Washington, DC: A coalition of prohibitionist groups has initiated a lawsuit aimed at halting the implementation of a pilot program that provides eligible hemp-derived products to Medicare beneficiaries.
The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday in the US District Court for the District of Columbia, contends that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) introduced the program without adequate notice and neglected to allow for public commentary. The plaintiffs argue that the program intends to offer beneficiaries access to products recently determined by Congress to no longer fit the legal definition of hemp.
Legal Action Against the Program
The plaintiffs are seeking a permanent injunction against the program. On Wednesday, a judge denied their request for a temporary restraining order to prevent the program from going into effect. A hearing regarding the plaintiffs’ motion for an injunction is set for April 20th.
The Trump administration publicly announced the establishment of the CMS reimbursement program for hemp-derived products in December. In mid-March, CMS released a Frequently Asked Questions page that detailed the program’s framework and the types of products available to beneficiaries. CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz confirmed the official launch of the program on April 1st.
For more information about the program, visit the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.