The ability for hospitals to dispense weed will be tested in a multitude of ways; the first being that, even among ACOS, only a few models will be eligible for the pilot. For these ACO model programs, the new“ CBD Pilot Program” falls under a category called Beneficiary Engagement Incentive( BEI), specifically, the“ Substance Access” BEI. Participant ACOs implementing this BEI may elect, at their own expense, to provide up to $ 500 a year of eligible hemp products to eligible beneficiaries. The $ 500 is not reimbursed by Medicare.
Eligible Beneficiary Requirements:
● Age 18 or older and live in a state with a medical cannabis program.
● Have a state-issued medical cannabis license.
● Do not have specified disqualifying conditions.
Eligible Hemp Products Requirements:
● Federally legal hemp-derived products containing no more than 0.3 % delta-9 THC.
● No inhalable products
● No edibles containing more than 3mg THC( delta-8, delta-10, and THCA) per serving.
● No products containing cannabinoids not naturally produced by the cannabis plant.
Finally, the ACOs who elect to provide this BEI will be required to procure and coordinate the distribution of the cannabis products. They expressly cannot instruct their patients to go to a dispensary, buy products, and submit a receipt for reimbursement. Despite the name BEI, this cannot be marketed in any way as an incentive to entice beneficiaries to choose that healthcare provider. To prevent conflicts of interest, providers are barred from receiving kickbacks from cannabis manufacturers or sellers.
Under this program, each provider who elects to have this BEI would essentially need to build and manage their own micro-dispensary, dispense cannabis products, and pay for it all without the ability to advertise that they are doing it. Plus, they would be required to monitor all usage, implement safeguards, and report it to the CMS.
The Next Frontier of Legal Medical Cannabis
More remains to be seen when it comes to how the federal government will ultimately decide how to regulate cannabis. Two things will almost certainly be true, however: first, the federal government will most certainly only allow cannabis products with very limited dosages and consumption methods, and second, people who want to use federally legal cannabis must have a state-issued medical marijuana card.
If people want to advocate for the expansion of legal cannabis while staying protected under state and federal laws, then obtaining a Missouri medical marijuana ID card( sample below) is the first step. The federal government will be using the state-issued licenses to define who is allowed access to medical cannabis.
SAMPLE
As laws expand to allow medical cannabis in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and assisted living homes, patients will ensure their ability to keep their medical cannabis with them by keeping their state-issued medical marijuana ID card current. Information about the Missouri Medical Marijuana Program is available through the Division of Cannabis Regulation Patient Services website. Learn more about how-to apply and instructions to download your medical ID card from the online registry portal at https:// Cannabis. mo. gov( or scan the QR code) and see“ Patient Services” for more details.
Sara Figueroa studied Gerontology at Webster University and is the first gerontologist to work in Missouri’ s cannabis industry. In addition to managing BeLeaf Medical’ s Wellness and Aging Program, Figueroa is co-director of The Church on Delmar, a cannabis consumption event space in St. Louis, MO. For inquiries, email Sara Figueroa at wellness @ swadecannabis. com.
Notice: The information contained herein is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, but rather a sharing of knowledge and information based on research and experience. The content is for general informational purposes only. As always, check with your doctor first.
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