Hemp Isn’t Marijuana, Rules Judge in Dismissing Medicare Suit

A federal judge dismissed a challenge to a new Medicare benefit covering hemp products Friday, ruling that the group of plaintiffs failed to show they were injured by the program.

Judge Trevor N. McFadden of the US District Court for the District of Columbia threw out the suit brought by 11 marijuana opposition groups and drug company MMJ International Holdings who sought to stop the Substance Access Beneficiary Engagement Incentive. The program allows Medicare beneficiaries to consult with providers, and receive up to $500 in hemp products annually.

Central to McFadden’s opinion is the 2018 Farm Bill, which “drew a ...