Medical marijuana is now legal in over three dozen U.S. states, offering relief to patients with a wide range of conditions. But what exactly qualifies someone for a medical marijuana card?
While qualifying conditions vary by state, there are several that appear consistently across most programs. If you're wondering whether you or a loved one might be eligible, this guide outlines the top 7 conditions that commonly qualify for a medical marijuana card.
Why it qualifies:
Chronic pain is one of the most widely accepted conditions across medical marijuana programs. It can stem from injuries, arthritis, back issues, fibromyalgia, migraines, or other ongoing conditions.
How cannabis helps:
Cannabinoids like THC and CBD may reduce pain perception, relax muscles, and reduce inflammation—making cannabis a potential alternative to opioids.
Why it qualifies:
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is recognized in almost every state with a medical program. Some states also approve general anxiety disorders or panic disorders.
How cannabis helps:
Low to moderate doses of cannabis—especially strains high in CBD and calming terpenes like linalool—can reduce anxiety, calm the nervous system, and help with sleep.
Why it qualifies:
Cancer itself and the side effects of treatments like chemotherapy (nausea, appetite loss, pain) make it a universally accepted qualifying condition.
How cannabis helps: THC is particularly effective at reducing chemo-induced nausea and increasing appetite, while both THC and CBD can help with pain and sleep.
Why it qualifies:
Conditions like epilepsy and Dravet syndrome are among the most established medical uses for cannabis—especially CBD.
How cannabis helps:
CBD has powerful anti-seizure properties and is the main ingredient in Epidiolex, an FDA-approved prescription medication for certain types of epilepsy.
Why it qualifies:
MS, spinal cord injuries, and other neurological disorders can cause painful muscle spasms and stiffness that are difficult to treat with traditional medication.
How cannabis helps: Cannabis can help relax muscle tissue, reduce inflammation, and improve sleep—offering relief from daily discomfort.
Why it qualifies:
Conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis cause inflammation and pain in the digestive tract.
How cannabis helps: Cannabinoids may reduce inflammation and help regulate gut function, potentially easing symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea.
Why it qualifies:
Although no longer a first-line treatment, glaucoma remains a qualifying condition in many states due to its historical connection with medical cannabis.
How cannabis helps: THC has been shown to temporarily lower intraocular pressure, which can relieve discomfort and protect the optic nerve in some patients.
While this list covers the most common qualifying conditions, each state has its own guidelines—and some even allow physicians to recommend cannabis at their discretion for any debilitating condition.
If you’re considering applying for a medical marijuana card, the best first step is to:
