Medical marijuana comp program launched in New Mexico

Bennabis Health Inc. has launched a program in New Mexico with Alta Vida, an Albuquerque-based cannabis dispensary, to help reimburse injured workers for their medical marijuana in workers compensation cases.

Cranford, New Jersey-based Bennabis said New Mexico is among the states that require reimbursement by insurers when medical marijuana is deemed a necessary alternative to opioids in workers comp cases.

A Bennabis spokeswoman said in an email Monday that the company acts as a conduit between the patient and workers comp payor.

The spokeswoman said medical marijuana workers comp patients who cannot afford upfront costs for the medication can pick up marijuana from Alta Vida at no cost.

Bennabis then pays the dispensary for the medication and bills the workers comp payor, with the patient paying nothing to Bennabis, Ms. Tantum stated.