In the United States, although over 38 states already allow the medicinal use of cannabis, coverage by health plans is still something remote. An article from MJBizDaily indicates that this type of treatment still depends on 'reimbursement' through alternative platforms, and not traditional insurance.

The initiative called Elevated States, for example, is being promoted as a way to reimburse up to $175 per month for patients, covering consultations, acquisition of products, and services related to the medicinal use of cannabis.

But beware: it is not yet an insurance policy from major health plans. According to the report, 'there is still no insurer that covers medicinal cannabis as a standard treatment'.

One of the main obstacles is precisely the federal prohibition of cannabis in the US - which prevents private insurances from openly assuming coverage.

In summary: despite the growing acceptance, the path for health plans to cover medicinal cannabis is still long and full of regulatory and structural obstacles.

And in Brazil: coverage by the Unified Health System (SUS) and health plans

In Brazil, the scenario is also advancing, but with a different dynamic. As published by Portal Sechat, the SUS has not yet nationally incorporated cannabis-based medications, but 24 units of the federation have already advanced in their own legislations to ensure access via the public network.  

For example, in the state of São Paulo, Decree No. 68,233/2023 officially incorporated it for specific neurological syndromes, such as Dravet Syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, and Tuberous Sclerosis.

Regarding private health plans, Sechat warns that recent judicial decisions are forcing operators to bear the costs of cannabidiol (CBD) and other derivatives, even if they are not listed by the National Supplementary Health Agency (ANS).

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São Paulo regulates the use of medicinal cannabis in the municipal SUS

SUS and Health Plans

 
However, in August 2025, the Superior Court of Justice (STJ) decided that health plans are not obliged to provide oral medications for home use, a decision that directly impacts cannabis treatments. 

In Brazil, despite significant advances, broad access via the public network or private plans still depends on different legislative and jurisprudential processes.

With information from MJBizDaily.