Should Health Insurance Companies Cover Medical Cannabis?

November 29, 2022

Now that marijuana legalization is gaining traction in many parts of the country, the medical cannabis community is wondering if insurers could cover medical cannabis treatments.

As more and more states legalize marijuana for both medical and recreational use, the question of whether or not health insurers should cover cannabis treatments is becoming more prevalent.

There are a variety of potential benefits that cannabis treatments could provide to patients, ranging from pain relief to improved appetite and nausea control.

If U.S. insurers step up and cover medical marijuana for their patients, it could make these treatments more accessible and affordable for patients who could potentially benefit from them.

Medical marijuana is available in various forms, and pricing varies. Despite being better tolerated and more preferred than many prescription drugs, cannabis is quite expensive for some patients. In some cases, the high price tag can be a barrier to treatment.

Cannabis has been shown to be effective in treating a wide variety of conditions, including pain, inflammation, anxiety, and seizures. For many patients, it is a preferred treatment option due to its relatively low side effects and high efficacy. However, the high cost of medical marijuana can be a deterrent for some patients.

The disparity in accessibility and costs between marijuana and other medications continues to be a barrier for many people in need of long-term treatment. For people with limited financial means, marijuana may be the only affordable option for short-term relief.

Why isn’t medical cannabis covered by health insurance?

Despite the fact that marijuana has been decriminalized in over 19 states for recreational use and in over 38 states for medicinal purposes, its popularity with the public has done little to sway the minds of lawmakers and health insurance regulators. Many experts believe that this is because the current research on marijuana is inconclusive, and thus, lawmakers and health insurance regulators are hesitant to make any major changes.

However, there is a growing body of evidence that suggests that marijuana can be beneficial for certain medical conditions. For example, marijuana has been shown to be effective in treating pain, inflammation, anxiety, and seizures. Additionally, marijuana is non-addictive and has very few side effects.

Although research is limited on the positive and negative effects of cannabis, this does not mean that scientific and medical researchers are not able to develop new and more effective pharmaceutical-manufactured marijuana and cannabinoid-based medicines. However, there are several barriers to insurance coverage for medical cannabis that prevent these treatments from becoming more widely available.

Although marijuana is legal in some states, it is still illegal under federal law

Marijuana is currently federally classified as a Schedule 1 drug or illegal substance. Drugs in this class have a high potential for abuse and include heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, LSD, and other highly hallucinogenic substances. However, many experts believe that marijuana does not belong in this category, as it has been shown to be far less harmful and addictive than other substances in this class.

Cannabis has been used medicinally for centuries, and there is now a growing body of evidence supporting its therapeutic potential. A growing number of states are decriminalizing marijuana for personal, recreational, and medicinal use, and more research is being conducted on the potential health benefits of cannabis.

Cannabis is thought to have a wide range of medicinal properties, including pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, and the ability to improve sleep and appetite. Some research has also suggested that cannabis may be helpful in treating anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.

As long as cannabis remains federally classified as a Schedule 1 drug under the Controlled Substances Act, it has “no accepted medical use” and therefore is not covered by health insurers. This is a major issue for patients who rely on cannabis for relief from conditions like chronic pain, as they have to pay for their medication out of pocket. Some states have legal use of marijuana for medical purposes, but until it is federally legalized, health insurers will not cover it

Although medical marijuana is legal in some states, it is still illegal under federal law. This means that people living in these states are not allowed to possess, sell, purchase, cultivate, or share cannabis. This can create a lot of problems for people who need medical marijuana for their conditions.

That means medical providers are not allowed to directly prescribe it to patients. However, they can, thanks to the First Amendment of the U.S Constitution, make recommendations or provide authorization for marijuana treatments.

Government officials in jurisdictions with medical and adult-use cannabis laws typically look the other way on criminalization issues, as long as users comply with regulations.

The crux of the matter is that as long as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) keeps cannabis classified as a Schedule I drug, insurance companies don’t cover medical marijuana – not even for patients with valid recommendations and legitimate medical needs.

There is a lack of extensive research and clinical evidence to support FDA approval

Another key consideration regarding insurance and medical cannabis coverage is the lack of medical and scientific research. In order to be covered by health insurance, approval is typically required by the FDA.

There’s also the issue that there’s currently nothing in place guaranteeing that insurers will add coverage for medical marijuana as a benefit when full decriminalization and legalization occur at the federal level. This could prove to be a major obstacle for patients who rely on medical marijuana to treat their conditions.

