Quick answer
Quick answer
Yes, in many places. 12 state programs name ulcerative colitis 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 ulcerative colitis
Flares can bring belly pain, urgent bloody diarrhea, fatigue and weight loss that make work, travel and social life difficult. Treatment includes medicines such as mesalamine, steroids, immune-modifying drugs, biologics and JAK inhibitors, and some people eventually need surgery.
Symptoms patients hope to ease
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Nausea and poor appetite
- Trouble sleeping during flares
- Anxiety and stress linked to unpredictable symptoms
- Joint aches that can come with inflammatory bowel disease
Does ulcerative colitis qualify in your state?
- AL AlabamaNot listed by name
- AK AlaskaDoctor's discretion
- AZ ArizonaNot listed by name
- AR ArkansasListed
- CA CaliforniaDoctor's discretion
- CO ColoradoDoctor's discretion
- CT ConnecticutListed
- DE DelawareDoctor's discretion
- FL FloridaDoctor's discretion
- HI HawaiiDoctor's discretion
- IL IllinoisListed
- IA IowaListed
- KY KentuckyListed
- LA LouisianaDoctor's discretion
- ME MaineDoctor's discretion
- MD MarylandNot listed by name
- MA MassachusettsNot listed by name
- MI MichiganListed
- MN MinnesotaDoctor's discretion
- MS MississippiListed
- 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
- NY New YorkDoctor's discretion
- ND North DakotaNot listed by name
- OH OhioListed
- 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 UtahListed
- VT VermontListed
- 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
Limited evidence. Small trials suggest better symptoms and quality of life, without clear reduction in inflammation.
- A small randomized trial of smoked cannabis in people with ulcerative colitis improved symptoms and quality of life, but did not reduce inflammation seen on colonoscopy.
- A randomized trial of a CBD-rich extract did not meet its main goal, although some patients reported better quality of life.
- Reviews, including a Cochrane review, describe the evidence as limited and uncertain, and there is no proof that cannabis heals the colon or induces remission.
- Patient surveys show many people with inflammatory bowel disease use cannabis for pain, 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 ulcerative colitis
Doctors often consider oral tinctures or capsules, which avoid lung irritation and give longer-lasting effects.
CBD-leaning products during the day and small amounts of THC in the evening for pain and sleep are a common approach.
Starting low and going slow helps limit side effects, since edibles can affect a sensitive gut.
Cannabis is used alongside your maintenance medicines, and symptom tracking helps your doctor see what is working.
Risks and precautions
- Cannabis can mask flare symptoms like pain, which may delay treatment of active inflammation.
- Some studies in inflammatory bowel disease have linked long-term cannabis use for symptom relief with worse outcomes, possibly because symptoms were masked.
- CBD may raise levels of some medicines processed by the liver, such as tofacitinib, and add to liver strain with drugs like azathioprine.
- Heavy long-term use can cause cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a cycle of severe vomiting that can be confused with a flare.
- Smoking or vaping is best avoided if you take immune-suppressing medicines, and cannabis is not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and never drive while impaired.
What to bring to your evaluation
Colonoscopy and biopsy reports confirming ulcerative colitis.
Notes from your gastroenterologist describing disease extent and current treatment.
A list of UC medicines you take now and have tried before.
A symptom diary covering pain, bowel movements, flares 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 ulcerative colitis
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.
Ulcerative colitis: 9 common questions
Does ulcerative colitis qualify for a medical marijuana card?
Yes, in many places. 12 state programs name ulcerative colitis 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 ulcerative colitis as a qualifying condition?
As of our latest check of each state's official list: Arkansas, Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio, Utah and Vermont. 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 ulcerative colitis online?
Yes, in 16 of those states — including Arkansas, Connecticut, Illinois, New Mexico, Ohio and 11 more — your first evaluation can happen by video with a provider licensed there. In 9 others, such as Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi and 6 more, the first visit must be in person, and renewals can usually be done online.
Can cannabis heal ulcerative colitis?
No. In a small trial, cannabis improved how people felt but did not reduce the inflammation seen on colonoscopy. There is no evidence that it induces or maintains remission. Keep taking the medicines that control inflammation in your colon.
Is CBD or THC better for ulcerative colitis symptoms?
A trial of a CBD-rich extract did not meet its main goal, while a small trial with THC-containing cannabis improved symptoms. Neither treats the inflammation. Many doctors suggest CBD-leaning products by day and small amounts of THC at night for pain and sleep.
Can cannabis hide a UC flare?
Yes, that is a real risk. Cannabis can dull pain and cramping while inflammation continues to damage the colon. Keep tracking bleeding, stool frequency and urgency, and contact your gastroenterologist if they get worse even if pain feels controlled.
Can I use cannabis with my biologic or JAK inhibitor?
CBD can affect how the liver processes some UC medicines, including tofacitinib. Biologics and JAK inhibitors also raise infection risk, which makes smoking or vaping a poor choice. Tell your gastroenterologist about any cannabis you use.
Can cannabis make my stomach symptoms worse?
It can. Heavy long-term use can cause cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, which brings repeated vomiting and belly pain. Some edibles also contain sugars or fats that can upset a sensitive gut. If symptoms worsen with regular use, stop and talk with your doctor.
What is the best way to take cannabis for ulcerative colitis?
Oral tinctures or capsules are usually preferred because they avoid lung irritation and last longer. Start with a small amount, and keep a simple diary of your symptoms. Share it with your gastroenterologist so cannabis use stays part of your overall care.