WASHINGTON — Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, is urging U.S. senators to reject an amendment that would enact a federal ban on most hemp-derived products, arguing it threatens access to crucial health products for seniors.
The amendment, introduced by Sen. Ted Budd, R-N.C. is set to take effect in November. Oz is asking senators to delay or reject it so Medicare beneficiaries can continue accessing products like CBD.
The measure targets a wide range of hemp-derived goods, potentially disrupting a market that has grown significantly since the 2018 Farm Bill legalized industrial hemp. It would restrict the definition of legal hemp, effectively outlawing many popular products.
Oz's primary concern is the health of older Americans. He argues that many seniors rely on hemp-derived CBD for pain management, anxiety relief and improved sleep—products Medicare may cover.
His lobbying focuses on the direct impact the ban would have on seniors' ability to obtain those products through existing healthcare coverage. Eliminating them, Oz said, would force many older Americans to seek alternative, potentially less effective, solutions.
The move puts Oz, a Trump administration appointee, at odds with Republican lawmakers who support stricter hemp regulations. Budd's amendment reflects a push to tighten federal oversight of the growing industry.
Opponents of the ban, including hemp industry groups and patient advocates, argue a federal prohibition would devastate businesses and push consumers toward unregulated markets. They point to the economic toll on farmers and small businesses that have invested in hemp cultivation and processing.
The amendment is part of a larger Senate funding bill, making its fate dependent on broader legislative negotiations. Its inclusion in a must-pass bill increases the likelihood it becomes law unless significant opposition materializes.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services oversees health coverage for more than 65 million Americans through Medicare and another 80 million through Medicaid.
The legislative timeline remains fluid. Oz is pushing to either halt the amendment or extend its effective date, with some discussions pointing to a potential delay until Dec. 11. The final decision rests with the Senate as it debates the larger funding package.
