420 with CNW — Will Health Insurance Ever Cover Medical Marijuana in the US?

Health insurance coverage for medical marijuana remains largely out of reach across the U.S., but a new initiative could soon offer some financial relief to patients who rely on marijuana-based treatments.

The American Council of Cannabis Medicine (ACCM) has introduced a reimbursement program known as Elevated States, which aims to cover part of the expenses tied to medical cannabis use. Under the program, qualifying patients could get up to $175 each month to offset costs related to cannabis purchases and doctor consultations.

Several major insurers, including Envita Health, Cigna, and Detego Health, are reportedly participating in certain plans across the 38 states where medical cannabis is legal. ACCM consultant Doug Benns expects about 15 insurance companies to be involved by the time open enrollment begins on November 1. Coverage details vary, with some plans reimbursing medical consultations, while others extend benefits to dispensary purchases, or both.

Despite growing public acceptance of medical cannabis and several state-level rulings requiring reimbursement under workers’ compensation, federal prohibition continues to deter large-scale insurer involvement. The lack of federal guidance leaves most patients paying out of pocket for cannabis-based treatments.

According to Steph Sherer, president of Americans for Safe Access, the new efforts should not be mistaken for full insurance coverage. “There’s a lot of discussion about frameworks and benefits, but right now no insurance company is truly covering marijuana,” she said. Most of the current offerings, Sherer added, resemble employee discounts rather than actual medical benefits. Patients may receive price reductions at dispensaries or with cannabis specialists, but that’s far from the comprehensive coverage advocates are seeking.

Some states have experimented with workers’ compensation reimbursements for medical marijuana, though experts say these remain isolated examples rather than signs of a national shift. Still, even partial reimbursement could provide a much-needed boost for the industry, which often sees patient numbers decline once recreational markets open.

One early participant in the EM2P2 and ACCM network is Kolas, a Sacramento-based cannabis company that operates six dispensaries serving both medical and recreational customers. Kevin McCarty, the company’s compliance director, said medical users currently make up about 5% of their clientele, but he expects that number to grow once patients can seek reimbursement.

Federal prohibition remains the biggest barrier to true insurance integration. Without consistent federal guidelines or standardized medical protocols, insurers are hesitant to underwrite cannabis treatments. Advocates argue that reclassifying marijuana under federal law could be a turning point.

Cannabis companies from far and near, such as Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB), hope wider reforms are made so that patients who need medical marijuana aren’t left to incur the full cost of their treatment out of pocket despite having medical insurance.

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CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.

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420 with CNW — Marijuana Firms Ask Supreme Court to Hear Case Challenging Federal Cannabis Ban

A group of cannabis businesses has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review the constitutionality of the federal government’s ongoing prohibition on marijuana.

The petition, filed Friday by Boies Schiller Flexner LLP on behalf of several Massachusetts-based companies, including Verano Holdings, Canna Provisions, Wiseacre Farm, and Gyasi Sellers, contends that the federal government oversteps its authority by criminalizing cannabis operations that occur solely within state borders.

At the heart of their argument is the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The companies say it prevents Washington from applying criminal laws to marijuana businesses that operate only inside a single state’s regulated system. They are asking the justices to revisit the 2005 ruling in Gonzales v. Raich, in which the court narrowly upheld the federal government’s power to enforce marijuana prohibition even against intrastate activity in California.

According to the new petition, that decision marked a sharp break from established interpretations of the Elastic and Commerce Clauses, leading to what the filing calls “a serious intrusion” into states’ rights to manage health and safety matters.

The brief argues that the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) undermines the policy decisions of 38 states that have legalized cannabis in some form. It argues that while only nine states had legalized cannabis when Raich was decided, the landscape has since changed dramatically, and Congress’s national ban “displaces those states’ choices and imposes federal will on local policy.”

A federal appeals court dismissed the companies’ claims in May, following an earlier loss in district court. Despite the setbacks, attorneys for the plaintiffs have made clear from the start that they intended to bring the issue before the Supreme Court. At least four justices are required to vote in favor of review.