Inadequate quality control standards

There are also concerns about product quality. FDA approval requires cannabis cultivators and medication manufacturers to adhere to specific standards to ensure product quality and safety. Without FDA approval, users are at risk of using non-regulated medicinal products. These products may not meet safety standards, and could potentially be harmful. Cannabis products also need to be labeled correctly, so that consumers are aware of what they are purchasing. without FDA approval, there is no guarantee that products will be accurately labeled. This could lead to people taking products that contain more or less THC than they are expecting, which could result in an adverse reaction. Overall, without FDA approval, there are significant risks associated with using medicinal cannabis products. The dangers of doing so are as follows:

Potency and dosing issues: The effects of marijuana on the human body can vary significantly from one individual to the next. Until more research is conducted on the subject of marijuana’s bioavailability, it will be impossible to provide product potency and dosing standards. Currently, most dosing and potency recommendations are merely suggestions.
Potential product contamination is a serious issue in the cannabis industry. Currently, there are various cultivation, manufacturing, and production standards across the board, which means there is a wide variance in product quality. Poor quality controls increase toxicity risks and can have unintended adverse effects on consumers. In order to protect consumers and ensure product safety, it is essential that cultivators, manufacturers, and producers adhere to strict quality control measures.

Even if marijuana is rescheduled into a lower class of drugs, thus eliminating the criminal aspect of exploring its effects on various medical conditions and health symptoms, FDA approval isn’t immediate or guaranteed. There is a time-intensive testing phase in which significant federal medical research resources must be allocated in order to assess the drug’s safety and efficacy. Only after this rigorous testing process is complete will the FDA be in a position to render a decision on whether or not to approve marijuana for medical use.

Although marijuana has not been federally decriminalized or received FDA clearance, some states with active medical marijuana regulations and laws may sell THC and CBD products. It is important to check your state’s laws before purchasing or distributing any THC-based products, as interstate commerce of these products is still prohibited.

Insufficient industry support is a major problem

Though user experience can attest to the benefits of marijuana on health and well-being, there is a lack of scientific evidence to support these claims. Medical insurance doesn’t cover medical marijuana as a result. However, the medical and scientific communities are beginning to conduct studies on the potential health benefits of marijuana. As more research is conducted, it is likely that the benefits of marijuana will be more widely accepted. The failed war on drugs is largely to blame for the personal and professional misconceptions and stigmas surrounding cannabis.

For decades, cannabis has been demonized by the government and media, making it difficult for people to see it as anything other than a dangerous drug. However, the tide is beginning to turn as more and more states legalize cannabis for medicinal and recreational use. As the stigma surrounding cannabis begins to dissipate, more and more people are beginning to see it as the potential medicine it is.

Cannabis has been shown to be effective in treating a wide variety of conditions, including pain, inflammation, anxiety, and seizure disorders. With more research, it is likely that even more medical uses for cannabis will be discovered.

Medical marijuana is a new and largely unregulated area, with potential risks and liabilities for both patients and providers. While some insurers may make provisions for new drugs or treatments, there is often little consensus among insurance regulators, meaning that patients and providers may be left unprotected in the event of an adverse reaction or other problems.

Even if insurers were to consider approving medical marijuana as a health benefit for patients, it would take years of testing and research after federal rescheduling and decriminalization to amass enough evidence to garner FDA approval. In the meantime, patients would likely have to pay for their medical marijuana out of pocket, as most insurance companies do not cover costs associated with illegal drugs and Insurance companies are reaping the financial benefits of medical cannabis

Although health insurance companies may not cover the cost of medical cannabis directly, some states have enacted legislation to reduce the financial burden on patients who rely on marijuana for medical treatment. In states where medical cannabis is legal, patients with limited financial means may be eligible for reduced application and renewal fees for their medical marijuana license. Additionally, some states have programs that provide financial assistance to low-income patients for the cost of their marijuana treatments.

Is insurance coverage available for cannabinoid-based medicines?

Cannabis contains cannabinoids that are reportedly beneficial for various medical conditions. CBD, unlike its more widely known counterpart, THC, the cannabinoid responsible for the hallucinogenic effects associated with cannabis use, is non-psychoactive. It is one of the hundreds of cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant and is being studied for its potential therapeutic uses. CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and anti-seizure properties, and is being used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including epilepsy, cancer, and pain.

Despite the many benefits of medical cannabis, there are some risks associated with long-term use and high THC strains. These risks include increased food cravings, psychosis, motor, and mental skill impairment, and extreme cyclic vomiting. While these risks are relatively rare, it is important to be aware of them before beginning any treatment with medical cannabis.

The FDA has approved medications that contain cannabinoids

Currently, there are a limited number of cannabinoid-based medicines with FDA approval available by prescription only. The most notable include Epidiolex, the only prescription-based CBD-rich medication of its kind that is primarily prescribed to individuals with certain seizure disorders like epilepsy.

However, as more research is conducted on the potential therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids, it’s likely that more prescription medications will become available in the future. In the meantime, patients can explore other options for cannabinoid-based medicine, such as CBD-rich hemp oil, which is available without a prescription in many states.

Synthetic Cannabinoid Medications

There are also many imitations and artificial versions of cannabis and CBD being sold to both medicinal and recreational users. These products are also often covered by health insurance.

Medications that contain synthetic THC, such as Syndros, Marinol, and Cesamet, are typically used for severe, debilitating, or terminal conditions, such as cancer and wasting disease (cachexia).

