Chronic Pain & Medical Cannabis
The most common qualifying condition in New Jersey's medical cannabis program. Covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurance.
Clinically reviewed by David Boguslavsky, MD — Board Certified Family Medicine & Medical Acupuncture · PremierMD, est. 2006 · Among NJ's first NJMMP-certified practices · Meet our team
What Is Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is pain that persists for three months or longer, often beyond the expected period of healing from an injury or illness. Unlike acute pain — which serves as a warning signal — chronic pain can become a condition in its own right, reshaping how the nervous system processes sensation and profoundly affecting quality of life.
Chronic pain is the most common qualifying condition we see. A documented chronic pain diagnosis qualifies. Many patients come to us after standard treatments haven't been enough, but you don't have to have tried everything first.
Conditions That May Cause Qualifying Chronic Pain
- Low back pain, herniated discs, spinal stenosis
- Arthritis (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis)
- Fibromyalgia
- Neuropathic pain (diabetic neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia)
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
- Post-surgical chronic pain
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Cancer-related pain
- Headache and facial pain syndromes
How Cannabis May Help
The human body's endocannabinoid system plays a central role in pain regulation. Cannabinoids — both the THC and CBD found in cannabis — interact with receptors throughout the nervous system that modulate pain perception, inflammation, and the emotional response to pain.
Clinical evidence suggests that medical cannabis can reduce pain intensity, decrease reliance on opioids and NSAIDs, improve sleep disrupted by pain, and improve overall quality of life for patients with chronic pain conditions. It is not a cure — but for many patients who have tried and failed multiple conventional treatments, it provides meaningful and sometimes transformative relief.
What to Expect at PremierMD
Your evaluation will involve a thorough review of your pain history, previous treatments, imaging or diagnostic reports (if available), and current medications. Your provider will assess whether cannabis therapy is clinically appropriate and, if so, discuss starting products, delivery methods, and dosing guidance tailored to your condition.
Because PremierMD is a full-service medical practice — not a certification kiosk — we follow up with you regularly to assess how your treatment is working and make adjustments over time. If your evaluation reveals other contributing factors to your pain (sleep disruption, anxiety, inflammation), we address those holistically.
Quick Facts
- NJ qualifying condition
- Medicare & Medicaid accepted
- Video or in-person visits
- Most common NJ qualifying condition
- 20+ years NJ family medicine