High Tide Stock Rises as White House Executive Order Advances Cannabis Rescheduling and Medicare CBD Pilot Program
High Tide Welcomes Historic U.S. Cannabis Policy Shift
High Tide Inc. (Nasdaq: HITI), a retail-forward enterprise focused on the cannabis sector, announced on December 18, 2025, that it welcomed a landmark Executive Order from the White House. The order advances the process for the federal rescheduling of cannabis, a move the company hailed as one of the most consequential steps forward in U.S. federal cannabis reform in more than 50 years.
The announcement was coupled with news that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is expected to launch a pilot program. This program would allow certain Medicare beneficiaries to receive CBD treatments at no cost, signaling a potential new avenue for federally regulated CBD products within the healthcare system.
Assessing Market Expansion and Licensing Pathways
The dual policy shifts—cannabis rescheduling and the CMS pilot—could significantly expand the addressable market for cannabis and CBD companies. High Tide confirmed it is actively assessing how to leverage these changes, particularly concerning its U.S. operations and brands.
- The company is evaluating U.S. licensing pathways for its prominent Canadian retail brand, Canna Cabana.
- It is also focusing on its existing CBD brands, NuLeaf Naturals and FAB CBD.
- Specific attention is being paid to evaluating Medicare-aligned product categories that could qualify under the new CMS pilot program.
Executive Commentary on Regulatory Impact
The company’s leadership emphasized the magnitude of the policy changes. The combination of rescheduling and the introduction of Medicare-aligned CBD treatments suggests a significant shift in federal perception and regulation of cannabis-derived products.
“This Executive Order marks one of the most consequential steps forward in U.S. federal cannabis reform in more than 50 years,” High Tide stated.
The potential rescheduling of cannabis from its current classification under the Controlled Substances Act would ease regulatory burdens, potentially unlock banking services, and facilitate interstate commerce, benefiting companies like High Tide that are positioned for U.S. market entry or expansion.
Market Implications for HITI and the CBD Sector
The CMS pilot program, specifically targeting Medicare beneficiaries, represents a substantial opportunity for the CBD market. By integrating CBD treatments into a federal healthcare program, the pilot could legitimize and standardize the use of these products for medical purposes, driving demand and potentially leading to broader insurance coverage in the future. For High Tide, the ability to align its NuLeaf Naturals and FAB CBD product lines with Medicare reimbursement standards could provide a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving wellness and therapeutic CBD space.
While specific financial data from December 2025 is not available, the news is expected to generate positive investor sentiment for HITI, given its proactive stance in assessing U.S. expansion and its existing portfolio of CBD assets ready to capitalize on the new regulatory landscape. The move signals a potential acceleration of U.S. market entry for Canadian cannabis operators, contingent on the final details of the rescheduling and the CMS pilot implementation.
