With an increasingly progressive stance on healthcare, more and more employers are beginning to offer medical cannabis coverage to their employees. This trend is not only taking root in small start-ups known for their unconventional perks but is also finding its way into traditional corporate environments, reflecting a seismic shift in how businesses view employee health and wellness. This inclination towards covering medical cannabis in employee health programs is most likely due to a multitude of factors, all of which hold substantial weight in the evolving landscape of employee benefits and overall health management. One influential factor driving this shift is the growing body of scientific research that highlights the potential therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis. As study after study shows promise in using this treatment for conditions ranging from chronic pain to epilepsy to anxiety, employers are recognizing the value of including it in their health plans. They understand that by allowing access to effective treatments, they can help improve employee health, reduce absenteeism, and ultimately, enhance productivity and morale. Additionally, the legalization of cannabis for medical use in many states and countries has also played a pivotal role. As legal barriers fall away, employers are finding it easier to incorporate medical cannabis coverage into their health plans without fearing potential legal implications. This changing legal landscape is enabling more businesses to consider this unconventional yet beneficial addition to their health coverage plans. Furthermore, there is an increasing awareness and acceptance of medical cannabis among the general populace. The stigma surrounding its use is gradually eroding, replaced by a more informed understanding of its therapeutic potential. This shift in public opinion is likely influencing employers, encouraging them to reflect this acceptance in their policies. By offering medical cannabis coverage, they project an image of being forward-thinking and supportive of alternative treatment methods, thus enhancing their employer brand. Lastly, the rising costs of conventional pharmaceutical drugs could also be a contributing factor. Medical cannabis, in some cases, can be a more cost-effective alternative. By offering coverage for it, employers can help control escalating healthcare costs, thereby making their health plans more sustainable in the long run. In conclusion, the move by employers to offer medical cannabis coverage is multi-faceted, influenced by advances in scientific research, changes in the legal environment, shifting public perception, and economic considerations. As these factors continue to push the boundaries of traditional health coverage, it is likely we will see an increasing number of employers embracing this trend in the years to come.

• Increased public awareness of the potential benefits of medical cannabis.
• More research on the safety and efficacy of medical cannabis.
• More states legalizing medical cannabis.
• A desire to attract and retain top talent.

In a recent survey of over 1,000 employers, nearly 60% said that they are considering offering medical cannabis coverage to their employees in the next year. This is up from 40% in 2022.

Employers who offer medical cannabis coverage to their employees are seeing a number of benefits, including:

• Reduced absenteeism: Employees who are able to use medical cannabis to manage their symptoms are less likely to take sick days.
• Increased productivity: Employees who are able to manage their symptoms with medical cannabis are more likely to be productive at work.
• Improved morale: Employees appreciate having access to medical cannabis, and it can help to improve overall morale in the workplace.

There are a number of different ways that employers can offer medical cannabis coverage to their employees. Some employers offer to reimburse employees for the cost of medical cannabis. Others offer to cover the cost of medical cannabis through their health insurance plans. Still others offer to provide employees with access to discounted medical cannabis.

The specific way that an employer offers medical cannabis coverage to its employees will vary depending on the employer’s needs and budget. However, any employer that is considering offering medical cannabis coverage to its employees should consult with an attorney to ensure that they are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

The trend of employers offering medical cannabis coverage to their employees is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. As more states legalize medical cannabis and more research is conducted on its safety and efficacy, employers will be more likely to see the benefits of offering medical cannabis coverage to their employees.

It is important to note that the specific coverage for medical cannabis varies from plan to plan. Some plans may cover the cost of medical cannabis in all cases, while others may only cover it for certain medical conditions. It is important to check with your insurance company to see if your plan covers the cost of medical cannabis.

¹: Forbes

Learn more:

1. thehrdirector.com2. wsib.ca3. blogs.cdc.gov4. sunlife.ca5. lifeworks.com