Trump Lights Up Cannabis Sector With CBD for Seniors
Trump’s surprising nod to CBD sparks record gains for a long-struggling cannabis sector

Wall Street woke up to a jolt when U.S. President Donald Trump took to Truth Social and proclaimed that cannabidiol could transform senior healthcare. Markets rarely ignore presidential endorsements, especially when tied to an industry long stifled by regulation. Shares of cannabis companies erupted in premarket trading, sending Tilray Brands up more than 30 percent, Canopy Growth and Aurora Cannabis sharply higher, and Cronos Group not far behind. The AdvisorShares Pure U.S. Cannabis ETF surged more than 25 percent, putting it on track for a record quarterly gain. For an industry that has seen wild swings over the years, Trump’s message delivered fresh momentum.
The Promise of CBD in Senior Care
Trump’s comments did not come out of thin air. He argued that hemp-derived cannabidiol could help reduce disease progression and serve as an alternative to traditional prescription drugs. For seniors facing chronic conditions, from arthritis to neurological disorders, CBD represents a non-intoxicating option with growing medical interest. His declaration that CBD could “revolutionize senior healthcare” gave investors a powerful narrative. It positioned cannabis not just as a recreational substance but as a potential medical solution, particularly for the country’s fastest-growing demographic.
Behind the rally lies a deeper story of regulatory evolution. Marijuana remains a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act, alongside heroin, deemed to have high abuse potential and no accepted medical use. But the winds are shifting. The Biden administration previously asked the Department of Health and Human Services to review cannabis, leading to a recommendation to move it to Schedule III, a category that recognizes medical use and carries lighter restrictions. Trump hinted last month that his administration would pursue reclassification as well. While not outright legalization, this step could ease the punishing tax burdens under Section 280E, which prevent cannabis companies from taking standard business deductions. If that barrier falls, the floodgates for institutional investment and stock exchange listings could finally open.
