Lack of Cannabis Health Insurance Coverage “an Injustice”
Sarnia Doctor Asks Government to Approve Cannabis Health Insurance Coverage – LPC
The Sarnia Observer reports that a Sarnia, Ontario doctor is asking the government to approve cannabis health insurance coverage. Dr. Blake Pearson, who researches cannabis as a treatment for dementia, said it does not have the same side effects of anti-psychotics. However, patients and their families have to pay $80 to $180 per month for cannabis medications.
‘That’s an injustice to me, the fact that they have to pay out of pocket for their medication,” said Dr. Pearson. “It takes a real motivated family to allow their loved one to use cannabinoids, or to have it as part of their treatment regimen.”
Dr. Pearson prescribes cannabis to manage some of the side effects of dementia including Alzheimer’s such as agitation. His program is building strong evidence for medical cannabis use. But, he said, to get full cannabis health insurance coverage, they’ll likely have to show a cost benefit too.
“I think it’ll still be slow moving unfortunately.”
Cannalogue, a Toronto-based medical cannabis retailer, is also petitioning for cannabis prescription coverage.
It seems unlikely that full cannabis health insurance coverage will come anytime soon. Many doctors still question the risks and benefits of medical cannabis. But as more programs like Dr. Pearson’s begin to show good results, it should only be a matter of time.
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