Over 3.5 million Americans are registered medical cannabis patients. Millions more Americans who live in states where adult-use is legal rely on cannabis for health and wellness purposes like managing anxiety or insomnia. It’s undeniable that cannabis is medicine. Study after study confirms it. But if you do use cannabis as medicine, you’ve probably felt the financial strain. Even with a doctor’s recommendation, your cannabis is still considered an out-of-pocket expense. You receive no copay, no reimbursement, and no coverage.
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That’s because cannabis is still classified as a Schedule I drug under federal law (the same category as heroin), and it isn’t approved by the FDA. And without FDA approval, health insurance companies legally can’t cover it. Medicare, Medicaid, and even the most generous private plans can’t contribute toward your medical cannabis care, no matter how legitimate your need is.
This isn’t a small issue. Millions of patients across the U.S. are left to cover the full cost of both medical consultations and monthly products, adding up to hundreds of dollars in out-of-pocket healthcare costs each month. What can medical cannabis patients and others who use cannabis for wellness do when it’s not treated like the medicine it is?
Ask Your Dispensary About Compassionate Pricing: Some cannabis brands and dispensaries offer discounts to patients with financial hardship, veterans, seniors, or those with qualifying medical conditions. It’s not always advertised, so don’t be afraid to ask.
Look Into Cannabis Membership Programs: Leafwell’s Cannabis Care Program offers membership plans that include access to clinicians, personalized treatment support, and discounts on products. These programs can help reduce monthly costs and offer better guidance on how to use cannabis effectively.
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Talk to Your Employer: Some progressive companies are starting to include cannabis in wellness stipends or benefits. If your employer offers these programs, you may be able to use them to cover your cannabis costs. You can lead your employer here for some available options.
Get Involved in Advocacy: The more consumers speak up, the faster things can change. Contact your lawmakers, support legalization and rescheduling efforts, and join patient advocacy groups that are pushing for cannabis to be recognized as a legitimate, reimbursable medicine.
Until federal law changes, patients will continue to face this frustrating gap in the healthcare system. But by being informed, asking questions, and supporting brands that care, you can take steps to reduce your out-of-pocket costs and maintain consistent access to your plant medicine.
*This article was submitted by a guest contributor. The author is solely responsible for the content.