Medical Cannabis Research

As of September 1, 2025, Texans living with chronic pain qualify for medical cannabis. Chronic pain affects approximately 1 in 5 Americans and can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. Increasing scientific research and testimonials from both physicians and patients indicate that medical cannabis may offer substantial therapeutic benefits and could serve as a safer alternative for managing chronic pain.

Preclinical Research and Reviews

The Comparative Effectiveness of Medicinal Cannabis for Chronic Pain Versus Prescription Medication Treatment | Read More
Marijuana as Medicine? The Science Beyond the Controversy | Read More
Patterns, Efficacy, and Cognitive Effects of Medical Cannabis Use in Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Patients | Read More
The Holistic Effects of Medical Cannabis Compared to Opioids on Pain Experience in Finnish Patients with Chronic Pain | Read More
Medical Marijuana for Treatment of Chronic Pain and Other Medical and Psychiatric Problems | Read More
Cannabis in Pain Treatment: Clinical and Research Considerations | Read More
The Pharmacology of Cannabinoids in Chronic Pain | Read Mor e
The Effect of Medicinal Cannabis on Pain and Quality-of-Life Outcomes in Chronic Pain | Read More
Health Outcomes Among Adults Initiating Medical Cannabis for Chronic Pain | Read More
Opioid Reduction in Patients with Chronic Non-Cancer Pain Undergoing Treatment with Medicinal Cannabis | Read More

This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions regarding your health or the use of medical cannabis for your condition, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive loss of memory and cognitive function. Texas has the third highest Alzheimer's rates, with an estimated 6.9 million Americans aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer's in 2024. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease that may respond positively to medical cannabis treatments include sleep problems, paranoia, anxiety, dysphoria, pain, poor appetite, and weight loss. In late-stage Alzheimer’s, medical cannabis may reduce agitation and improve sleep and appetite.

Clinical Trial Results

Effects of Dronabinol on Anorexia and Disturbed Behavior in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease  |  Read More
Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol for Nighttime Agitation in Severe Dementia  |  Read More
Safety and Efficacy of Medical Cannabis Oil for Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: An Open-Label, Add-On, Pilot Study  |  Read More

Additional Resources

Cannabinoids for Behavioral Symptoms in Severe Dementia | Read More
The Potential Therapeutic Effects of THC on Alzheimer’s Disease |  Read More
Amyloid Proteotoxicity Initiates an Inflammatory Response Blocked by Cannabinoids |  Read More
The Cannabinoid Receptor Agonist Nabilone for the Treatment of Dementia-Related Agitation |  Read More
THC for Age-Related Cognitive Decline?  |  Read More
Cannabinoids Remove Plaque-Forming Alzheimer’s Proteins From Brain Cells  |  Read More
Cannabinoids for Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease: Moving Toward the Clinic |  Read More
A Molecular Link Between the Active Component of Marijuana and Alzheimer’s Disease Pathology |  Read More

Approximately 449,000+ Texans are living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Recent studies suggest that medical cannabis may reduce symptoms such as, hyperactivity, self-injuring behavior, anger, sleep-related difficulties, anxiety, restlessness, agitation, irritability, aggressiveness and depression.

Human-Based Clinical Trial Results

Oral Cannabidiol Use in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder to Treat Related Symptoms and Co-Morbidities |  Read More
Cannabidiol-Based Medical Cannabis in Children with Autism - A Retrospective Feasibility Study |  Read More
Real-Life Experience of Medical Cannabis Treatment in Autism: Analysis of Safety and Efficacy |  Read More
Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol-Rich Cannabis Extract in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder | Read More

Additional Resources

Ethical Implications for Providers Regarding Cannabis Use in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders  |  Read More

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder that affects motor neurons, the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movements. Some studies indicate the use of medical cannabis may slow the progress of neurodegeneration. Medical cannabis may also improve the quality of life for individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis symptoms by improving appetite and sleep while decreasing pain and spasticity.

