The inclusion of medical cannabis as a benefit in health plans for government employees in Trenton, New Jersey, marks a significant milestone in the integration of cannabis into mainstream healthcare.
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For the first time in U.S. history, an employer outside the cannabis industry is providing access to discounted medical marijuana for its employees, signaling a shift in how cannabis is perceived and utilized as medicine.
A Historic Move in Trenton
Starting next year, employees of Trenton city government and the Orange and Teaneck boards of education will be able to access discounts on medical cannabis at participating dispensaries through Bennabis Health. This add-on benefit also includes telehealth appointments via Leafwell, helping patients obtain state registration cards and receive educational support about cannabis.
Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora, a key advocate of New Jersey’s medical marijuana law, emphasized the program’s importance. "This forward-thinking plan not only makes treatment more accessible but also acknowledges the growing evidence supporting medical marijuana's benefits,” he said.
Addressing Costs and Accessibility
New Jersey has one of the highest medical cannabis prices in the U.S., creating barriers for patients. Bennabis Health, in collaboration with Aetna and other partners, aims to make medical cannabis more affordable by providing a minimum 15% discount at dispensaries. For patients, this could mean significant savings on products like dried cannabis flower, which currently ranges from $36 to $70 for one-eighth of an ounce.
Anne Davis, an attorney and multiple sclerosis patient who serves on Bennabis Health’s board, highlighted the transformative impact of cannabis on her quality of life. “For me, I use it every night before bed. It has been invaluable,” she said.
Changing Perceptions Among Practitioners
Despite growing patient demand, many healthcare providers remain hesitant to recommend medical cannabis due to stigma and a lack of education. Dr. June Chin, Leafwell’s chief medical officer and a cannabis patient herself, noted that the move toward rescheduling marijuana as a non-Schedule 1 drug could shift these attitudes. “More patients are asking for it, and practitioners need to start educating themselves about medical cannabis," she said.
Expanding the Model
Bennabis Health’s initiative is not limited to New Jersey. The company already facilitates discounts for medical cannabis patients in states like Delaware, Maryland, and New Mexico and plans to expand its insurance-based model to other states where medical marijuana is legal. With over 260 million Americans living in states with legalized medical marijuana, the potential for scaling this approach is substantial.
A Turning Point for Medical Cannabis
The Trenton program underscores the ongoing normalization of cannabis as a legitimate medical treatment. By incorporating medical cannabis into employee health benefits, this initiative not only reduces costs for patients but also challenges the lingering stigma that has kept cannabis on the fringes of healthcare. With more municipalities and employers expected to join, this could pave the way for widespread acceptance and integration of cannabis into traditional health insurance models.
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