Blue Cross Shakes Off New Mexico Medical Marijuana Coverage Suit

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of New Mexico health plans aren’t required to pay in full for medical marijuana prescribed to treat behavioral health conditions, a federal court said.

New Mexico state law doesn’t require no-cost coverage, and would be preempted by federal criminal law if it did, the US District Court for the District of New Mexico said Wednesday. Judge Martha Vázquez dismissed the suit brought by a licensed medical marijuana seller and patients who use the substance to treat conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder.

There’s substantial controversy over marijuana, which has been legalized in many states for ...