Some observers see a potential opening in past comments from Justice Clarence Thomas. In 2021, he criticized the federal government’s inconsistent stance toward marijuana, calling it “a half-in, half-out regime” that both tolerates and forbids local use. Thomas suggested that the court might one day need to reconsider Raich, given the significant changes in the legal landscape.

The filing comes as the federal government considers whether to move cannabis to Schedule III under the CSA—a change President Donald Trump said he would decide on soon but has yet to announce. Separately, the Supreme Court agreed this week to hear another case testing the constitutionality of a federal law that bars individuals who use marijuana or other drugs from owning firearms, an issue the administration argues is critical to public safety.

Marijuana firms like Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) from across the country will be watching whether the Supreme Court votes to hear this petition and what eventual ruling they make after the legal process runs its course.

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420 with CNW — Medical Cannabis Slashes Opioid Use Among Surgical Patients with Cancer

A new study suggests that states allowing medical cannabis sales through licensed dispensaries may see fewer prescriptions for strong opioids among cancer patients recovering from surgery. However, the same policy appears to coincide with a higher rate of hospital visits for reasons unrelated to cancer treatment.

The research, published in Cancer, compared opioid use among cancer patients in states with and without medical cannabis laws. Researchers found that legalization accompanied by dispensaries was linked to a 4.6% drop in prescriptions for strong opioids compared with states that had not legalized medical cannabis. At the same time, the data showed a 2.6% rise in all-cause emergency department visits or hospitalizations.

To carry out the study, investigators analyzed information from 27 states that had not legalized medical cannabis by early 2016. They tracked which of those states passed legalization measures from 2016 to 2022 and noted whether dispensaries were opened following legalization. The researchers tracked when legalization took effect and when each state’s first dispensary began operating.

In total, 13 states did not adopt legalization during that period, three approved medical cannabis without dispensaries, and 11 legalized with dispensaries in operation.

The team used data from the Health Care Cost Institute, focusing on privately insured adults. The study included 34,911 individuals between 18 and 64 years who were newly diagnosed with lung, breast, or colorectal cancer and underwent surgery within six months. Nearly half of the participants were between 55 and 64 years old. Many also reported other pain conditions such as arthritis, back pain, or neck pain.

During the six months following surgery, about 40% of the patients received at least one opioid prescription. One-third were prescribed strong short-acting opioids, while around 10% received weaker formulations. Roughly one in five patients had an emergency room visit or hospital stay not directly related to their cancer treatment, and 2.4% had visits tied to pain management.

The overall rate of opioid prescribing did not change significantly after states adopted medical cannabis policies. Still, the presence of dispensaries appeared to reduce the need for stronger opioids. In contrast, states that legalized medical cannabis without dispensaries saw a small 1.2% rise in prescriptions for weaker opioids.

Researchers believe that legalization may foster more open communication between patients and doctors about cannabis use, which could lead to more cautious opioid prescribing—such as substituting weaker drugs or using smaller doses for shorter durations.

The study’s authors cautioned that while these policies might influence how pain is treated, they could also carry unintended risks. They called for further research on the direct effects of medical marijuana on pain control, drug side effects, and overall recovery outcomes to help shape future evidence-based guidelines.

Medical marijuana providers like Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) are likely to analyze these study findings in order to get some insights about the role that marijuana can play to enhance pain management among different groups of patients.

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420 with CNW — New Rule in Florida Puts Access to Medical Cannabis at Risk

Over 160 Floridians with state-issued medical cannabis cards have lost or could soon lose access to their prescriptions following a new regulation from the state health department. The rule, enacted this summer, targets patients charged with or convicted of drug-related offenses.

Bobbie Smith, who leads the state’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU), told lawmakers on October 15 that 20 people already meet the conditions for revocation under Senate Bill 2514. Another 140 remain under court review and could face similar action once convictions are finalized.

