Cannabis for Nerve Pain

Types of Neuropathic Pain and Their Treatment Options

Neuropathic pain (nerve pain) develops when injured neural pathways transmit faulty messages to the brain.

This type of pain shows up in several ways:

• Peripheral neuropathy: caused by diabetes, chemotherapy, or autoimmune diseases.
• Sciatic pain: happens when pressure builds on your sciatic nerve (many patients now try medical marijuana when NSAIDs don’t work).
• Central neuropathic pain: caused by spinal cord injuries or multiple sclerosis.

Known Treatment Options

First-line drugs can ease symptoms, but side effects are common. These side effects make many people stop taking their medication.

Gabapentinoids cause problems for lots of patients. About 25% feel drowsy. Up to 35% experience dizziness or balance issues.

CBD shows promise as an alternative treatment for nerve pain. Early research in animals and humans found that CBD reduces sensitivity to both touch and temperature. Unlike other pain medications, CBD seems to cause less mental fog. These promising findings have sparked debates about whether CBD oil might work better than gabapentin for nerve pain.

In one study, men with chronic nerve pain took a single dose of THC. It calmed the body’s stress response and helped the brain block pain signals. Researchers believe THC works from the top down, resetting how the brain manages pain instead of just covering up the symptoms.

Cannabis for Nerve Pain

Cannabis works through the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). Its compounds bind to CB1 receptors throughout the nervous system and CB2 receptors in immune tissues. This helps calm overactive nerves, reduce inflammation, and change how you feel pain.

THC vs CBD for Neuropathy

THC and CBD work differently for pain. THC targets CB1 receptors directly, giving notable pain relief and a feeling of euphoria.

CBD works differently. It eases inflammation and lowers extreme pain sensitivity by affecting several pathways in the body. And it does this without causing a high.

Research backs up these benefits. A study tracked 99 patients with chronic nerve pain. They inhaled medical cannabis for up to six months. The results were promising; their pain dropped significantly, and sleep improved. Adverse reactions were mild, with dry mouth and fatigue being the most common.

Tip: Look for third-party-tested THC creams or pain balms. Choose products that list a balanced cannabinoid ratio.

Sativa vs Indica for Nerve Pain

Various cannabis types work better at different times. Indica-leaning hybrids contain myrcene and linalool. These provide evening muscle relaxation. 

Sativas have uplifting limonene that can help with daytime symptoms. However, some people find sativas too stimulating.

The best cannabis for nerve pain usually pairs enough THC with calming terpenes. Don’t rely solely on strain names. Review the certificate of analysis (COA) for accurate information.

What the Research Says

Clinical evidence shows cannabis reduces neuropathic pain. Multiple studies prove this connection.

Key research findings include:

• 2008 crossover trial: 38 patients smoked cannabis with either 3.5% or 7% THC. Compared to the placebo, both doses reduced pain scores by approximately 30%.
• 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis: Reviewed 14 randomized controlled trials and found 79% showed significant pain reduction, with an average drop of 0.67 points on a 0-10 pain scale.
• Thai skin patch study: Researchers tested a cannabis skin patch for diabetic nerve pain in the legs. Pain scores dropped from about 26 to 6 with the patch. Meanwhile, the placebo group saw almost no change.

Safety Snapshot

Regular cannabis use can cause mild side effects. These can often be managed by lowering the dose.

Common side effects include:

• Sleepiness, tiredness, dizziness, or loss of balance
• Dry mouth
• Increased appetite
• Headache or cough

There is also a small risk of addiction or dependency, especially with long-term use or when not taken as prescribed.

Best Weed for Nerve Pain

How you take cannabis for nerve pain matters. The method affects how fast it works, how long it lasts, and how much control you have over your relief.

Common options include:

Inhaled flower or vape cartridges

• Onset: 5–10 minutes
• Duration: 2–4 hours
• Best for rapid relief during sudden flare-ups

Gummies and edibles

• Onset: 30–90 minutes
• Duration: 6–8 hours (good for overnight relief)
• Best for sustained pain control

Tinctures

• Onset: 15–30 minutes
• Duration: 4–6 hours
• Best for precise micro-dosing and daytime use

Topicals (balm, cream, patch)

• Onset: ~20 minutes
• Duration: 2–12 hours, depending on the product
• Best for targeted pain relief without affecting the rest of the body

Best Gummies for Nerve Pain

• Cornbread Hemp Full-Spectrum Gummies: These work well for evening relief. They help you sleep better and calm nerve pain at night. Each organic gummy contains 25-100 mg of CBD plus 4 mg of THC.
• Medterra Max Relief Full-Spectrum Gummies: This affordable, citrus-flavored option offers medium-strength relaxation. Every gummy has 25 mg of full-spectrum CBD plus small amounts of THC. Users say that one gummy helps them relax after a busy day.
• Aspen Green Bliss Organic CBD Gummies: These potent gummies are for experienced THC users only. Each contains 100 mg of CBD and 5 mg of THC. Start with half a gummy due to its strength. They’re best for sleep and deep muscle relaxation.

