Miracle Leaf® qualifying-conditions guide

Medical Marijuana for Chronic Pain

Pain persisting beyond expected healing time, lasting months or longer. Cannabis and cannabinoids have substantial evidence for treating chronic pain in adults.

Reviewed by Miracle Leaf® Editorial Team

Last reviewed 2026-05-22

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NASEM evidence levelConclusive or substantialICD-10: G89.29

What is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain persists beyond the expected period of healing, typically defined as longer than three months. It affects roughly 20% of US adults and includes neuropathic, inflammatory, musculoskeletal, and visceral subtypes. Standard treatment combines pharmacologic options (acetaminophen, NSAIDs, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, opioids) with non-pharmacologic care; opioid dependence concerns have driven interest in adjunct therapies.

Does cannabis help Chronic Pain?

The 2017 NASEM consensus report found conclusive or substantial evidence (its highest evidence tier) that cannabis or cannabinoids are effective for chronic pain in adults. Effect sizes in clinical trials are modest, comparable to other adjunct analgesics, and benefits are most consistent for neuropathic pain. Inflammatory and musculoskeletal pain show less consistent trial results.

Patient guidance from Miracle Leaf®

Cannabis is one of several treatment options patients with chronic pain may consider. Our Miracle Leaf® physicians evaluate each patient against the qualifying-condition criteria of their state program and discuss expected benefits and risks based on current clinical evidence. We coordinate with your other treating clinicians where appropriate.

Miracle Leaf brand products including CBD, Delta-8, and low-THC formulations are available for in-store pickup and nationwide shipping through the Miracle Leaf Store.

Eligibility

State eligibility for Chronic Pain

Whether this condition is listed varies by state program. A Miracle Leaf® physician determines eligibility during your evaluation.

State-by-state eligibility for Chronic Pain: whether the condition qualifies under Florida, Georgia, and Texas medical cannabis programs.
State	Qualifies?	Program
Florida	Yes	Florida OMMU
Georgia	Yes	Georgia DPH Low-THC Registry
Texas	Yes	Texas Compassionate Use Program

Outside Florida, Georgia, or Texas?

Telehealth visits are available in 22 states. See telehealth states

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

How strong is the evidence that cannabis helps chronic pain?

The 2017 NASEM report classified the evidence as conclusive or substantial (its highest tier) that cannabis or cannabinoids are effective for chronic pain in adults. Effect sizes in clinical trials are modest, comparable to other adjunct analgesics, and benefits are most consistent for neuropathic pain.

Is cannabis a clinical alternative to opioids?

There is observational evidence that some patients reduce or substitute opioid use after starting cannabis for chronic pain, but the data are mixed and randomized trials are limited. NIH does not currently endorse cannabis as a clinical opioid-replacement therapy.

Which kinds of chronic pain respond best?

Neuropathic pain (including diabetic neuropathy and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy) has the strongest evidence base. Inflammatory and musculoskeletal pain show inconsistent results across trials. Cancer-associated pain has moderate evidence.

Are there risks for long-term cannabis use for pain?

Yes. Long-term cannabis use is associated with cannabis use disorder (in roughly 9% of adult users; higher in adolescent-onset users), cognitive effects, and respiratory symptoms when smoked. Patients with cardiovascular disease, psychiatric conditions, or who are pregnant should consult their clinician before starting.

Sources and citations

NASEM, The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids (2017)
“Conclusive or substantial evidence that cannabis or cannabinoids are effective for chronic pain in adults.”
NIH NCCIH, Cannabis (Marijuana) and Cannabinoids

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Reviewed by Miracle Leaf® Editorial Team. This page summarizes current peer-reviewed evidence and federal guidance and is updated when the source documents materially change.