Dronabinol (Syndros) is an oral medication that is used to treat nausea and vomiting associated with cancer treatments, as well as increase appetite in people with AIDS. Marinol is the capsule version of Dronabinol. Dronabinol is a synthetic form of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, and works by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain. THC has been shown to be effective in reducing nausea and vomiting from cancer chemotherapy, as well as increasing appetite in people with AIDS.
Cesamet is a medication that contains the synthetic cannabinoid nabilone. Nabilone is a lab-manufactured version of THC, the main psychoactive component of marijuana. Cesamet is often prescribed to cancer patients to help relieve the side effects of cancer treatment, such as nausea and vomiting.

Despite the positive effects of these cannabinoid-based medications, there is evidence highlighting some potential risks like diarrhea, tiredness, and liver problems. In some patients, these medications can cause unpredictable adverse reactions that compromise liver health. For example, one study found that patients taking a certain type of cannabinoid-based medication had an increased risk of liver injury. While the potential risks of cannabinoid-based medications should not be ignored, it is important to remember that these medications can offer significant benefits to patients with certain medical conditions. For example, these medications have been shown to be effective in reducing pain and improving the quality of life in patients with chronic pain.

Cannabis Derived and Manufactured Meds vs. Synthetic Cannabis Medications

The main difference between synthetic THC and natural THC-based medications is that synthetic versions are reportedly more potent. However, their full long-term effects are not known. Still, many patients opt for natural THC-based medications when given the option, as they may be more effective in treating certain conditions. Some research suggests that natural THC-based medications may be more effective in treating pain and inflammation, while synthetic THC may be more effective in treating seizures.

There are additional downsides to synthetic cannabinoids, most notably:

Onset time for synthetic drugs is unreliable and users have no way to time their doses accurately. For some users, the effects of the drugs take a long time to start, while for others the effects occur or dissipate too quickly.
Synthetic drugs are also associated with elevated risks for depression, anxiety, and psychosis. These risks can be especially high for first-time users or those with a history of mental illness.
According to reports, synthetic drugs are a less reliable, safe, and proven alternative. These drugs are often produced in clandestine laboratories and their effects can be highly unpredictable.

Cannabis is a complex plant, with hundreds of different compounds – known as cannabinoids – that can interact with the human body. Of these, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the best-known and most psychoactive, while CBD (cannabidiol) is non-intoxicating and is increasingly being studied for its potential therapeutic effects.

However, there are many other cannabinoids present in cannabis, including CBN (cannabinol), CBG (cannabigerol), and THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin), to name just a few. These cannabinoids all interact with the body in different ways, meaning that cannabis as a whole has a range of different potential effects.

Unlike current prescription cannabinoid and synthetic-based THC treatments, they don’t lack the other cannabinoids or terpenes that naturally occur in the cannabis plant. These properties are responsible for the various effects marijuana has on the mind and body. By using a whole-plant extract, medical marijuana patients can receive the full spectrum of benefits that cannabis has to offer.

What’s the Difference Between Medical Marijuana and CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are two naturally-occurring cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Both CBD and THC are found in both cannabis and hemp plants; however, THC cannabinoids are more abundant in the cannabis plant. Hemp plants have higher amounts of CBD. CBD derived from the marijuana plant is more psychoactive than hemp-derived CBD products.

CBD has been shown to have anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory effects in numerous studies. This compound binds to neurotransmitters in your brain and affects mood, memory, appetite, pain, and sleep, just like THC. CBD may be a promising treatment for various conditions, including anxiety, chronic pain, and inflammation.

Does Health Insurance Cover CBD?

CBD is one of the most popular cannabidiols found in the marijuana plant. Some studies have even shown that CBD can help treat certain medical conditions like epilepsy and cancer. Its benefits include:

Induces relaxation
Stimulates appetite
Reduces pain
Reduces inflammation
Alleviates anxiety
Reduces epilepsy and seizure activity
Antispastic
Improves mood
Treats PTSD

CBD has been shown to be beneficial for those seeking to overcome substance abuse and addiction disorders. CBD can help to reduce anxiety, stress, and cravings, which can all contribute to relapse. CBD is also available for patients in states where THC is not legal. CBD is non-psychoactive, so it will not produce the high that THC does. This makes CBD an appealing option for those who want to avoid the psychoactive effects of THC.

The Verdict

Medical CBD and cannabis laws vary per jurisdiction. Until policymakers change their stance on the safety and efficacy of cannabis and loosen restrictions on medical and scientific research, the development of new and more effective pharmaceutical-manufactured marijuana and cannabinoid-based medicines will be slow. Some countries have legalized the use of cannabis for medical purposes, while others have not. In the United States, the federal government classifies cannabis as a Schedule I drug, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. This classification makes it difficult to conduct research on the potential medical benefits of cannabis.

However, this may change in the future as more research is conducted on the potential medical benefits of CBD and THC. In the meantime, patients who wish to use these substances for medicinal purposes will need to pay for them out of pocket.

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