Does Medicare cover medical marijuana if it's prescribed for chronic pain or cancer?

Question

Larry Dalton · Accepted Answer

Marijuana or marijuana treatments are not recognized by federal law, even though states may recognize it as a form of treatment. Since federal laws govern Medicare, it does not acknowledge marijuana as a legal treatment, regardless of whether it is legal in your state for medical purposes.

Answered by Larry Dalton on May 5, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK & TX

Answered by Larry Dalton Medicare Insurance Agent

Gary Church · Answer

As of now, Medicare does not cover marijuana for treatment. There is a possibility in the future, as marijuana is still a Class 1 drug.

Charise Karjala · Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/does-medicare-cover-medical-marijuana-if-its-prescribed-for-chronic-pain-or-cancer#charise-karjala

Mark Bilgere · Answer

Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover Medical Marijuana when prescribed for pain. On the Federal level, Marijuana is still classified as a Schedule 1 drug with no medical use. So, since Medicare is a federal program, and marijuana is not an FDA approved drug, Medicare cannot pay for it.

Answered by Mark Bilgere on August 13, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, AR, IN & LA, MN, NE & OK

Answered by Mark Bilgere Medicare Insurance Agent

Paul Potter · Answer

Marijuana is legal in many states but not by the Federal government.  Therefore Medicare doesn't include Marijuana as a category of drug for coverage. 

We will see what happens in the future.

Jacqueline Proffit · Answer

No, Medicare does not cover medical marijuana if it is prescribed. It is Federally illegal and has not been approved by the FDA as effective treatment.

Ron Cronwell · Answer

The answer is no. As Medicare is a federal plan and Marijuana continues to be restricted under federal law, Medicare does not cover it.

However, one can always appeal and ask for an exception through a physician.

Brian Leichner · Answer

Since Medicare is a federal program and marihuana is illegal on the Federal level, it is not covered.  I forecast that both of these will align at that same time.  I'm pretty sure it is "politically" based on "lobbying" and the long and deep ties to big pharma.  So, for now, you will have to pay for it yourself as a "not covered" on the formulary medicine.  

My only other suggestion is to do a thorough review of all of your Medicare options to save money in other areas.  It isn't unusual to save $50 per month with a review.  My name is Brian, and I help people save money on Medicare and help people to help people with Medicare.  Contact me if you need a resource.

Janet Cruz · Answer

Marijuana is classified as a schedule 1 controlled substance under federal law indicating it has no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. So, no, it is not covered by Medicare. Medicare cannot cover substances that are illegal at the federal level even though state laws permit its use.

Answered by Janet Cruz on June 5, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL

Answered by Janet Cruz Medicare Insurance Agent

Cody Brown · Answer

Unfortunately, this is something Medicare doesn't cover. Medicare does not cover medical marijuana for any type of condition.

Angie Templin · Answer

Medical marijuana is not approved by Medicare or any Medicare Rx coverage.  While some states have legalized medical marijuana, it is not legal federally.

Fred Manas · Answer

Medicare and Medicaid do not cover medical marijuana as a treatment option because marijuana is classified as a Schedule I Drug and it's not FDA-approved.

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

Because marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, Medicare does not cover medical marijuana, even if it's legally available for medical purposes in your state.

Linda Davies · Answer

If you have Medicare and are interested in medical marijuana for pain, the full cost will likely need to be paid out of pocket, unless a specific FDA-approved medications is prescribed for its approved use.

Medicare Part D prescription drug plans may cover FDA-approved cannabinoid-based medications when prescribed by a doctor for specific medical uses.

Sam Silva · Answer

No, Medicare does not cover medical marijuana, even if it is prescribed for chronic pain, cancer, or other conditions.

Federal law classifies marijuana as a controlled substance, which prevents Medicare from covering it.

Glenn Alterman · Answer

No.   This is a class one controlled substance and federal law does not allow Medicare to pay for this

David Christian · Answer

Not at all.  Medicare only covers specific medicines that are legal at the Federal level.  Medical Marijuana is not legal at the federal level.

Shahwali Hotaki · Answer

Medicare does not cover medical marijuana, even if it’s prescribed for chronic pain, cancer, or other serious health conditions. This is true regardless of whether your state has legalized it.

Christopher Stewart · Answer

Medicare does not cover medical marijuana. There may be some specific cannabis-based medications that are covered by Medicare and your plan, but you would need to review those with your agent.

Loretta Simmons · Answer

No Medicare does not cover medical marijuana if it's prescribed for chronic pain or cancer the answer is no. However some Part D and Medicare Advantage plans may cover FDA approved cannabis. Coverage can vary.

Answered by Loretta Simmons on August 25, 2025

Agent Licensed in OH, CA, FL, LA, NC & NY

Answered by Loretta Simmons Medicare Insurance Agent

Does Medicare cover medical marijuana if it's prescribed for chronic pain or cancer?

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Does Medicare cover medical marijuana if it's prescribed for chronic pain or cancer?

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