The new rule stems from a Senate Appropriations Committee measure initially tied to a student loan program for dental students. The law suspends medical cannabis cards for caregivers and patients accused or convicted of possessing illegal drugs. Once convicted or entering a no-contest plea, their cards are revoked.

Those affected can reapply only after completing their sentences and submitting a notarized affidavit confirming compliance with all court requirements.

Governor Ron DeSantis signed the bill into law on July 3. Within weeks, the health department expedited rulemaking, pushing the measure through the state’s usual administrative hurdles in record time—a pace far faster than the usual months-long regulatory process that includes public input and reviews.

The move marks a significant tightening of Florida’s medical cannabis program as advocates prepare a 2026 ballot initiative seeking to legalize recreational use. Meanwhile, a grand jury in Leon County is investigating allegations that figures tied to the DeSantis administration helped finance opposition to a similar 2024 proposal that voters ultimately rejected.

Orlando lawyer John Morgan, who bankrolled the 2016 campaign that legalized medical cannabis and is often called “Pot Daddy,” criticized the governor’s stance. “DeSantis believes opposing medical marijuana is politically smart. I think he’s wrong,” Morgan said. He has hinted at a possible independent run for governor after the 2025 primaries.

Patient advocates argue the rule unfairly punishes people by cutting off access to necessary treatment.

According to the DOH’s 2025 OMMU report, the number of Floridians with state-issued medical cannabis cards has surged to 925,000, more than doubling since 2020. Among patients, 42 percent are diagnosed with PTSD, 29 percent qualify under listed medical conditions, and 13 percent use cannabis to manage chronic pain. Nearly six in ten cardholders are older than 35, with those aged 35 to 44 and over 65 representing the largest groups.

While marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, Florida’s Amendment 2 continues to protect patients who meet the state’s medical criteria—a program now facing its most restrictive phase yet.

The wider marijuana industry, including leading entities like TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF), will be unhappy that people who badly need medical cannabis may end up being denied the treatments they need due to the new law.

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420 with CNW — Court Starts Hearing Case Against Florida Marijuana Licensing Process

A months-long legal showdown began on October 20 over who gets to enter Florida’s tightly controlled medical cannabis market, a fight that could reshape one of the state’s fastest-growing industries.

The administrative hearing, expected to continue into mid-February, follows nearly a year of disputes since health officials announced they intended to grant 22 new licenses out of more than 70 applications. Thirteen rejected companies are now challenging those decisions before an administrative judge.

The state’s health department and most of the selected applicants are also part of the complex proceedings, which include hundreds of documents and days of expert testimony. At the heart of the dispute are scoring discrepancies that determined which companies advanced and which were left out. Applicants were graded on a point system ranging from 1,450 to 3,280. The lowest winner scored just a single point higher than one of the challengers.

Attorney Will Hall, representing Liner Source Inc., told the judge that his client missed the cutoff by only 23 points. Hall argued that evaluators unfairly rated Liner Source’s cultivation plan, awarding just 5 of 60 possible points, even though the company had already invested heavily in growing facilities and equipment.

Other disputes center on procedural issues. MSD Enterprises LLC, which earned one of the highest total scores, was disqualified because regulators said the company failed to list every individual associated with its ownership, as required by the state. Another contender, Niraam LLC, is fighting its rejection under a rule that bars any entity from holding stakes in multiple cannabis licenses.

The disputed licenses stem from a 2017 state law requiring the expansion of Florida’s medical cannabis program as patient numbers grow. More than 930,000 Floridians are now qualified for medical cannabis, making this the first major opportunity for new businesses since that law passed.

Florida currently has 25 licensed operators running 736 dispensaries statewide. The latest application round, launched in 2023, drew 72 submissions, nearly doubling the state’s potential market size.

Ed Lombard, representing the Health Department, noted that the hearing coincides with the 10th anniversary of Florida’s first cannabis licenses.