Preclinical Research and Reviews

Can Cannabinoids Be a Potential Therapeutic Tool in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis? |  Read More
Cannabinoids Suppress Inflammatory and Neuropathic Pain by Targeting α3 Glycine Receptors | Read More
Cannabidiol for Neurodegenerative Disorders: Important New Clinical Applications for This Phytocannabinoid? | Read More
Pros and Cons of Medical Cannabis Use by People with Chronic Brain Disorders  |  Read More
Endocannabinoids and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis |  Read More
Survey of Cannabis Use in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis |  Read More
Cannabis and ALS: Hypothetical and Practical Applications, and a Call for Clinical Trials |  Read More

There is an increased interest in the use of cannabinoids in the treatment of symptoms in cancer and palliative care patients, including pain, loss of appetite, anxiety, insomnia and nausea. A 2024 survey found that one-third of cancer patients report using cannabis during treatment for symptom relief. In recognition of this growing trend, the American Society of Clinical Oncology released guidance to help clinicians navigate conversations about medical cannabis use for cancer.

Clinical Trial Results

Multicenter, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Study of the Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of THC:CBD Extract and THC Extract in Patients with Intractable Cancer-Related Pain  |  Read More
An Open-Label Extension Study to Investigate the Long-Term Safety and Tolerability of THC/CBD Oromucosal Spray and Oromucosal THC Spray in Patients With Terminal Cancer-Related Pain Refractory to Strong Opioid Analgesics  |  Read More

Additional Resources

Flavonoid Derivative of Cannabis Demonstrates Therapeutic Potential in Preclinical Models of Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer |  Read More
Cannabinoids as Therapeutic Agents in Cancer: Current Status and Future Implications |  Read More
Cannabis in Palliative Care: Current Challenges and Practical Recommendations |  Read More
Choice of Opioids and the WHO Ladder |  Read More
Update on Prevalence of Pain in Patients with Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis  |  Read More
Medical Marijuana for Treatment of Chronic Pain and Other Medical and Psychiatric Problems: A Clinical Review |  Read More
Management of chronic pain in survivors of adult cancers: American Society of Clinical Oncology clinical practice guideline  |  Read More
Patterns of Use of Medical Cannabis Among Israeli Cancer Patients: A Single Institution Experience |  Read More

An estimated 30% to 40% of patients with epilepsy do not respond to traditional medications to manage seizures. Many also worry about the long-term effects of chronic anti-epileptic drug use. Multiple randomized, placebo-controlled trials have shown that medical cannabis can be a safe and effective option for reducing seizure frequency.

Seizure Management Resources

Trial of Cannabidiol for Drug-Resistant Seizures in the Dravet Syndrome |  Read More
Cannabidiol in Patients with Seizures Associated with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase 3 Trial |  Read More
Effect of Cannabidiol on Drop Seizures in the Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome |  Read More

Other Epilepsy Resources

Perceived Efficacy of Cannabidiol-enriched Cannabis Extracts for Treatment of Pediatric Epilepsy |  Read More
Cannabinoids and Epilepsy |  Read More
CBD-enriched Medical Cannabis for Intractable Pediatric Epilepsy |  Read More
Efficacy Of Artisanal Preparations of Cannabidiol For The Treatment Of Epilepsy |  Read More
Efficacy Of CBD-enriched Medical Cannabis for Treatment of Refractory Epilepsy in Children |  Read More

Huntington's Disease (HD) is caused by a genetic mutation of the HTT gene, with symptom onset between ages 30-50. Cannabinoid receptors are present in high density in the brain, specifically basal ganglia tissues and preclinical studies provide evidence that the regulation of the endocannabinoid system may positively impact various Huntington's symptoms. Multiple studies in animal models have demonstrated symptom relief with cannabinoids and suggest cannabinoids play a role in neuroprotection.

Clinical Trial Results

Cannabinoids for Treatment of Dystonia in Huntington's Disease | Read More

Additional Resources

Medical Marijuana Effects in Movement Disorders, Focus on Huntington's Disease | Read More
A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Medical Cannabis for Psychiatric, Movement and Neurodegenerative Disorders | Read More
Cannabinoids in the Management of Behavioral, Psychological and Motor Symptoms of Neurocognitive Disorders: Mixed Studies Systematic Review | Read More
Cannabinoid Signaling and Risk in Huntington's Disease | Read More
A Systematic Review of Minor Phytocannabinoids with Promising Neuroprotective Potential | Read More

As of September 1, 2025, Texans living with IBD and Crohn's disease qualify for medical cannabis. Approximately 115,000 Texans are impacted by Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), a category that includes both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Recent research suggests that medical cannabis may reduce pain, nausea, inflammation and appetite loss in patients living with inflammatory bowel conditions.

