Charlotte’s Web to Offer CBD Products in New Medicare Pilot Program
Charlotte's Web partners with Medicare Innovation to provide CBD products to oncology patients, reducing costs and expanding access
Key Points
- 1Charlotte's Web joins Medicare pilot to offer CBD to cancer patients
- 2Program aims to reduce costs and expand access through Medicare
- 3Scientific Advisory Board ensures product safety and efficacy
- 4Realm of Caring provides educational support for patients and providers
- 5Federal initiatives support broader access to CBD treatments
Charlotte's Web, a leading CBD company, is set to participate in a groundbreaking new pilot program by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI). This initiative aims to provide CBD products to older adult oncology patients, reducing their out-of-pocket expenses and expanding access to these therapeutic options. The program, which will launch in early 2026, will enable patients to access multiple CBD products through an online healthcare portal
The program's inclusion of CBD products marks a significant shift in healthcare, as it seeks to make these treatments more accessible to low-income individuals through Medicare reimbursement. Bill Morachnick, CEO of Charlotte's Web, emphasized the company's commitment to setting industry standards in quality and science, inspired by the story of Charlotte Figi, whose use of CBD brought widespread attention to its potential benefits. "This initiative marks a historic step forward," Morachnick stated, highlighting the company's role in expanding access to safe, non-intoxicating hemp CBD products
Adding scientific expertise to the program, Charlotte's Web's Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) will guide the initiative's development. Chief Scientific Officer Marcel Bonn-Miller, PhD, underscored the importance of scientific rigor, noting that the company integrates real-world evidence and patient-reported outcomes into its research and development process. The nonprofit Realm of Caring will also play a crucial role by coordinating therapeutic guidance and education for both providers and patients
The broader impact of this program is underscored by recent federal initiatives, including President Donald Trump's executive order on the rescheduling of cannabis. Dr. Mehmet Oz, CMS Administrator, highlighted the potential reach of this program, noting that it could allow millions of Americans on Medicare to receive CBD treatments at no charge if prescribed by their doctors. This development represents a significant advancement in making CBD a viable option for patient care within the Medicare system