Trump Approves Pilot Program Allowing Free Cannabis-Derived Products for Medicare Recipients

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has authorized a new executive order that launches a pilot initiative enabling Medicare to provide certain cannabis-based products to older adults at no cost.

The introduction of Free Cannabis-Derived Products through a Medicare pilot program could significantly expand access to alternative wellness options for seniors, especially those seeking non-opioid solutions for pain management, sleep disorders, and anxiety.

How Free Cannabis-Derived Products Could Benefit Medicare Recipients

This policy shift could offer new options for seniors seeking alternative ways to address common health concerns such as persistent pain, sleep-related issues, and anxiety—particularly for those looking to reduce reliance on traditional prescription medications.

Cannabis use continues to grow among seniors

Cannabis consumption among Americans aged 65 and older has risen sharply in recent years. A 2023 study conducted by New York University found that 7% of adults in this age group reported cannabis use within the previous month. This represents a notable increase from 4.8% in 2021 and 5.2% in 2022—an overall growth of nearly 46% in just two years.

What the executive order changes

A key component of the order is the reclassification of marijuana as a Schedule III substance. This places it alongside medications such as codeine-based pain relievers, rather than grouping it with Schedule I drugs like heroin or LSD.

The order also authorizes Medicare to begin covering CBD (cannabidiol) products through a controlled pilot program. According to Trump, existing scientific evidence supports

acknowledging the medical potential of cannabis when used responsibly, particularly as a less

risky alternative to opioids, which carry a high potential for addiction.

Medicare pilot program: key points

• Coverage will apply only to CBD-based products; THC-containing products are excluded.

• The program could begin as early as April next year.

• Eligible patients would receive CBD products free of charge, provided a physician

recommends them.

• Officials from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services noted that Medicare

Advantage plans may also explore CBD coverage, with the possibility of future expansion

to Medicaid.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health and Human Services has recently shown a more flexible stance on cannabis-related regulations, reflecting broader shifts in federal policy discussions.

Potential wellness benefits of CBD

Healthcare professionals suggest that CBD is increasingly viewed as a relatively low-risk

compound that may help support overall wellness. Areas of interest include stress reduction,

improved sleep quality, and relief from chronic discomfort—although further clinical research is still needed.

At the same time, studies supported by the Food and Drug Administration warn that long-term CBD use could pose risks, such as liver-related complications or interactions with certain

medications.

Mixed reactions from the medical community

Patient advocacy groups have welcomed the pilot program as a step toward healthcare policies that better align with modern medical research. However, some clinicians caution that focusing exclusively on CBD overlooks other cannabinoids, such as THC, which have been more extensively studied in clinical environments, including leading academic institutions.

Final thoughts

This initiative highlights a growing acceptance of CBD within the U.S. healthcare framework,

especially for older adults. Should the pilot program yield positive results, it may lay the

groundwork for broader, more regulated access to CBD-based therapies under public health

coverage.