumatic brain injury”
- KY KentuckyNot listed by name
- LA LouisianaListed as “Traumatic brain injury”
- 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 HampshireListed as “Traumatic brain injury”
- NJ New JerseyNot listed by name
- NM New MexicoNot listed by name
- NY New YorkDoctor's discretion
- ND North DakotaListed as “A brain injury”
- OH OhioListed as “Traumatic brain 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
- TX TexasListed as “Traumatic brain injury”
- UT UtahNot listed by name
- VT VermontNot listed by name
- VA VirginiaDoctor's discretion
- WA WashingtonListed as “Traumatic brain injury”
- 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 traumatic brain injury, and patients typically use it for related symptoms such as headaches, sleep and mood.
- A large trial of a lab-made cannabinoid drug, dexanabinol, given after severe TBI did not improve recovery.
- Some hospital studies found people who tested positive for THC had better survival after TBI, but these observational findings cannot show that cannabis caused the difference.
- Animal studies suggest the brain's cannabinoid system plays a role in injury response, but this has not translated into proven treatments for 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 traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Doctors who consider cannabis usually target a specific problem such as headaches, sleep, spasticity or pain.
CBD-leaning or low-THC products are commonly discussed, since higher THC can worsen memory, attention and mood.
Oral forms and tinctures used in the evening are a common choice for sleep.
Starting very low and going slow, with input from your rehab team and family, helps catch side effects early.
Risks and precautions
- THC can worsen memory, attention, planning and judgment, which are often already affected by TBI.
- People with post-traumatic seizures should not stop seizure medicines, and CBD can interact with some of them, including clobazam and valproate.
- THC can raise the risk of psychosis and worsen anxiety or mood swings, and TBI may make the brain more sensitive.
- Cannabis can add to drowsiness from seizure, sleep, pain and mood medicines, and people with TBI have a higher risk of substance use problems.
- Do not drive while impaired, and avoid cannabis during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and never drive while impaired.
What to bring to your evaluation
Records of the injury, such as emergency, hospital or rehab notes and brain imaging reports.
Notes from a neurologist, physiatrist or neuropsychologist describing lasting effects.
A full medicine list, including seizure, mood, sleep and pain medicines.
A diary of headaches, sleep, mood and thinking problems, ideally with input from family.
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 traumatic brain injury (TBI)
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.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI): 9 common questions
Does traumatic brain injury (TBI) qualify for a medical marijuana card?
Yes, in many places. 7 state programs name traumatic brain injury (TBI) 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 traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a qualifying condition?
As of our latest check of each state's official list: Illinois, Louisiana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Texas and Washington. Providers can also certify it in Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Maine, Minnesota 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 traumatic brain injury (TBI) online?
Yes, in 13 of those states — including Illinois, Louisiana, Ohio, California, Delaware and 8 more — your first evaluation can happen by video with a provider licensed there. In 6 others, such as New Hampshire, North Dakota, Washington and 3 more, the first visit must be in person, and renewals can usually be done online.
Can cannabis help brain injury recovery?
There is no proof that cannabis helps the brain heal after TBI. A large trial of a lab-made cannabinoid drug did not improve recovery. Some people use cannabis for lingering symptoms such as headaches or poor sleep.
Will cannabis make my memory problems worse?
It can, since THC affects short-term memory and attention. These may already be affected by your injury. If thinking is a concern, ask your doctor about CBD-leaning products and avoid daytime THC.
Can cannabis interact with my seizure medicines after TBI?
Yes, CBD can raise levels of clobazam and increase liver risks with valproate, and cannabis can add to drowsiness. Never stop seizure medicines on your own. Ask your neurologist to review any cannabis use.
Can cannabis help TBI headaches?
Some people report fewer or milder headaches, but there are no clinical trials in TBI headaches. Daily use may contribute to rebound headaches when stopped. Keep a headache diary and review it with your doctor.
Does CBD or THC work better after a brain injury?
Neither has been well studied for TBI symptoms. CBD is less likely to affect thinking or mood, so doctors often lean toward CBD-dominant products. Higher-THC products carry more risk of confusion and anxiety.
Should my family know if I'm using cannabis after a TBI?
Yes, family or caregivers can help notice changes in memory, mood or behavior that you may not see yourself. They can also help track whether it is helping. Share your plan with them and your care team.