Cannabis for Pain: Science Weighs In
Many consumers and professionals say cannabis helps relieve minor and chronic pain. We explore the latest research on cannabis for pain (updated for 2025).
4.7 out of 12k+ reviews
Millions of patients suffering from chronic pain have turned to medical cannabis for relief. Read on to learn how it may help, or connect with a doctor in as little as 15 minutes.
Mike from CA
Approved for Chronic Pain
“I used cannabis recreationally only in the past, for fun relaxation and euphoria. After years smoking buds, I am now 76 years old and I have arthritis, intense pain and an immune disease as well as migraines, and unfortunately, COPD. I can’t smoke anymore, so I am now a medical marijuana patient, and I use cannabis gummies. Sometimes with CBD and sometimes without. I take one 10 mg in the morning and sometimes another one in the late afternoon. It has made a big difference in how I feel throughout the day, easier to get around without pain, and much fewer symptoms, without compromising my lungs! I feel like I have turned the clock back on my years and my health/. It has given me a great attitude adjustment!”
-Christine
“Before Cannabis, the only pain relief I could get for my stenosis involved heavy opioids, leaving me feeling like a zombie and unable to think clearly. I had used marijuana in the past and remembered feeling less pain, so I sought out a medical card to try again. Now I can function daily with less pain AND a clear head. With medical marijuana, I can finally feel like my old “normal” self again.”
-Joel
“I am a late 40’s disabled coal miner. In my 19 year career as a miner I was big pharma’s biggest customer. Cannabis is completely prohibited but take all the pills you can. Industry standard. After disability ended my mining career I decided to try medical cannabis. It was truly the answer to my prayers. Almost instantly I was able stop taking the plethora of pills my doctor had me dependent on. Not only the pills for chronic pain but anti depressants, anti anxiety, this and that. Medical cannabis replaced them all for me and brought a peace and a stillness over my whole existence that wasn’t there when I stayed zonked out on pharmaceuticals. It is truly a shame that reefer madness shaped a generations opinion on cannabis.”
-Drew
“I was severely injured during what should have been a routine hysterectomy. I was diagnosed with CRPS type 2 which is frequently called the “suicide disease.” My doctor put me on very strong painkillers which are highly addictive and mental health meds that caused the symptoms they were supposed to treat. Between the pain and the drugs My life spiraled out of control. I turned to medical marijuana to treat both the pain and the psychological symptoms that resulted from the injury. (PTSD, ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION) The staff at the dispensaries are always helpful and helped me to get my life back. I still have CRPS, but I do not use prescription drugs and my life is more manageable.”
-Lisa
“Ive struggled with eating, sleeping, and muscular skeletal pain as long as I can remember. It really started effecting me in my teens. I started regularly seeing a chiropractor at 16, and using the gym at 19. It barely helped. I never did anything as a kid, no drinking, no stealing, and definitely never any weed. I thought it was bad. At 23, i was taking ibuprofen daily. I was so miserable and had no reasons why. Im realizing it now may be meds. So i tried weed. It helped every issue. I felt like a new person. I actually felt hope again. Its saved my marriage and helped me work through my cptsd.”
-Savanna
“I started smoking pot after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
I couldn’t sleep, I was really stressed out and so sick from chemotherapy, the marijuana helped me tremendously.
Marijuana helps me handle the pain, swelling, discomfort and all the horrible symptoms of moderate to severe Rheumatoid Arthritis as well.
Marijuana, a weed that grows naturally on Planet Earth has so many medicinal benefits and has helped so many people.
I’m happy it’s finally accepted and legal in many States. It’s about time!”
-Lois
“Before I started using cannabis I dealt with a lot of nerve pain, sleep deprivation, migraines and low energy.
I have always known people who used it and have had great results so thats why I chose to try it as well.
Now I sleep better and have far less migraines than I used to, I stopped taking Lyrica for fibromyalgia and now only use cannabis products like topicals and gummies.
I have more energy during the day and less pain so my work and home life have changed drastically for the better!”
-Jessica
“Before cannabis, my life was defined by the aftermath of a traumatic head injury that left me struggling with debilitating headaches and chronic insomnia. The pain was constant, and my inability to get restorative sleep meant that nothing I tried seemed to work for my recovery. I decided to try cannabis after doing my own research and hearing how it could provide more comprehensive relief than standard treatments for chronic pain and sleep issues. Since starting, my life has improved dramatically; I am finally able to sleep through the night, my mood is more stable, and the reduction in headache intensity has allowed me to re-engage with my daily life and relationships. Cannabis has truly changed my life by giving me back the sense of normalcy and physical relief I thought I had lost forever.”
-Anthony
Medical cannabis may reduce opioid usage by up to 75% according to one systematic review.
Research has shown THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids demonstrate anti-inflammatory properties.
