Medicare and Medical Marijuana - What Seniors Need to Know

Medical marijuana is now legal in over 40 states and several U.S. territories, but until recently, Medicare didn’t cover it because federal law classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug, alongside heroin and LSD.

That’s about to change. On December 18, 2025, the president signed an executive order directing the Justice Department to reschedule marijuana to Schedule III, a category that allows doctors to prescribe it. This shift could expand research and medical use of cannabis for seniors.

Medicare Pilot Program for CBD

CMS will run a pilot program allowing Medicare to cover up to $500 per year for doctor-recommended products containing cannabidiol (CBD). CBD can help with pain, cancer treatment side effects, and other ailments. Medicare Advantage plans will also consider covering CBD products for their 34 million enrollees.

Why Seniors Should Pay Attention

• Over 1 in 5 adults 50+ have used cannabis in the past year, often to relax or improve sleep.

• 1 in 10 older adults use it medically, with evidence showing improvements in pain and quality of life.

• FDA reviews support medical marijuana for nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and pain.

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