NuLeaf Naturals Joins Medicare CBD Pilot Program
High Tide Inc. (Nasdaq: HITI; TSXV: HITI; FSE: 2LYA) has announced that NuLeaf Naturals, its wholly owned U.S. hemp-derived CBD subsidiary, intends to seek participation in the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Innovation Center’s Beneficiary Engagement Incentive (BEI) pilot program. The company aims to serve as a supplier of eligible hemp-derived CBD products to participating healthcare organizations. NuLeaf Naturals has already begun active engagement with potential partners ahead of the program’s April 1, 2026 launch.
What Is the CMS Medicare CBD Pilot?
The BEI pilot program marks a landmark step toward integrating hemp-derived CBD products into federally supported healthcare. Specifically, participating Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) under the ACO REACH Model and oncology practices under the Enhancing Oncology Model (EOM) may elect to furnish eligible hemp-derived CBD products to Medicare beneficiaries at no cost. The benefit covers up to US$500 per beneficiary per year. Furthermore, CMS has confirmed the program will expand to the Long-term Enhanced ACO Design (LEAD) Model beginning January 1, 2027.
Importantly, Medicare does not pay for the products directly. Instead, the cost falls on the participating organizations as part of their model participation. CMS describes the program as an opportunity to gather real-world clinical data on hemp-derived CBD use within structured, physician-guided care settings.
Why NuLeaf Naturals Is Well Positioned
Quality Standards and Certifications
NuLeaf Naturals was founded in 2014 in Denver, Colorado. Today, the company operates cGMP-certified and FDA-registered manufacturing facilities. It also has USDA Organic certification currently in process. These credentials make NuLeaf a strong candidate to meet the program’s strict compliance requirements.
Product Portfolio Alignment
NuLeaf’s product line includes both THC-free and broad-spectrum CBD formats. Notably, these formats align directly with the eligible product categories under the CMS pilot. This coverage spans the full range of product types recognized by the program.
Coalition Leadership
Additionally, NuLeaf Naturals is a founding member of the National Compassionate Care Council (NCCC). This coalition of healthcare-focused organizations works to advance evidence-based cannabinoid policy and improve patient access to cannabinoid therapies across the United States. Membership in the NCCC strengthens NuLeaf’s credibility as a trusted supplier within healthcare networks.
High Tide’s Broader U.S. CBD Strategy
High Tide CEO and Founder Raj Grover sees the CMS pilot as a historic development. “The launch of the CMS pilot program is a historic moment for the U.S. CBD industry and, most importantly, for the millions of Medicare beneficiaries who may now have access to hemp-derived cannabinoid therapies at no cost to themselves,” said Grover.
Moreover, Grover emphasized NuLeaf’s readiness. “NuLeaf Naturals has spent years building the quality systems, certifications, and product standards that this program demands. We are actively engaging with ACOs and oncology programs to make that a reality.” He added that the program holds the potential to become a meaningful growth driver for High Tide’s U.S. CBD business as it scales.
Background: The Executive Order Behind the Program
Federal Cannabis Policy Shift
On December 18, 2025, the U.S. President signed an Executive Order advancing the rescheduling of cannabis. The order directed federal agencies to improve access to full-spectrum CBD products. As a result of that announcement, CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz confirmed that the CMS Innovation Center would launch a pilot program allowing Medicare beneficiaries to receive eligible hemp-derived CBD products at no cost, provided a physician recommends them.
Program Implementation Requirements
Since then, CMS has published detailed guidance on the BEI program. Participating organizations must submit an implementation plan for CMS approval. This plan must detail specific products, dosing information, beneficiary eligibility criteria, and safeguards. Therefore, suppliers like NuLeaf Naturals must meet rigorous documentation and compliance standards to participate.
What This Means for Medicare Beneficiaries
For Medicare patients, this program removes a significant barrier. Historically, out-of-pocket costs have limited access to hemp-derived CBD therapies for many seniors. Now, through participating ACOs and oncology programs, qualifying beneficiaries can access these products at no personal cost.
Beyond financial access, the program operates within physician-guided care settings. Consequently, beneficiaries receive CBD products as part of structured, evidence-based treatment plans rather than making unguided consumer purchases. As the program grows, it may support broader reimbursement and expanded access backed by clinical evidence.
About High Tide and NuLeaf Naturals
High Tide Inc.
High Tide is a retail-forward cannabis enterprise with fully integrated operations across every component of cannabis. Its subsidiary Canna Cabana is the second-largest cannabis retail brand globally, operating 220 Canadian locations and one international location. In 2025, High Tide became the first North American cannabis operator to open a bricks-and-mortar presence in Germany. The company has been named one of Canada’s Top Growing Companies by the Globe and Mail five consecutive years running.
NuLeaf Naturals
Founded in Denver in 2014, NuLeaf Naturals is one of America’s leading cannabinoid companies. The company has earned more than 35,000 verified five-star customer reviews through its e-commerce platform. Its products are sold directly to consumers online and through select retail stores across the United States.
