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Medical Cannabis Reimbursement in Workers' Compensation: Insights From a Program Evaluation in Colorado
Xj Ethan Moses1, Blair Ilsley1, Megan Greenlee1
1From the Colorado Department of Labor & Employment, Division of Workers' Compensation, Denver, Colorado (X.J.E.M., B.I., M.G., M.C., M.C.-S., R.F., E.G., J.H.).
Objective:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of reimbursing medical cannabis for chronic pain within a workers' compensation framework.
Methods:
A program evaluation was conducted by the Colorado Division of Workers' Compensation's Alternative Pain Management Program to assess the feasibility of medical cannabis reimbursement. The program included medical cannabis, care coordination, and robust clinical oversight. Outcome measures were collected at baseline and over 12 months.
Results:
The program demonstrated the feasibility of reimbursing medical cannabis under a coordinated care model. Upon program completion, the patient reported meaningful reductions in pain, improvement in function, increased quality of life, and psychosocial stability. A modest reduction in opioid use was observed. No adverse safety events occurred.
Conclusions:
This program evaluation suggests that medical cannabis reimbursement may be a viable option for very select workers' compensation patients.
