Medicare Plans Pilot Program to Offer CBD Treatments for Seniors

OG article by Anthony Martinelli

November 28, 2025

Medicare is gearing up for a groundbreaking pilot program to integrate CBD treatments into senior care, potentially transforming elder health management amid opioid concerns. Bloomberg reports the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will test non-intoxicating CBD formulations via Medicare Advantage plans, targeting pain, sleep issues, and chronic conditions where traditional drugs pose high side-effect risks for older adults.

This initiative follows President Trump's recent social media endorsement of CBD as a "game changer" for seniors, highlighting its appeal as a natural alternative. With millions already self-medicating via over-the-counter products without physician oversight, the pilot aims to provide evidence-based guidance and coverage clarity. By evaluating CBD's efficacy in reducing reliance on addictive opioids, the program could pave the way for nationwide reimbursement if outcomes prove positive.

Supporters emphasize CBD's safety profile and potential to enhance quality of life without intoxication, addressing gaps in geriatric pharmacotherapy. As cannabis-derived therapies gain traction federally, this step signals a cautious embrace of cannabinoids in mainstream medicine, prioritizing senior well-being through innovative, low-risk interventions that align with evolving attitudes toward natural remedies.