Fair Square Medicare Wordmark

Does Medicare Cover Medical Marijuana?

Illustrated representation of medical marijuana, using a prescription bottle with a marijuana leaf on the front.

By Ford Carlisle

Jan 6, 2023

Medical Marijuana: Usage, Costs, and Coverage Options

Medical marijuana is increasingly popular as a treatment option for various medical conditions and is now legal in many states.

Speak with a Medicare Advocate

Talk to one of our Licensed Medicare Agents today to find the right plans for you.

However, medical marijuana remains illegal at the federal level. This might leave you wondering whether Medicare covers it as a treatment option.

This article will answer all your questions about medical marijuana: why it's used, how much it costs, and whether Medicare offers coverage.

What Is Medical Marijuana?

Medical marijuana is a medical treatment derived from marijuana plants. These plants contain over 100 different chemical compounds called cannabinoids, which are believed to have potential therapeutic properties.

The two main cannabinoid compounds in the marijuana plant include:

  • Cannabidiol (CBD)

  • Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

Both compounds have unique benefits. CBD does not have the same psychoactive effects as THC, which is the compound more associated with feeling high on marijuana.

What Is Medical Marijuana Used For?

Medical marijuana is used to treat the following medical conditions:

  • Chronic pain — relieves neuropathic pain and pain caused by cancer

  • Multiple sclerosis — improves muscle spasms and spasticity

  • Epilepsy — reduces the frequency and severity of seizures in some people

  • Crohn's disease — reduces inflammation and improves symptoms

  • HIV/AIDS — relieves specific symptoms, including severe nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite

  • Inflammation

  • Anxiety

The use of medical marijuana continues to be a topic of debate. Prior to FDA approval, there have not been largescale research studies to help fully understand its benefits and risks.

Is Medical Marijuana FDA-Approved?

No. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not yet recognize marijuana as a medication for any specific medical condition.

However, the FDA has approved certain prescription cannabinoids — products containing at least one plant-derived or synthetically manufactured cannabinoid. (These are available by prescription only).

The FDA-approved cannabinoid-based medications include:

Does Medicare Cover Medical Marijuana?

No,

Medicare

doesn't cover medical marijuana.

However, if you have Medicare Part D or a

Medicare Advantage plan

that covers prescription drugs, you might get coverage for FDA-approved cannabinoid-based medications (as mentioned above). In order to qualify for

prescription drug coverage

, your drug formulary must include your specific medication.

In other words, if your prescription drug plan covers FDA-approved cannabinoid-based medications and your medication is listed in its drug formulary, you might get coverage.

Contact your insurance provider to find out whether cannabinoid-based medications are included in your plan's drug formulary.

Why Doesn't Medicare Cover Medical Marijuana?

Despite being

legal in many states

, 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.

Will Medicare Cover Medical Marijuana in the Future?

Maybe! Marijuana legalization has passed in several states and has been up for debate at the federal level. So, there might be a day when it's federally legal, which could open the door to Medicare coverage of medical marijuana. We will be sure to keep an eye on this and update our blog accordingly.

How Much Does Medical Marijuana Cost?

The cost of medical marijuana depends on the following:

  • The product's quality

    • Medium-grade cannabis costs about $266 per ounce (in the U.S.)

    • High-quality cannabis costs about $326 per ounce (in the U.S)

  • The product's form

    • Inhalable, edible, topical, etc.

  • The location of purchase

    • States with stricter medical cannabis laws tend to have higher prices, while states with more liberal laws and higher production rates tend to have cheaper cannabis

The total expenses also include the following:

  • A healthcare provider's fee for determining your eligibility

  • A fee for the medical marijuana card — around $50–$200

  • A charge for using your medical marijuana card at a dispensary or other licensed establishment

Can I Use My HSA To Pay For Medical Marijuana?

No, you can't use your health savings account (HSA) to pay for medical marijuana.

Because marijuana is illegal under federal law, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers marijuana an ineligible expense for health savings accounts (HSAs).

