The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has detailed a new plan that could allow participants to have up to $500 per year covered for hemp CBD and THC products.
The Substance Access Beneficiary Engagement Incentive (BEI) is an optional program in certain CMS Innovation Center models that allows for consultation with eligible beneficiaries about the possible use of eligible hemp products to improve symptom control.
The CMS said it could become available by April 1, 2026, and that the BEI will become available to eligible LEAD participants on January 1, 2027.
Eligible hemp products are limited to federally legal hemp-derived products containing no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC and expressly excludes inhalable products, any products containing more than 3 mg per serving of THC in an orally administered form, and any products containing cannabinoids not naturally produced or capable of being produced by or in the cannabis plant during its cultivation.
Charlotte's Web, a hemp extract wellness company, cheered the decision from the CMS.
"We are grateful for CMS's thoughtful approach in expanding access and creating space for responsible, evidence based hemp wellness conversations in clinical settings," said Charlotte's Web Bill Morachnick in a statement. "This program aligns with our mission to advance safe, high quality, science backed hemp options for consumers, and we remain committed to supporting sensible legislation that protects patients and strengthens the integrity of our industry."