Preclinical Research

The Effect of Medical Cannabis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease | Read More
Cannabis Use in Crohn’s disease | Read More
Cannabinoids as Novel Anti-Inflammatory Drugs | Read More
Therapeutic Use of Cannabis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease | Read More
The Potential of Cannabis in Managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Its Future Perspective | Read More
Meta-analysis of the Therapeutic Impact of Cannabinoids in Inflammatory Bowel Disease | Read More

Recent studies indicate that medical cannabis may offer relief for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS), particularly when using products with balanced levels of CBD and THC. These formulations may help reduce muscle spasticity, pain and other common MS symptoms. In Texas, MS is one of the qualifying conditions for medical cannabis under the Compassionate Use Program, allowing patients to access a natural alternative to commonly prescribed pharmaceuticals.

Clinical Trial Results

Multiple Sclerosis and Extract of Cannabis: Results of the MUSEC Trial |  Read More
Randomized Controlled Trials of Cannabis-Based Medicine in Spasticity Caused by Multiple Sclerosis |  Read More
Randomized, Controlled Trial of Cannabis-based Medicine in Central Pain in Multiple Sclerosis  |  Read More
Do Cannabis-Based Medicinal Extracts Have General or Specific Effects on Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis? |  Read More

Extensive preclinical studies in animals with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) provide evidence that regulation of the endocannabinoid system may positively impact various PD symptoms. Cannabinoid receptors are present in high density in the brain, specifically basal ganglia tissues involved in PD. These findings support the potential of cannabinoids to influence both symptom management and disease progression.

Clinical Trial Results

Effects of cannabidiol in the treatment of patients with Parkinson’s disease |  Read More
Nabilone for non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease |  Read More

Additional Resources

Low Doses of Cannabis Extract Ameliorate Non-Motor Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease Patients: A Case Series | Read More
Marijuana for Parkinson’s Disease? Innovations in Clinical Science |  Read More
Marijuana Compounds: A Nonconventional Approach to Parkinson’s Disease Therapy |  Read More
Survey on cannabis use in Parkinson’s disease: subjective improvement of motor symptoms |  Read More
Cannabis use in people with Parkinson’s disease and Multiple Sclerosis: A web-based investigation  |  Read More
Cannabinoids in Parkinson’s disease. Cannabinoids in Neurologic and Mental Disease |  Read More
Promising cannabinoid-based therapies for Parkinson’s disease: motor symptoms to neuroprotection |  Read More

Many Texans experience spasticity and muscle spasms, often linked to conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy and other neurological conditions. These involuntary muscle contractions can cause pain, stiffness and reduced mobility, significantly impacting daily life. Recent research suggests that medical cannabis may help relieve spasticity by calming overactive nerves and relaxing muscles. Clinical trials and reviews indicate that cannabinoids like CBD and THC may provide spasm relief comparable to traditional muscle relaxants, with potentially fewer side effects.

Clinical Trial Results

The Efficacy of Cannabis on Multiple Sclerosis-Related Symptoms | Read More
Medical Cannabis Oil for Benign Essential Blepharospasm | Read More
Randomized Controlled Trial of Cannabis-based Medicine in Spasticity Caused by Multiple Sclerosis | Read More

Additional Resources

Marijuana and Muscle Spasms | Read More
Cannabinoids, Endocannabinoids, and Synthetic Cannabimimetic Molecules in Neuromuscular Disorders | Read More
Pros and Cons of Medical Cannabis Use by People with Chronic Brain Disorders |  Read More

Approximately 2.3 million Texans, including veterans, first responders and civilians, have experienced post-traumatic stress after enduring a traumatic event. Research suggests that medical cannabis may help alleviate PTSD symptoms, including flashbacks, hypervigilance, nightmares and anxiety, by interacting with the endocannabinoid system to regulate stress responses and emotional processing.