Since the federal government regulates HSAs, they must adhere to federal law. This means HSA funds can't be used to pay for marijuana, regardless of whether it's used for medical or recreational purposes.

What's a Medical Marijuana Card? How Do I Get One?

A medical marijuana card (AKA a cannabis card or a marijuana card) is an identification card that shows you've been approved to use medical marijuana for medical purposes and allows you to buy and possess marijuana for medicinal use following state laws.

To obtain a medical marijuana card, you must:

  • Be a resident of the state where the card is issued

  • Have a diagnosed qualifying medical condition

  • Obtain a recommendation from a licensed healthcare provider

    • The healthcare provider must be registered with the state's medical marijuana program and certify that you would benefit from the use of medical marijuana

Once certified, you can apply for a medical marijuana card through the state's medical marijuana program.

Do I Need To Tell My Healthcare Provider If I'm Using Medical Marijuana?

Yes, it's generally a good idea to tell your healthcare provider if you're using medical marijuana, as it can affect how your body processes other medications and treatments.

Additionally, your healthcare provider can help you monitor any side effects or interactions with other medications.

It's important to have open and honest communication with your healthcare provider about all aspects of your healthcare, including any complementary or alternative treatments you may be using. This will help them provide you with the best possible care.

Takeaway

Although it's legal in many states, medical marijuana is not yet FDA-approved or covered by Medicare.

However, Medicare may cover FDA-approved cannabinoid-based medications if they're included in your prescription drug plan. Talk to your insurance provider to determine whether they cover specific prescription cannabinoids. You can also talk to your healthcare provider about a medical marijuana card.

If you have any questions,

Fair Square Medicare

is here to help. Medical marijuana laws and regulations can be confusing, but our team will gladly guide you through them. Call us at 1-888-376-2028.

Speak with a Medicare Advocate

Talk to one of our Licensed Medicare Agents today to find the right plans for you.

Recommended Articles

senior african american man feeling pain in his knees from arthritis while on a couch stock photo

How Much Does Xeljanz Cost with Medicare?

Jan 25, 2023

Upset senior woman crying stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Nuedexta?

Nov 30, 2022

Unrecognizable doctor holding highlighted handrawn Kidneys in hands. Medical illustration, template, science mockup. stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Nexavar?

Nov 30, 2022

Model of the lungs with the diseased part. Cancer or Ground glass opacity GGO. stock photo

Does Medicare pay for Opdivo?

Nov 23, 2022

heart surgery stock image

How Much Does Open Heart Surgery Cost with Medicare?

Jan 27, 2023

scientist mixing chemical compounds stock image

Does Medicare Cover Compounded Medications?

Apr 4, 2023

senior couple working in a greenhouse stock image

Medicare Supplement Plans for Low-Income Seniors

Mar 23, 2023

Happy senior man and dentist assistant talking during appointment at dental clinic. stock photo

Finding the Best Dental Plans for Seniors

Jan 4, 2023

Rattlesnake biting on a hiker's boot stock image

Does Medicare Pay for Antivenom?

Dec 6, 2022

Union Station in Denver stock image

15 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Denver

Mar 9, 2023

Mouth guard used to help treat sleep apnea

Does Medicare Cover Mouth Guards for Sleep Apnea?

Dec 8, 2022

Health insurance form on a table with pen, calculator and glasses stock image

What You Need to Know About Creditable Coverage

Jan 18, 2023

Illustrated referential images of a hospital bill, coins, cash in a wallet, a calculator, and a magnifying glass

What Are Medicare Part B Excess Charges?

Jan 6, 2023

bearded man holding his head in confusion looking at his laptop stock image

Why Is Medicare So Confusing?

Apr 19, 2023

Cover image

Can Medicare Advantage Plans be Used Out of State?

Jun 12, 2023

Leg bones and knees, 3d rendering. stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Tymlos?

Dec 5, 2022

Medicare check yes stock image

How to Apply for Medicare?