Cannabis may reduce headache severity by up to 50% according to a study published in Cureus.
Many states allow patients to be approved for pain, but the final prescribing decision is up to your doctor! NuggMD connects you with a state-certified practitioner, all at no risk to you: you’re approved for medical cannabis or you get your money back.
Select your state to see qualifying conditions. Take our free quiz to find out if you’re likely to qualify. Or sign up to speak with one of our state-certified doctors today with no appointment needed, backed by our money-back guarantee.
Medical cannabis is a legitimate treatment prescribed by certified practitioners licensed in your state. Don’t let questions about cannabis keep you from finding natural, affordable pain relief.
Medical cannabis offers naturally grown products for a holistic alternative to traditional medications.
Medical cannabis products are tested for purity and potency to provide safer, more consistent effects.
You don’t have to “get high” to get the benefits of medical cannabis. Speak to your doctor about low-to-no THC options.
Cannabis carries lower addiction risk and less severe withdrawal effects compared to opioids and alcohol.
Rather than increasing drug use, 4 in 5 patients report reducing other prescription medications after starting medical cannabis.
Making the right decision for your health starts with being informed. Get the answers you’re looking for from Dr. Niazi, or chat with our live support team if you want more answers.
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Many consumers and professionals say cannabis helps relieve minor and chronic pain. We explore the latest research on cannabis for pain (updated for 2025).
Pain is one of the most common conditions causing patients to turn to medical cannabis. So, what are they saying about how the plant helps?
Many people deal with pain, and plenty of them turn to medical cannabis for help, but can you get a medical card for back pain?
What is arthritis? We explore the causes, symptoms, and whether cannabis may be an effective component in treating arthritis.
What is neuropathy? We explore the causes, symptoms, and whether cannabis may be an effective component in treating neuropathy.
What is back pain? We explore causes, symptoms, and whether cannabis may be an effective component in treating back pain symptoms.
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At NuggMD, our mission is to free people from their ailments with a personalized path to cannabis relief. We’re proud to be the leading medical card provider, and are continuing to pioneer new, patient-focused paths to relief.
While further study is needed, early indications support the use of cannabis for pain relief.
If you’re considering cannabis for pain relief, the first step is to speak with a qualified practitioner for a medical evaluation.
Certain medications may interact with cannabis, depending on your method of consumption. Speaking with a certified medical cannabis doctor can ensure you get the right products and dosage so you feel your best faster and with fewer side effects.
Many states list chronic pain and related conditions, including migraines, arthritis, neuropathy, and more, as qualifying conditions. Others allow qualified doctors to prescribe medical cannabis for any condition they believe it can help treat.
With NuggMD, you can speak with a doctor online in as little as 15 minutes with no appointment necessary. And if you aren’t approved, you automatically get your money back!
Medical cannabis is held to stricter standards than hemp THC. Products are tested for purity and potency, giving med card holders higher quality, safer products for more consistent effects.
Medical dispensaries tend to offer a wider product selection than recreational shops, including high CBD strains, 1:1 CBD/THC edibles, higher potency products, and more. And in many locations, med card holders receive patient-only discounts, steep tax savings, faster ordering, the ability to grow their own plants at home, and inventory guarantees so you can always trust you’ll find a product that works for your needs.
Due to federal cannabis laws, medical cannabis consultations aren’t covered by insurance. However, a Medicare pilot program may cover the cost of some CBD products after receiving your med card. And with NuggMD your provider either approves you for cannabis or you get your money back.
Each state has its own patient-approval process. In some states, you can begin purchasing cannabis the same day you complete your doctor evaluation. If you’re required to register with your state, we’ll provide clear guidance to help you complete all necessary steps after receiving your doctor certification.
There’s no script. Speak honestly about your symptoms, how they affect your day-to-day life, and any treatments you’ve tried. Your provider will use this information to decide if medical cannabis may help.
With NuggMD, if you’re not approved get your money back, automatically. We believe everyone deserves access to a qualified medical cannabis doctor, and the cost of an evaluation shouldn’t be a barrier.
If you’re not approved for your medical marijuana certification, your evaluation is free.
If you sign up and pay for your evaluation, but then cancel before your evaluation, there is a small $10 fee for the payment processing.
Once you’ve been approved and issued your certification, a refund for services will no longer be available. Please send an email to support@nuggmd.com with the subject line “Refund Request” and a brief description of your issue.
We want to make sure you’re 100% satisfied with your purchase being that you, the customer, are the most important thing to us! Once a refund has been initiated, please allow 3-5 business days for the funds to transfer back to the card you used for the transaction. If any issues arise, please feel free to reach back out for further assistance.
Absolutely! You have the right to see any state-approved practitioner to assess your qualifying condition and discuss medical cannabis treatment.