The Guardian·2025-09-29 18:26Core Insights - Cannabis stocks experienced a significant surge following Donald Trump's video promoting cannabis use for seniors and Medicaid coverage for CBD products [1][2] - The video, produced by the Commonwealth Project, highlights the potential benefits of hemp-derived CBD as a pain and stress reliever for seniors [1][2] - The cannabis industry is advocating for federal decriminalization to enhance research investment and broaden access to medical cannabis [6] Industry Impact - Stocks for major cannabis companies, including Canopy Growth, Tilray, and Cronos Group, saw substantial increases, with Tilray rising over 40% after the video release [2][6] - The AdvisorShares Cannabis ETF (MSOS) also experienced a notable rise on the same day [2] - The video emphasizes the need for educating healthcare providers and providing Medicare coverage for CBD, which could significantly impact the market [3] Regulatory Context - Under the Biden administration, there have been requests to the DEA to reclassify cannabis as a lower-risk substance, which is currently classified as Schedule I [4][5] - The Trump administration had previously been silent on cannabis decriminalization but indicated a willingness to consider reclassification [5] - Currently, 40 states permit medical cannabis use, while 24 states allow non-medical use, indicating a growing acceptance at the state level [5] Challenges and Opportunities - The Commonwealth Project notes that the current Schedule I classification complicates research and integration of cannabis into medical care, limiting access for seniors [7] - There is uncertainty regarding the stance of Terrance Cole, Trump's DEA administrator, on cannabis reclassification, as his focus has been on other priorities [7]