Jul 15, 2022

Cover image

Denied Coverage? What to Do When Your Carrier Says No

Jul 15, 2025

More of our articles

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Columbus

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Jacksonville

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Philadelphia

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Nashville

Building the Future of Senior Healthcare

Can I Laminate My Medicare Card?

Can I switch From Medicare Advantage to Medigap?

Can Medicare Advantage Plans Deny Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions?

Can Medicare Help with the Cost of Tyrvaya?

Comparing All Medigap Plans | Chart Updated for 2025

Costco Pharmacy Partners with Fair Square

Do Medicare Supplement Plans Cover Dental and Vision?

Do You Need Books on Medicare?

Does Medicare Cover a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

Does Medicare Cover Air Purifiers?

Does Medicare Cover Bariatric Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Boniva?

Does Medicare Cover Cardiac Ablation?

Does Medicare Cover Cervical Disc Replacement?

Does Medicare Cover Cold Laser Therapy (CLT)?

Does Medicare Cover COVID Tests?

Does Medicare cover Deviated Septum Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Disposable Underwear?

Does Medicare Cover Hepatitis C Treatment?

Does Medicare Cover Hypnotherapy?

Does Medicare Cover Incontinence Supplies?

Does Medicare Cover Iovera Treatment?

Does Medicare Cover Ketamine Infusion for Depression?

Does Medicare Cover Krystexxa?

Does Medicare Cover Kyphoplasty?

Does Medicare Cover Medical Marijuana?

Does Medicare Cover Oxybutynin?

Does Medicare Cover Ozempic?

Does Medicare Cover Penile Implant Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Piqray?

Does Medicare Cover PTNS?

Does Medicare Cover RSV Vaccines?

Does Medicare Cover SI Joint Fusion?

Does Medicare Cover SIBO Testing?

Does Medicare Cover the Urolift Procedure?

Does Medicare Have Limitations on Hospital Stays?

Does Medicare Require a Referral for Audiology Exams?

Fair Square Bulletin: We're Revolutionizing Medicare

Gap Health Insurance: The Secret Sidekick to Your High-Deductible Plan

How Do Medigap Premiums Vary?

How is Medicare Changing in 2025?

How Medicare Costs Can Pile Up

How Much Does a Pacemaker Cost with Medicare?

How Much Does Trelegy Cost with Medicare?

How Your Employer Insurance and Medicare Work Together

Is Displacement Affecting Your Medicare Coverage?

Is Gainswave Covered by Medicare?

Is HIFU Covered by Medicare?

Is PAE Covered by Medicare?

Medicare Advantage MSA Plans

Medicare Guaranteed Issue Rights by State

Medicare Savings Programs in Kansas

Plan G vs. Plan N

Saving Money with Alternative Pharmacies & Discount Programs

Should You Work With A Remote Medicare Agent?

The Fair Square Bulletin: October 2023

Top 10 Physical Therapy Clinics in San Diego

What Happens to Unused Medicare Set-Aside Funds?

What Is a Medicare Supplement SELECT Plan?

What Is Medical Underwriting for Medigap?

What Is the Medicare Birthday Rule in Nevada?

What To Do If Your Medicare Advantage Plan Is Discontinued

What to Do When Your Doctor Doesn't Take Medicare

When to Choose Medicare Advantage over Medicare Supplement

Which Medigap Policies Provide Coverage for Long-Term Care?

Will Medicare Cover Dental Implants?

Will Medicare Cover it?

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

Your guide to Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap. 100% free.

Get the Fair Square Bulletin

Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans

Fair Square 2025

Terms of Use
Notice of Privacy Practices

Virgil Insurance Agency, LLC (DBA Fair Square Medicare) and www.fairsquaremedicare.com are privately owned and operated by Help Button Inc. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed agent/producer may contact you. Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease. Virgil Insurance Agency is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. The plans we represent do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov. © 2025 Help Button Inc

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

MULTIPLAN_FairSquareMedicare_01062022_M