How to choose wisely:

Finding your ideal edible dosage requires patience and caution. If you’re new to edibles, begin with 2.5 mg of THC or less. Wait the full onset time before taking more. Standard gummies can take up to 2 hours to work.

Consult with a medical marijuana doctor before combining edibles with other nerve pain medications. They’ll help you find the optimal dose and warn you about potential drug interactions.

Use our edible dosage calculator below to find your ideal starting dose based on your experience level and desired effects.

THC Pain Balm

• Papa & Barkley Releaf Balm: Many with nerve pain in their feet report this balm brings relief within minutes, without a head high. It’s a natural, high-quality extract with a formula containing three parts CBD for every one part THC.
• Mary’s Medicinals Transdermal Compound: This balm contains equal parts CBD and THC. Its transdermal technology delivers ingredients deep beneath the skin for targeted pain relief. Just a fingertip-sized amount works within minutes and lasts 3–5 hours.

How to use safely:

Start with a pea-sized amount on clean skin over the painful area. Next, wait 15–30 minutes before applying more, since effects build gradually. Remember to wash your hands afterward and keep them away from your eyes. Try it in the evening first to see how your body reacts.

CBD Oil vs Gabapentin for Nerve Pain

When nerve pain will not let up, you want relief that works. Two common options are gabapentin (a prescription medicine) and CBD oil (a plant-based option). Both can help, but they work in very different ways.

Gabapentin is FDA-approved for certain types of nerve pain, like the pain that follows shingles. It works by calming overactive nerve cells that send pain signals. But side effects are common. Dizziness and drowsiness can be severe enough to affect daily life, including driving. The FDA also warns that taking gabapentin with other nervous system depressants like opioids or some antihistamines can cause severe breathing problems.

CBD oil comes from the cannabis plant. It works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate pain, inflammation, and immune responses. Research suggests CBD can reduce nerve pain by lowering inflammation and blocking pain signals in the nervous system.

Choosing between the two is not always easy. Gabapentin is proven and regulated, but can have serious side effects. CBD may cause fewer problems, but it’s not FDA-regulated, meaning product quality can vary. It can also interact with other medications. Talk to your doctor before starting either option.

Safe & Effective Use Guidelines

Follow these tips to get the most benefit while staying safe:

• Start with a small dose and increase slowly. Begin with 2.5 mg THC or a balanced dose with equal THC and CBD.
• Keep a diary of your use. Record the dose, timing, duration of effects, and any side effects.
• Watch for interactions with other medications and monitor your mood. High-THC products can increase anxiety in some people.
• Keep all marijuana products away from children and pets.
• Choose products with certificates of analysis that confirm potency and screen for contaminants.
• Consult a healthcare professional to make sure cannabis treatment is right for you.

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card for Neuropathy

Neuropathic pain is one of the most common qualifying conditions for a medical marijuana card. It’s often listed under chronic pain. If you plan to use cannabis for nerve pain, speaking with a medical marijuana doctor is essential.

At Quick Med Cards, our doctors are experienced and compassionate. They can guide you through getting your card and help you understand how cannabis may work for your neuropathy.

While the process can vary by state, it usually follows these steps:

1. Complete the Quick Med Cards questionnaire and create your account.
2. Choose a time for your evaluation.
3. Talk to your MMJ doctor over a video call or visit their office, depending on the state you live in.
4. Get certified for medical cannabis if you qualify.
5. Apply for your card through your state’s medical marijuana program.
6. Buy cannabis from a licensed dispensary after approval.

Book your appointment with a Quick Med Cards doctor today to explore cannabis treatment for neuropathy.

Key Takeaways

• Neuropathic pain affects about one in ten adults, and fewer than half get lasting relief from first-line drugs like gabapentin or duloxetine.
• THC and CBD target the same pain pathways in different ways, lowering nerve pain by about 30% with fewer reports of sedation and dizziness compared to gabapentin.
• Inhaled flower, balanced gummies, topical balms, and new transdermal patches have all shown meaningful relief for peripheral, sciatic, and central neuropathic pain.
• The most effective products balance THC with CBD to boost relief while limiting the high. Always choose products tested by an independent lab to confirm a balanced ratio.
• Marijuana has side effects like dry mouth, mild dizziness, and increased appetite. Serious side effects are rare but start low and increase slowly.
• Keep a symptom diary, check product COAs, and consult a medical cannabis clinician, especially if you take other nerve pain medication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions on cannabis for nerve pain.

Disclaimer: The information presented here serves educational purposes and should not replace guidance from your doctor or healthcare provider. Before starting any new treatment, consult a qualified healthcare professional.