Many applicants had hoped to capitalize on the potential legalization of recreational cannabis through a 2024 constitutional amendment. The measure fell short of the required 60% approval, despite a $145 million campaign by Trulieve-backed Smart and Safe Florida, which now plans a similar push for the 2026 ballot.

The expansion of the medical marijuana program is expected to create opportunities not only for marijuana companies but also ancillary companies operating on a similar model to that of Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) within the wider business ecosystem around the cannabis industry.

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420 with CNW — Supreme Court to Hear Case on Gun Rights of Marijuana Users

The US Supreme Court has stated that it will hear a case on whether individuals who frequently use cannabis can legally possess firearms. The case will mark the latest in a series of major gun rights disputes since the Court’s 2022 decision that broadened constitutional protections for gun ownership.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is asking the Court to revive a prosecution against a Texas man, Ali Danial Hemani, who faced a felony charge for owning a firearm while admitting to being a regular marijuana user.

A federal appeals court had earlier struck down that law, ruling that it was unconstitutional under the Supreme Court’s new interpretation of the Second Amendment. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals said the measure could still apply to individuals found to be armed while actively under the influence, but not to all users in general.

Although the Trump administration generally supports gun rights, government lawyers maintain that the restriction is justified on public safety grounds. They argue that habitual drug users pose unique risks that justify limiting their access to firearms.

Prosecutors noted that during an FBI search, agents found Hemani’s firearm along with cocaine, though the gun possession charge was the only count filed. Defense attorneys countered that the mention of other alleged activities, including ties to Iran, was intended to unfairly portray Hemani as dangerous.

Hemani’s defense team argues that the law’s broad language could criminalize millions of Americans, pointing out that roughly one in five adults has used marijuana, according to federal health surveys. While nearly half of U.S. states have legalized cannabis for recreational use, it remains a controlled substance under federal law, leaving many users caught between conflicting legal standards.

Arguments before the Supreme Court are expected to begin in early 2026, with a ruling likely by the summer. The decision could have broad implications for how federal firearm restrictions are interpreted in the wake of the Court’s 2022 New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen decision, which established that gun regulations must be consistent with the nation’s historical tradition.

That 2022 judgment has already fueled a surge of legal challenges to firearm laws nationwide. While the Court has since upheld a separate law preventing individuals under domestic violence restraining orders from possessing guns, this new case could further define how far constitutional protections for gun owners extend when other federal prohibitions are involved.

Marijuana companies like SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL) from far and wide will be following this case since it could set a precedent that defines whether cannabis users can legally own firearms or not.

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420 with CNW — New Hampshire Lawmakers Push to Legalize Marijuana

Efforts to legalize recreational cannabis in New Hampshire are back on the table as legislators press forward with new proposals aimed at changing state law.

Representative Jared Sullivan has introduced House Bill 186, which is currently before the Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee. Sullivan said he expects the measure to earn backing from both parties when it faces an initial vote on October 28. The full House is expected to take up the bill next year.

Still, Sullivan admits that the road ahead will be difficult. He doubts the Senate will approve it and points out that Governor Kelly Ayotte remains firmly opposed to legalization.

“We’re a coequal branch of government, and it’s our responsibility to move forward with what we believe is the right policy,” Sullivan said. “If the Senate or the governor does not want to support it, they’ll need to explain to the 70% of New Hampshire residents who favor legalization why they’re standing in the way.”

His comment refers to an April survey by the University of New Hampshire that found seven in ten residents support allowing adults to possess small amounts of recreational cannabis. So far, roughly half the states across the country—including every state in New England—have legalized cannabis in some form.

New Hampshire’s House has approved legalization measures before, but they have repeatedly been stopped in the Senate.

Under HB 186, adults 21 and older could possess up to two ounces of marijuana. Sales would take place in licensed stores overseen by a newly formed state commission.

The Granite State reduced penalties for marijuana possession in 2017, turning small-scale possession into a minor violation similar to a traffic fine. Medical cannabis was legalized in 2013.

