What conditions qualify for medical marijuana in Texas?
Medical cannabis has been available to Texas residents with epilepsy and seizure disorders since 2015. Since then, emerging studies have demonstrated potential benefits of cannabis for a multitude of other medical conditions.
In 2021, the Texas government expanded the list of eligible conditions for the Compassionate Use Program to include Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and all forms of cancer. Our cannabis-certified physicians work with our patients to prescribe THC and CBD in various combinations shown to improve common symptoms. These include but are not limited to pain, nausea, decreased appetite, muscle spasticity, anxiety, and depression.
Alzheimer's and other Dementias
Alzheimer’s Disease is a degenerative neurologic disease that progressively destroys brain cells over time. The most common symptoms include loss of memory and thinking skills. As the disease progresses, people with Alzheimer’s Disease may lose the ability to perform simple tasks like dressing themselves, toileting and bathing.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia that medical marijuana can improve:
- Agitation and behavioral changes
- Cognitive impairment
- Loss of appetite
- Memory loss
- Neuroinflammation
- Neurodegeneration
- Pain
- Insomnia
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease) is a neurological disease involving the nerve cells that are responsible for muscle movement. ALS usually begins in the hands, feet or limbs, then continues to deteriorate muscle control throughout the body. Patients living with ALS may also experience muscle cramps, twitches, spasms, slurred speech, difficulty walking, tripping and falling, difficulty sleeping due to pain, and cognitive difficulties. These symptoms can also trigger mental difficulties such as anxiety and depression.
ALS Symptoms that medical marijuana can improve:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Decreased mobility
- Insomnia
- Muscle cramping
- Muscle stiffness
- Pain
Autism and other Spectrum Disorders
Autism is a spectrum disorder that can impact behavior and some physical abilities. Patients living with Autism can commonly experience difficulty with communication and social interactions, obsessive interests, aggression, repetitive behaviors, sleep disruption.
Autism symptoms medical marijuana can improve:
- Aggression or disruptive behavior
- Difficulty with social interaction
- Difficulty with speech or communication
- Depression
- Obsessive or repeated behaviors
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
Cancer
Cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body, which can destroy normal body tissue. On September 1, 2021, Texas approved any of form of cancer as a qualifying diagnosis for the medical marijuana program.
Common cancer symptoms medical marijuana may improve:
- Pain
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Nausea and vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Insomnia
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of congenital disorders that affect body movement and muscle coordination. Cerebral Palsy also the most common motor disability during childhood. CP may cause symptoms such as lack of balance and coordination, stiff muscles, spasms and tremors, difficulty walking, difficulty eating and swallowing, pain and seizures.
Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy medical marijuana may improve:
- Pain
- Muscle spasms
- Seizures
- Speech issues
Epilepsy and other Seizure Disorders
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder in which the brain of those suffering from this condition sends signals throughout the body that result in convulsions or jerking fits.
Epilepsy symptoms medical marijuana may improve:
- Frequency of seizures
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Pain
Huntington's Disease
Huntington’s Disease is a progressive brain disorder in which nerve cells in the brain break down over time. Patients living with Huntington’s Disease may experience symptoms such as involuntary jerking or muscle movements, muscle problems, problems with coordination, cognitive issues, confusion, depression and anxiety.
Symptoms of Huntington’s Disease that medical marijuana may improve:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Pain
- Restlessness
Incurable Neurodegenerative Disorders
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common acquired chronic neurological disease affecting young adults. There is no known single cause of MS, but many genetic and environmental factors have been shown to contribute to its development. With Multiple Sclerosis, the body’s own immune system mistakenly attacks and damages the myelin (fatty material) that protects and insulates nerves. As a result, the electrical messages the brain sends to the rest of the body can be negatively affected.
MS can result in a range of symptoms that can include weakness, loss of sensation, pain, stiffness, muscle spasms, fatigue, slurred speech, dizziness, anxiety, depression, visual changes, and changes to memory.
Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis that may improve with medical marijuana:
- Muscle spasms
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Pain
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement. Parkinson’s may cause a range of symptoms including: tremors (shaking), slowed movements, stiff muscles, involuntary muscle movements, impaired posture, muscle spasms and speech changes. Other commonly associated symptoms can include depression, anxiety, hallucinations, and sleep disruption.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s medical marijuana may improve:
- Muscle spasms
- Rigidity
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Pain
- Slow movements
Peripheral Neuropathies
Peripheral Neuropathy occurs when the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord are damaged due to traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems or exposure to toxins.
Symptoms associated with Peripheral Neuropathy medical marijuana may improve:
- Pain
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Inflammation
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating neurological condition that develops after experiencing a shocking, scary or dangerous event. The most common symptoms are flashbacks, nightmares, difficulty sleeping, avoidance, cognition and mood problems.
As of September 1, 2021, Texas has included PTSD as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana. Symptoms of PTSD that may improve with medical marijuana are:
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
Spasticity
Spasticity is a condition where a person’s muscles stiffen and/or tighten involuntarily, restricting and affecting their ability for normal movement and/or speech. While it is not a disease or illness unto itself, it is a commonly occurring condition that accompanies many prevalent muscular and neurological conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke, Encephalitis, ALS and Meningitis.
Patients with spasticity may experience some of the following symptoms which may improve with medical marijuana:
- Muscle spasms
- Pain
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Depression