Not sure if you qualify for a medical marijuana card? You're not alone. Each state maintains its own list of qualifying conditions, and they vary significantly — from strict lists of specific diagnoses to open-ended policies that leave eligibility to physician discretion.
Most Common Qualifying Conditions
While every state is different, these conditions qualify in most medical marijuana states:
- Chronic Pain — The #1 reason patients seek medical cannabis nationwide
- PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) — Recognized in 35+ states
- Cancer — Including treatment side effects like nausea and appetite loss
- Epilepsy/Seizure Disorders — Often the first condition states approve
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) — For spasticity and pain management
- Crohn's Disease/IBD — Inflammatory bowel conditions
- HIV/AIDS — For wasting syndrome and neuropathy
- Glaucoma — One of the original qualifying conditions
- ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) — Recognized in virtually all MMJ states
- Parkinson's Disease — For tremors and motor symptoms
States with Open-Ended Qualifying Policies
Some states take a more flexible approach, allowing physicians to recommend cannabis for any condition they believe may benefit:
- Oklahoma — No specific list; physician discretion
- Missouri — Includes "any chronic, debilitating, or other medical condition"
- Arkansas — Allows physician recommendation for unlisted conditions
- California — Broad physician discretion
This means conditions like anxiety, insomnia, migraines, arthritis, and depression may qualify even if not explicitly listed.
Conditions That Are Expanding
State programs continually evolve. Recent additions across various states include:
- Anxiety disorders — Now qualifying in PA, NJ, OK, and others
- Autism spectrum disorder — Added in TX, PA, and several states
- Opioid use disorder — Recognized as states combat the opioid crisis
- Chronic pain (broadly defined) — Replacing narrow pain definitions
- Terminal illness — Compassionate access regardless of specific diagnosis
How to Know If You Qualify
The best way to determine your eligibility is to speak with a licensed physician. During your MMJ.com evaluation:
- Discuss your medical history and current symptoms
- Review any existing diagnoses and treatments
- The physician determines if cannabis may help your condition
- If you qualify, you receive your certification
Important: You don't always need a formal diagnosis. Many physicians can evaluate your symptoms and medical history to determine eligibility, especially in states with broader qualifying criteria.
What If My Condition Isn't Listed?
Even if your specific condition isn't on your state's list:
- Check if your state allows physician discretion for unlisted conditions
- See if your symptoms fall under a broader category (e.g., "chronic pain")
- Ask about petition processes to add new conditions (available in some states)
- Consider if a secondary diagnosis may qualify
Select your state below for the complete list of qualifying conditions and specific eligibility requirements.