Neuropathy and Pennsylvania's medical marijuana program
Nerve damage shows up on Pennsylvania's medical marijuana list in more than one place. Three of the 24 entries touch on it, each worded differently. Knowing which is which helps you have a focused conversation with the physician who evaluates you.
The three entries side by side
| Official entry | What it centers on |
|---|---|
| Neuropathies | Nerve-damage conditions in general, listed on their own without further qualifiers. |
| Damage to the nervous tissue of the central nervous system (brain-spinal cord) with objective neurological indication of intractable spasticity, and other associated neuropathies | Brain or spinal cord damage, with objective neurological signs of intractable spasticity, plus neuropathies associated with it. |
| Severe chronic or intractable pain of neuropathic origin or severe chronic or intractable pain | Pain, including pain that comes from nerve damage, when it is severe and chronic or intractable. |
The first entry is the broadest on its face. The second is the most specific, requiring objective neurological evidence, not symptoms alone. The third is about pain rather than the nerve condition itself; in its current wording, broadened effective May 17, 2018, it does not require a neuropathic origin. Our chronic pain guide covers that entry in depth.
Why the overlap is useful
A physician can select up to 10 conditions on one certification. If your nerve damage causes severe ongoing pain, more than one entry may describe your situation, and listing each that applies gives an accurate picture of why you were certified. The decision about which entries fit is the physician's. The full conditions list shows all 24 in the Department's wording.
One point of caution: type II diabetes mellitus has been approved only for Chapter 20 research purposes, not for general patient certification. A person with diabetic nerve damage would be evaluated under a neuropathy or pain entry, not under diabetes itself.
Who can certify you
Pennsylvania limits certification to MDs and DOs with an active state license who have registered with the Department of Health and finished its four-hour training. The specialist who treats your neuropathy can certify you only if he or she meets that definition; otherwise, the specialist's records can still support the evaluation. Under Act 44 of 2021, a registered physician can certify you by real-time audio or video, which helps if numbness or pain makes travel hard. Read how online evaluations work.
Need a physician certification?
Online evaluations are available for Pennsylvania residents. Code DRWDY85872 takes 5% off. The physician, not the booking service, decides whether you are certified.
Book my PA evaluation →Preparing for the visit
- Bring nerve-conduction results, imaging or specialist notes, if you have them.
- Describe where you feel symptoms and how they affect walking, sleep or work.
- List treatments tried and current medications, including any for pain.
- Mention any underlying condition, such as diabetes or a spinal injury, even if it is not itself on the list.
Forms people with neuropathy ask about
Pennsylvania allows topical forms, including gels, creams and ointments, along with pills, oils, tinctures, liquids, forms for vaporization or nebulization, and flower for vaporization. Smoking is illegal, and dispensaries sell no edibles. Which form, if any, makes sense depends on where and how your symptoms show up; the physician can help you think it through. The patient rules page covers possession limits and packaging rules.
What research says
Research on cannabis and neuropathic pain exists, but its conclusions remain cautious. Some studies suggest cannabis may reduce neuropathic pain for some people, while others show small or inconsistent effects, and side effects such as dizziness or drowsiness are reported. Dizziness can matter more when numbness already affects balance. A registered physician can weigh this against your history.
If neuropathy affects your feet or balance, try any new product first at home, seated, at a time when you do not need to go anywhere.
Next steps
Gather your records, create a registry account with a Pennsylvania driver's license or state ID showing your current address, and book a registered physician. After certification, pay the $50 annual fee within 60 days, or $0 if you are enrolled in Medicaid, CHIP, PACE/PACENET, SNAP or WIC. The card arrives about three weeks after payment, and each year you will need a new certification.
Questions people ask
Which entry should I ask about for diabetic neuropathy?
The physician decides which entry fits. Neuropathies are listed on their own, and pain of neuropathic origin is covered in the severe chronic or intractable pain entry. Type II diabetes itself is approved only for Chapter 20 research, not for general certification.
Can more than one nerve-related entry go on my certification?
Yes, if the physician finds they apply. A Pennsylvania certification can list up to 10 serious medical conditions.
Are creams and gels legal?
Yes. Topical forms, including gels, creams and ointments, are among the forms the Medical Marijuana Act allows dispensaries to sell.
Worth reading next
Sources
This page explains Pennsylvania law and Department of Health guidance in general terms; it is not medical or legal advice, and only a registered physician can certify a patient.