Medical Cannabis Program: Revolutionizing Employee Benefits
Hey there, fellow cannabis enthusiasts! Today, let’s dive into some groundbreaking news that’s shaking up the world of employee benefits. You see, there’s this exciting partnership that’s all set to change the game, and it involves something we’re all pretty passionate about – medical cannabis. Buckle up because we’re about to explore how businesses are taking a bold step towards supporting their employees’ well-being.
The Bennabis Health and CannaCoverage Duo
First things first, picture this: a world where your workplace benefits package includes medical marijuana coverage. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, hold on to your rolling papers because it’s about to become a reality, thanks to a dynamic duo – Bennabis Health and CannaCoverage.
Albeit not your typical insurance plan, Bennabis isn’t handing out insurance cards for your next dispensary visit. Instead, they’re offering something equally enticing – discounts on medical marijuana products. Employers can seamlessly integrate this into their existing benefit plans, thanks to the wizards at CannaCoverage.
But what if you’re flying solo without employer benefits? Don’t sweat it. Bennabis has got you covered with an individual membership that snags you a sweet 15 percent discount at participating dispensaries.
Now, you might wonder how exactly this partnership works. Bennabis Health isn’t growing cannabis in their backyard. Nope, they’re all about connecting patients with the right dispensaries. They’ve built a network of participating medical dispensaries, and guess what? These dispensaries share their commitment to supporting patients on their cannabis journey.
Medical Cannabis: The Future of Employee Benefits
Now, let’s talk about the bigger picture here. This partnership isn’t just a one-time thing; it’s a sign of things to come. We’re talking about normalizing medical marijuana coverage in workplace benefits. The Health and Human Services Department (HHS) recently suggested rescheduling marijuana under the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
Additionally, with the recent recommendation of HHS to reschedule cannabis, these two organizations anticipate legalization will occur in the near future. Schedule III will help normalize cannabis as medicine, and the future of health care will include this new benefit option.
Nichelle Santos, the CEO of CannaCoverage, sums it up pretty darn well: “We are pleased to partner with Bennabis Health at a pivotal moment in history, as cannabis is legalized in the majority of states across the U.S. The opportunity for cannabis to be rescheduled allows a pathway for medical cannabis as a multi-modal option and alternative to opioids and other synthetic prescription drugs.
Now, you’re probably wondering where you can enjoy these fantastic benefits. Currently, Bennabis’s network covers dispensaries in three jurisdictions: five in New Jersey, one in Washington, D.C., and one in New Mexico. That’s the scoop for now, but keep your eyes peeled because there are some updates on the horizon.
Our goal is to expand into all states that offer medical cannabis,” says Cynthia Tantum, head of marketing at Bennabis. We are open to talking with any medical cannabis dispensaries interested in joining the network.
Win-Win for Everyone
Jeff Booker, CannaCoverage’s COO, and co-founder brings up a vital point. This isn’t just about doing the right thing; it’s about the bottom line too. This is an opportunity to bring Bennabis Health to mainstream America in all industries, not just employers of the cannabis and hemp industries,” he said. Through this alternative medical cannabis benefit, a tremendous cost savings will be realized in the reduction of medical claims and prescription benefits, impacting the bottom line.
Other Innovations in Employee Benefits
This isn’t the only exciting news on the employee benefits front. Just a while ago, another player in the healthcare benefits game, Enthea, introduced health benefit plans that cover ketamine-assisted therapy. Yes, you heard that right. Employers can now offer psychedelic therapy as a covered treatment, much like dental and vision offerings.
Remember Dr. Bronner’s? The soap company made headlines when it provided psychedelic-assisted therapy to its workers through an Enthea employee health plan. In fact, about 7 percent of the company’s workforce jumped on board for this employer-provided benefit, and the results were impressive. Employees who received ketamine treatment reported “dramatic improvements in mental health.”
What’s Next on the Psychedelic Front?
But hold on, there’s more. Enthea has plans to expand its services to include MDMA- and psilocybin-assisted therapies “as they are approved.” The FDA designated MDMA as a “breakthrough therapy” back in 2017, and it’s on track for FDA consideration next year following successful Phase 3 clinical trials. These trials showed that MDMA-facilitated talk therapy significantly reduced symptoms in patients with moderate to severe PTSD.
Speaking of regulations, it’s worth noting that two GOP senators recently filed a bill to block federal agencies from rescheduling cannabis without congressional approval. However, a Congressional Research Service (CRS) report suggests that the DEA is likely to follow the HHS rescheduling recommendation.
In Conclusion
There you have it, folks – a whirlwind tour of how medical cannabis programs are taking the world of employee benefits by storm. We’ve explored the exciting partnership between Bennabis Health and CannaCoverage, discussed the potential for cannabis normalization, and even touched on some innovative developments in employee benefits, including psychedelic therapy.
But before we wrap things up, a big shoutout to Ben Adlin for bringing us this fantastic piece of news. Keep your eyes peeled for more updates on the ever-evolving landscape of medical cannabis benefits. And as always, stay informed, stay safe, and embrace the changing tides of healthcare.