Meanwhile, Senator Donovan Fenton is preparing a separate Senate proposal, though the final version has not yet been released. He believes New Hampshire is falling behind its neighbors. “Every state around us has already done this,” he said. “They’re not seeing major problems, and it’s generating significant revenue.”

Critics argue that easier access to marijuana could harm public health, particularly among young people. They also worry that legalization would lead to more public use and complaints from residents who don’t want to encounter the marijuana smell.

Supporters counter that cannabis is already widely available through illegal channels. They say a regulated system would ensure safer products, reduce black-market activity, and bring in new tax revenue for the state.

The broader cannabis industry, including established entities like Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF), will be hoping that this particular legalization attempt succeeds and adults who wish to consume marijuana recreationally have the opportunity to access the products they need from legal outlets within the state.

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420 with CNW — More Americans are Consuming Marijuana Beverages, Less Alcohol

More consumers are swapping traditional alcoholic beverages for cannabis-infused alternatives across the United States. These drinks, often packaged like seltzers, teas, or sodas, contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—the psychoactive compound in marijuana—and sometimes cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating ingredient said to ease stress and discomfort.

The rise in marijuana beverages comes as fewer Americans report drinking alcohol. A Gallup poll released in July found that the share of adults who consume alcohol has dropped to 54 percent, marking the lowest rate since the organization began monitoring drinking habits in the late 1930s. Public attitudes toward alcohol have also shifted, with a growing number of people viewing even moderate intake as unhealthy.

Industry analysts say marijuana drinks are increasingly being positioned as substitutes for beer, wine, and cocktails. Data from Whitney Economics indicates that THC beverage sales could rise from approximately $1.1 billion in 2024 to $5.6 billion by 2035. The consultancy notes that this surge reflects both consumer curiosity and broader acceptance of hemp-derived products.

The U.S. market now hosts hundreds of marijuana beverage brands, ranging from regional start-ups to nationally distributed labels. Many promote their products as nonalcoholic, low-calorie, and sugar-free options for social occasions. Retail interest is also growing, with some large chains testing THC drink sales in states where they are permitted.

Analysts say the strongest growth is coming from women in their 30s and 40s who want an alternative that fits a health-conscious lifestyle.

While the products are gaining popularity, health professionals continue to caution about potential side effects. Medical experts say that marijuana, whether inhaled or consumed through edibles and beverages, can influence brain function, heart rate, and coordination.

Short-term effects may include slower reaction times, memory lapses, or impaired focus, which can increase risks in activities like driving. Prolonged or heavy use, especially among younger individuals, may lead to long-lasting cognitive challenges or dependency.

Despite varying state laws, cannabis drinks are now legal in 44 states, with 37 allowing them to be sold outside marijuana dispensaries. They’re showing up in bars, restaurants, and even major retail chains. In Georgia, for example, Scofflaw Beverage Company, a former brewery, revived its business by selling hemp-derived THC seltzers. “It’s been a huge change in what people want,” said co-founder Matt Shirah, noting that the new product line could outgrow the company’s beer sales.

Major retailers are taking notice too. Target confirmed it is testing THC beverages at select liquor stores in Minnesota, joining others like Total Wine and More in exploring the category. Industry groups estimate there are approximately 750 marijuana beverage brands in the U.S., though only about 30 have a national reach.

These shifts in consumer interests are likely to be watched by marijuana companies like Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) as they could provide insights to help shape the companies’ future strategies.

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420 with CNW — Missouri Regulators Consider Authorizing Marijuana Curbside Pickup

Missouri cannabis dispensaries could soon have another way to serve customers, as state regulators consider a rule that would permit curbside pickup. The proposal would expand the current options, which already include delivery and drive-thru services with state approval.

The state Division of Cannabis Regulation this week released a draft amendment that outlines how dispensaries could implement curbside pickup. The agency is inviting public comments on the proposal through October 28 before deciding whether to move forward.

