WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the National Compassionate Care Council (NCCC) formed to serve as the
nation’s leading unified voice of the medicinal cannabis ecosystem in Washington and state capitals
nationwide. President Trump’s efforts to reschedule cannabis and establish a federally supervised
Medicare pilot program for cannabinoid therapies mark a turning point for patients and the medical
community. NCCC is committed to the success of those initiatives and ensuring evidence-based policy
reform.

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NCCC exists to build a critical bridge between responsible manufacturers, the medical community, and
the mainstream federal healthcare system. The council will inform and advise on a reform agenda
surrounding cannabis policy that creates a sustainable and legal marketplace for medicinal cannabis,
driven by data and research. It will act as a go-to resource for policymakers and regulators as they craft
reforms, ensuring that the integration of these treatments prioritizes science, standardized dosing, and
patient safety.

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“This administration’s recent federal actions to expedite cannabis rescheduling and explore a Medicare
Cannabidiol pilot program reflects a meaningful and welcome shift toward aligning policy with emerging
research and clinical experience,” said Dr. Leigh Vinocur, NCCC Chief Medical Advisor. “For millions of
patients and the physicians who care for them, these therapies are not theoretical. They are already part
of modern medical practice. NCCC remains committed to ensuring that any evolution in cannabis policy is
guided by rigorous scientific research, patient safety, regulatory clarity, and real-world clinical data
guidance.”

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"President Trump has opened new doors for healthcare and cannabis, creating unprecedented
opportunities for innovation, research, and investment. This decision paves the way for hemp-derived
cannabinoids to move beyond the retail shelf and into conversations between patients, caregivers, and
healthcare providers. We are honored to bring a research, education and patient-forward perspective to
help shape cannabinoid policy,” said Sasha Kalcheff-Korn, NCCC Member and Executive Director of
Realm of Caring.

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About NCCC: The National Compassionate Care Council (NCCC) is dedicated to modernizing the
standard of care and bridging the gap between slow-moving regulations and the patients who need relief
now. By prioritizing patients over paperwork, NCCC leverages real-world evidence and expert
collaboration to advocate for safe, immediate access to physician-guided cannabinoid therapies for those
who lack the benefit of time. Our mission is simple: more healing, less waiting. Learn more at
compassionatecarecouncil.org

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