Can Medical Marijuana Treat My Neuropathy?

More than 20 million Americans have some form of neuropathy, a blanket term for nerve damage that causes a wide range of uncomfortable symptoms. Traditionally, doctors treat neuropathy with prescription medication and physical therapy, but a growing number of people are turning to medical marijuana for relief.

At MediCalm, board-certified physician Kimberlee Park, DO, frequently works with neuropathy patients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey via telehealth appointments. This post explains how medical marijuana may help with the chronic pain that accompanies neuropathy and why current research remains limited.

What is neuropathy?

Neuropathy is the medical term for any type of nerve damage. It’s commonly caused by poorly managed diabetes, but it can also occur due to cancer, autoimmune diseases, shingles, and even chemical exposure. Regardless of the underlying cause, neuropathy often worsens over time and presents a range of side effects, including:

• Muscle weakness
• Muscle spasms and twitching
• Cramps
• Numbness
• Loss of sensation in the hands and feet

For many, these symptoms can make it difficult to move, sleep, and perform routine activities. There’s no cure, but various treatments can reduce symptom severity and improve your quality of life. 

How medical marijuana may help

Medical marijuana uses cannabinoids, or compounds produced by the marijuana plant, to reduce inflammation and influence pain receptors in the brain. However, the studies that produced these results are limited due to the federal government’s ban on cannabis. 

Because marijuana is illegal at the national level, the process of studying it is arduous and filled with regulatory hurdles. Despite these challenges, several small trials have found that certain types of marijuana, specifically inhaled marijuana and certain oral formulations, seem to ease neuropathy symptoms, such as chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia. 

One study even found that terpenes, a type of organic compound found in cannabis, relieved chemotherapy-related neuropathy more effectively than morphine — and without any of the side effects that come with morphine use.

Medical marijuana: Risks and considerations

Many people who try medical marijuana experience an improvement in their neuropathy symptoms, but as with prescription medication, cannabis isn’t without risks. 

Depending on the dosage and method of application, you may experience side effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness, or changes in appetite. Some people also experience mood changes, which can be problematic if you have a history of mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.

Considering these potential risks, partnering with a qualified medical marijuana specialist like Dr. Park is crucial.

Is medical marijuana right for you?

The best way to determine if medical marijuana can help manage your neuropathy symptoms is to schedule a medical marijuana certification appointment. During this telehealth consultation, Dr. Park reviews your medical records and asks about your neuropathy, including the type you have, how long you’ve had it, and how you currently manage your symptoms.

After gathering that information, she asks you to fill out a questionnaire and complete a telehealth exam. She may also order bloodwork to gain further insights. If Dr. Park determines that you’re a candidate, she fills out a medical marijuana card application, which provides access to medical marijuana dispensaries throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Find out if medical marijuana is right for you

Neuropathy can sap your energy, affect your mobility, and make it difficult to enjoy life, but you don’t have to suffer. Adding medical marijuana to your treatment plan may be the key to better symptom relief.

To learn if medical marijuana might help you manage your neuropathy, request a consultation at MediCalm today. Call the appointment line at 484-440-9494 or use the online scheduler.