Why Doesn’t Insurance Cover Medical Marijuana?

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Many Ohio patients rely on medical marijuana to help manage various medical conditions. Even with a strong and regulated medical program in place, one major issue remains: insurance does not cover the cost. This leaves patients paying out of pocket for a treatment that can be essential to their health and daily life.

Understanding why insurance companies refuse coverage can help patients see where the barriers are and what might change if President Trump moves forward with reclassifying marijuana at the federal level.

Marijuana’s Federal Status Is the Biggest Barrier

The largest reason insurance companies don’t cover medical marijuana is its federal classification. Marijuana is still listed as a Schedule I drug, a category reserved for substances considered to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. This status prevents medical marijuana from being treated like traditional prescription medication.

Insurance companies, including private carriers and government programs, follow federal law. As long as marijuana remains in Schedule I, insurers cannot legally recognize it as a standard medical treatment.

Lack of FDA Approval

Medical marijuana products sold in Ohio have not gone through the FDA approval process; insurers typically only cover treatments that have been reviewed, tested, and approved through this federal system. FDA approval provides insurance companies with dosing guidelines, safety data, and standardized product information.

Without FDA approval, insurers categorize marijuana as an unapproved treatment, which places it outside their coverage rules even when doctors recommend it.

How Things Could Change if Trump Reclassifies Marijuana

Federal reform may shift the entire landscape, and recent reports suggest that President Trump has considered a major policy change that would move marijuana out of Schedule I. Reclassification, especially to Schedule III, would formally acknowledge medical use at the federal level.

Several important changes could follow:

1. Insurance Coverage Could Become Possible

Reclassification would remove the single largest barrier standing in the way of insurance coverage. Insurers would finally have the legal clearance needed to begin offering medical marijuana as a treatment option within their plans.

2. FDA Oversight Could Increase

A move away from Schedule I would make research easier and open the door for more marijuana products to undergo FDA review. Once marijuana is moved to Schedule III, insurers would legally be able to cover it, but most will wait for FDA-approved products before adding them to their formularies.

3. Patient Costs Could Eventually Decrease

Insurance coverage would help Ohio patients stretch their budgets even further. Patients are already saving by not having to pay the 10% excise tax that recreational marijuana users pay, and many dispensaries offer special discounts exclusively for medical cardholders. If federal reform moves forward, those existing savings would be even more impactful, giving patients greater long-term affordability and support in managing their care.

4. States May Take Additional Steps

States often adjust their medical programs when federal policy shifts, so Ohio may eventually explore ways to support or encourage insurance coverage once federal barriers are removed.

What This Means for Ohio Patients

For now, medical marijuana remains an out-of-pocket expense. Federal law has not changed yet, and insurers continue to follow those rules. Even so, reclassification is becoming more likely, and any federal change would create new opportunities for coverage in the future.

Either way, Ohio’s medical marijuana program continues to give patients access to regulated, reliable products.

Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Today!

Having a medical marijuana card in Ohio offers numerous benefits over recreational use. With your medical card, you gain access to higher-quality, lab-tested products, personalized care from knowledgeable physicians, and exclusive dispensary discounts, ensuring you receive safe, effective, and affordable relief. Not to mention, the tax savings are significant when you have your medical card. 

Ohio’s medical marijuana program is tailored to prioritize patients’ needs, with evolving qualifying conditions and a commitment to improving access. Whether you’re managing chronic pain, anxiety, or another condition, your medical card empowers you to shop at licensed dispensaries with confidence, knowing you’re receiving products designed specifically for therapeutic use.

Thanks to telemedicine, obtaining your card is simple, quick, and convenient. With an Ohio Marijuana Card, you can complete your evaluation and receive a recommendation on the same day, all from the comfort of home! Schedule your appointment today!

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Doctors Who Care

Relief You Can Trust

At Ohio Marijuana Card, we’re here to make the process easy and stress-free. Our team is dedicated to helping you unlock the full benefits of Ohio’s medical marijuana program while improving your overall quality of life.

Don’t wait to start feeling better. Call us at (866) 457-5559 or schedule your evaluation today, and take advantage of the many benefits a medical card has to offer!

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