For some dispensary owners and cannabis customers, the change could make a big difference. Mark Hendren, CEO of Flora Farms, one of Missouri’s largest cannabis companies, said curbside service would help customers who have mobility challenges. Three of Flora Farms’ eight dispensaries currently lack drive-thru windows, which means every visitor must park, walk inside, and go through standard check-in procedures.

“When customers visit our stores, they have to get out of their vehicles and go through the normal check-in inside the building,” Hendren said. “That process can be challenging for some of our customers with disabilities, so this would really help them.”

Under the draft rules, curbside pickup would operate under strict security and payment guidelines. Customers would have to complete their transactions online in advance, ensuring no cash is exchanged outside the dispensary. The designated pickup areas would also need to be monitored by security cameras, similar to those required for existing drive-thru cannabis lanes.

Dispensaries would additionally be required to display a clear warning sign reminding customers that it is illegal to operate a boat, motor vehicle, or aircraft while under the influence of cannabis.

The draft amendment released on Tuesday is still in the early stages and has not yet been incorporated into the state’s formal rulemaking process. According to the state Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), which oversees the Cannabis Regulation Division, the move is meant to gather input from both industry members and the public before the agency submits an official rule change.

“This step is part of DHSS’s ongoing process to consider all perspectives before filing new or amended regulations,” the department said in a statement.

According to the department’s statement, the goal of the amendment is to improve how dispensaries operate by making cannabis purchases more accessible. The agency said the curbside option would particularly benefit medical patients, caregivers, and consumers with physical limitations who might struggle with in-person transactions.

Such helpful changes are likely to be applauded by players like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) in the wider marijuana industry around the region.

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420 with CNW — Study Uncovers Genetic Links Between Marijuana Use and Health Challenges

Researchers from the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, working alongside the genetics company 23andMe, have pinpointed specific regions in the human genome that appear to influence marijuana use.

Their findings, published in Molecular Psychiatry, suggest connections between these genetic factors and various psychiatric, cognitive, and physical health traits. The research could help shape future prevention and treatment options for cannabis use disorder.

According to the study’s senior author, Dr. Sandra Sanchez-Roige, marijuana is widely used, yet its long-term health impacts remain unclear. The team set out to better understand how genetics contribute to behaviors linked with cannabis use disorder, a condition that can disrupt daily life and affect nearly 30 percent of people who regularly use the drug.

The team conducted a large-scale genome-wide association study (GWAS), using genetic data from 131,895 participants who volunteered through 23andMe’s research program. Participants completed surveys indicating whether they had ever used marijuana and, if so, how frequently they used it.

Co-author Dr. Abraham Palmer noted that genetic science has long shown that inherited factors influence drug experimentation and addiction. “Tools like GWAS allow us to uncover biological pathways that connect marijuana use to brain activity and behavior,” he said.

The analysis identified two major genes tied to lifetime marijuana use. The first, known as CADM2, helps regulate communication between brain cells and has been previously linked to traits such as impulsivity, cancer spread, and obesity. The second, GRM3, plays a role in brain signaling and plasticity and has known connections to mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Further analysis uncovered 40 additional genes connected to lifetime marijuana use and four related to how often people used marijuana. Notably, 29 of these had not previously been linked to marijuana-related behaviors.

When comparing genetic data with medical information from large databases, the scientists found that a predisposition for marijuana use often overlapped with risks for over 100 traits. These included psychiatric conditions such as depression, ADHD, and anxiety, as well as cognitive differences and physical illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, and chronic pain. Genetic correlations were also observed with tobacco use, autoimmune diseases, and infections like HIV and hepatitis.

Dr. Hayley Thorpe, the study’s lead author, noted that marijuana use exists on a spectrum. Studying early-use behaviors, she said, helps clarify how genetic risks emerge before full cannabis use disorder develops.

Currently, there are no FDA-approved medications for cannabis use disorder, but the researchers hope these findings will pave the way for new therapies and prevention strategies.

The study findings show that cannabis use disorder is more complicated than has been thought. Marijuana businesses like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) are likely to interest themselves in any follow up research done to get more insights on how customers can be better advised on product use.

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