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On August 19, the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection’s Medical Marijuana Program Board of Physicians voted unanimously in favor of adding complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS/RSD) to the list of conditions covered under Connecticut’s medical marijuana law, meaning that marijuana use will be allowed for those who suffer from CRPS/RSD.

CRPS/RSD will join six other conditions that are pending final approval:

  • Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS)
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Fabry disease
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
  • Post-laminectomy syndrome

If the conditions pass further review, the state would significantly expand the existing list of 11 conditions that qualify a state resident 18 years old or older and legally registered to buy and use medical marijuana in Connecticut. The existing conditions include cancer, glaucoma, HIV or AIDs, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, intractable spasticity related to nerve damage in the spinal cord, epilepsy, cachexia, wasting syndrome, Crohn’s disease, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Medical experts say marijuana has the potential not only to ease the pain suffered by CRPS/RSD patients, but also lessen the side effects of other medications used to treat the condition, which include depression, nausea, and headaches.

What is CRPS/RSD?

Complex regional pain syndrome is a debilitating chronic pain condition that typically manifests following some sort of trauma or surgery that damages the peripheral nervous system. The symptoms of CRPS/RSD include prolonged or excessive pain in the affected area and changes in skin color, temperature, and swelling. The areas of the body usually affected include the arms, legs, hands, and feet.

Board members noted that CRPS/RSD is in the same vein as neuropathic pain, which is described as pain that accompanies damage to nerve fibers, causing them to misfire. The state’s medical marijuana laws already cover neuropathic pain.

2 Comments

  1. Gravatar for Maryann Horton
    Maryann Horton

    I don't live on Connecticut but Congratulations to the board. I'm full body RSD for 14 years now. I live in NY and hope and pray that such a law would be passed here. My pain management surgeon has voiced his medical opinions to our state legislatures. People who don't suffer with this disease have any clue on how painful it is. They also don't understand the side effects of current medications prescribed. Once again good job Connecticut

  2. Gravatar for Mary Alice McLarty
    Mary Alice McLarty

    I have had client with RSD who have smoked marijuana for pain relief and were stigmatized when a drug screen showed the results. I wish they could legally use marijuana.

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