Clinical Trial Results

Medical Cannabis for Treatment-Resistant Combat PTSD: A Randomized Controlled Trial | Read More
Nabilone for the Treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder | Read More

Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses

A Systematic Review of the Clinical Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids on PTSD Symptoms and Symptom Clusters | Read More
The Effectiveness of Cannabinoids in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review | Read More

Additional Resources

FDA Approves Cannabis Study for Veterans with PTSD | Read More
Using Cannabis to Help You Sleep: Heightened Frequency of Medical Cannabis Use Among Those with PTSD | Read More
Cannabidiol in the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Case Series | Read More
Identifying Predictors of Benzodiazepine Discontinuation in Medical Cannabis Patients with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder | Read More

As of 2021, 1 in 15 Texans lives with neuropathy, a condition that causes chronic pain, numbness and weakness due to nerve damage and can affect people of all ages. Recent research suggests that medical cannabis may help manage neuropathic pain by reducing inflammation, regulating nerve activity and alleviating discomfort. Clinic trials and reviews indicate that compounds found in the cannabis plant, like cannabinoids and terpenes, may offer pain relief comparable to traditional neuropathic pain medications, with potentially fewer side effects.

Clinical Trial Results

Low-Dose Vaporized Cannabis Significantly Improves Neuropathic Pain | Read More
Oral Cannabidiol for Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy | Read More
Cannabis-Based Medicine for Neuropathic Pain and Spasticity | Read More

Additional Resources

Cannabis‐based Medicines for Chronic Neuropathic Pain in Adults | Read More
Medical Cannabis for Neuropathic Pain | Read More
Cannabinoid Therapeutics in Chronic Neuropathic Pain | Read More
Terpenes From Cannabis Sativa Induce Antinociception | Read More
Cannabis Constituents for Chronic Neuropathic Pain | Read More
Cannabinoids suppress inflammatory and neuropathic pain by targeting α3 glycine receptors |  Read More

As of September 1, 2025, Texans living with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) qualify for medical cannabis. In Texas, an estimated 144,000 individuals sustain a TBI every year. Research suggests medical cannabis may provide relief for many symptoms that result from traumatic brain injuries, including headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and more.

Preclinical Research

Medical Cannabis Reduced Agitation in Acquired Brain Injury: A Case Study | Read More
Vaporized Cannabis versus Placebo for Acute Migraine: A Randomized Controlled Trial | Read More
Investigating the Neuroprotective Efficacy of Orally Consumed Cannabinoids | Read More
Cannabinoids in Traumatic Brain Injury and Related Neuropathologies | Read More
Endocannabinoids: A Promising Impact for Traumatic Brain Injury | Read More
Cannabinoids and Brain Injury: Therapeutic Implications | Read More
Cannabidiol's Neuroprotective Properties and Potential Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injuries | Read More
Potential Antinociceptive Effects of Cannabinoid Compounds on Migraine-Associated Responses in an Experimental Model in Female Rats | Read More
Combined Effects of Cannabidiol and Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Alleviate Migraine-Like Symptoms in Mice | Read More

As of September 1, 2025, patients in palliative care or hospice will qualify for medical cannabis. With zero reported overdose deaths, medical cannabis provides an option for patients who have not responded to traditional treatments, while offering a lower risk of dependency compared to high-risk medications. Research suggests that medical cannabis may help alleviate and improve multiple symptoms, including cancer-related pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, appetite loss, insomnia, depression and more.

Resources

Review of the Use of Medicinal Cannabis Products in Palliative Care | Read More
Medical Cannabis and Utilization of Nonhospice Palliative Care Services: Complements and Alternatives at End of Life | Read More
Cannabis in Palliative Care: A Systematic Review of Current Evidence | Read More
Medical Marijuana for Pain Management in Hospice Care as a Complementary Approach to Scheduled Opioids | Read More

Anxiety, depression and insomnia are not currently approved under the Texas Compassionate Use Program. However, these symptoms are often associated with qualifying conditions. Please consult a healthcare professional to determine your eligibility and appropriate treatment options.

Anxiety

Efficacy and acceptability of cannabinoids for anxiety disorders in adults | Read More
Endocannabinoids, cannabinoids and the regulation of anxiety | Read More
Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders | Read More
Cannabidiol Reduces the Anxiety Induced by Simulated Public Speaking in Treatment | Read More

Depression

Antidepressant and Anxiolytic Effects of Medicinal Cannabis Use in an Observational Trial | Read More
Medical cannabis use in Canada and its impact on anxiety and depression | Read More
Effectiveness of Medical Cannabis for the Treatment of Depression | Read More
Assessment of clinical outcomes of medicinal cannabis therapy for depression | Read More

Insomnia

Medicinal Cannabis Improves Sleep in Adults with Insomnia | Read More
Cannabis Use in Patients with Insomnia and Sleep Disorders | Read More
Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep | Read More
Use of Cannabidiol in the Management of Insomnia | Read More