on PinterestReclassification of cannabis will offer certain coverage for Medicare recipients.
on PinterestReclassification of cannabis will offer certain coverage for Medicare recipients. Image credit: Virginian Pilot/Getty Images
- A White House directive is ordering federal authorities to speed up the reclassification of a form of cannabis as a less dangerous drug.
- The action may also establish a pilot program that allows Medicare recipients to be reimbursed for some cannabis-related products.
- Experts say the reclassification should also improve scientific research on the cannabis plant.
The term “cannabis” refers to a group of plants that includes both marijuana and hemp. While “marijuana” has historical associations—including racist origins dating back nearly a century—it is also often linked to concerns about addiction, primarily due to the presence of THC, the plant’s psychoactive compound. For these reasons, many prefer using the broader term “cannabis” when discussing marijuana-related topics.
Older adults who are covered under Medicare may be among the first people to see benefits from a White House directive to speed up the reclassification of a form of cannabis under federal law.
Last week, President Donald Trump issued an executive order directing Justice Department officials to quicken the approval process to change marijuana, a form of cannabis, from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III drug.
As a Schedule I drug, cannabis is officially considered a substance with “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.” Other Schedule I substances include heroin, LSD, and MDMA.
As a Schedule III drug, cannabis would be considered a compound with “a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence.” Other Schedule III substances include ketamine, anabolic steroids, and testosterone.
Experts say that even if this schedule change takes place in the near future, it will likely be subject to legal challenges, judicial review, and a lengthy implementation period that could span years.
“The process is not designed to be expeditious,” said Paul Armentano, the deputy director for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML).
However, there is one aspect of the proposed changes that could provide some financial relief for adults 65 years and older who use cannabis-based products.
Older adults and cannabis
The executive order that could benefit adults 65 years and older as early as April.
This would allow older adults on Medicare to be given medical marijuana if deemed necessary and recommended by a medical doctor. It would also allow qualifying Medicare recipients to be reimbursed by Medicare for up to $500 per year for qualifying cannabinoid (CBD)-based products. This program could start as early as April 1.
The reimbursements may not be available under Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans. You should check with your specific insurance provider for more information.
The financial relief could be a boon as cannabis-based products are becoming more popular among older adults. A 2024 study stated that 14% of people 65 years and older reported using a CBD product in the prior year.
Sherry Yafai, MD, an emergency medicine physician and founder and medical director of The RELEAF Institute in Los Angeles, said the reimbursements would be highly beneficial for this older portion of the U.S. population.
“Seniors who are
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