Cannabis in Healthcare: Trump, Hemp-Derived CBD, and Benefits for Older Adults

The potential benefits of cannabidiol (CBD) for the endocannabinoid system, older adults’ wellbeing, and cannabis in healthcare is seeing increased attention recently, after President Donald Trump posted a video on Truth Social that explained the potential benefits of hemp-derived CBD for supporting older adult health for several conditions (1). In August, Trump had stated interest in the reclassification of cannabis (2). “I've heard great things having to do with medical and I've had bad things having to do with just about everything else but medical, and you know, for pain and various things I've heard some pretty good things,” Trump had stated in a press conference.

The Commonwealth Project’s Mission for Cannabis and Healthcare

The video was originally created by The Commonwealth Project, which was founded by Howard Kessler with the mission to integrate medical cannabis into the US healthcare system for older adults (3). The September 28, 2025, Truth Social post reposted the nearly three-minute video on the endocannabinoid system (ECS), CBD, and older adult healthcare. “You can revolutionize senior healthcare,” the video begins, explaining the role of the ECS in managing major bodily systems and promoting sleep, stress management, and pain relief.

It also stated that 20% of seniors are already using CBD for arthritis, cancer symptoms, Alzheimer’s disease, and other ailments, noting that there are no regulatory standards from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on products that are currently available. It also references the 2018 Farm Bill, which was signed by President Trump and removed hemp from the list of federally controlled substances (4). The video ultimately calls for educating doctors on the ECS and providing Medicare coverage for CBD.

Cannabis Legalization Opinions: Older Adults and Political Perspectives

A Pew Research Center news article offered insight into older American’s perspectives on cannabis, with a survey conducted in early 2025 (6). The results stated that 31% of Americans 75 and older are in favor of cannabis legalization for both medical and recreational purposes, while that percentage for individuals 65 to 74, was 49%.

In looking at partisanship, 43% of Republican and GOP-leaning individuals, along with 66% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning individuals favored legalization for both recreational and medical cannabis. Support for legalization was similar among moderate and liberal Republicans (56%) and conservative and moderate Democrats.

Industry Stakeholders Weigh In

In a quote for media, Paula Savchenko, Esq., founding partner of Cannacore Group and PS Law Group, commented on the potential direction and utilization of CBD in the nation. “I strongly support President Trump’s decision to shine a spotlight on the benefits of hemp-derived CBD and medical cannabis,” she sated. “Framing this as a Medicare issue is exactly the type of forward-thinking leadership our country needs. Seniors deserve safe and affordable access, and recognizing CBD as a legitimate part of healthcare could be a game-changer. This is a pivotal moment. By putting cannabis reform on the national stage, President Trump is signaling that it’s time to move past outdated stigma and toward policies that reflect science, compassion, and economic reality. For patients, for entrepreneurs, and for the industry as a whole, the impact could be enormous."

Referencing the video posted by Trump, Brains Bioceutical, a cannabinoid life sciences company, noted the opportunities for cannabis medicines in healthcare presented by this shift. “The alignment of President Trump’s remarks with RFK Jr.’s longstanding support for plant-based medicines highlights the bipartisan potential for reform,” the September 30 press release stated (5). “Both leaders recognize the opportunity to reduce reliance on addictive pharmaceuticals and create economic value through innovative plant-based life sciences."

References

1. Trump, D. (@realDonaldTrump). Truth Social, September 28, 2025. https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/115283887618990920
2. McEvoy, E. Trump Administration Examining Possibility of Cannabis Rescheduling. August 12, 2025. https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/trump-administration-examining-possibility-of-cannabis-rescheduling (accessed September 30, 2025).
3. The Commonwealth Project. About Us. https://commonwealthproject.org/about/ (accessed September 30, 2025).
4. McEvoy, E. Hemp as a Supplement: The 2024 Farm Bill and Beyond. October 21, 2024. https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/hemp-as-a-supplement-the-2024-farm-bill-and-beyond (accessed September 30, 2025).
5. Brains Bioceutical. President Trump’s Recognition of Pharmaceutical Cannabinoids, Especially CBD, as Medicine Signals Multi-Billion-Dollar Market Transformation — Brains Bioceutical Positioned to Lead with Pharmaceutical-Grade CBD API. September 30, 2025. https://www.eznewswire.com/newsroom/trump-recognizes-pharmaceutical-cannabinoids-brains-bioceutical-cbd-api (accessed September 30, 2025).
6. Pew Research Center. 9 facts about Americans and marijuana. July 8, 2025. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/07/08/facts-about-marijuana/ (accessed September 30, 2025).