Is Medicare About to Cover CBD? Trump Says Yes — And Seniors Should Be Paying Attention

When I first watched the video current President Donald Trump posted to Truth Social on my news feed endorsing Medicare coverage for CBD, I had to rewind it.¹ Twice.

“The endocannabinoid system is central to senior health — and it’s time Medicare recognizes that,”¹ the narrator says in a newly released video from The Commonwealth Project.

Whether or not you support Trump politically, his message could have massive implications for millions of older adults. For years, we at 55plus have seen how CBD helps with pain, sleep, inflammation, and stress — all issues that become more common with age. But the cost has always been out-of-pocket.

Now, we’re suddenly talking about the possibility of Medicare covering CBD. That’s a big deal.

Here’s the video that’s kicked off this national conversation:

If you’re 55 or older — or care for someone who is — this moment matters. We’re going to break down what was announced, what the science says, what coverage might look like, and how to make smart, safe choices in the meantime.

Let’s get into it.

What Trump Actually Said About CBD and Medicare

The video comes from The Commonwealth Project, a nonprofit pushing for innovation in American healthcare. In it, they make a direct case for adding CBD to Medicare coverage, especially for older adults. If you haven’t watched it yet, it’s worth the two minutes.

Here’s a quick summary of what’s in the video:

• The endocannabinoid system (ECS) weakens with age. According to the video, this decline contributes to chronic pain, poor sleep, memory loss, and other aging-related issues.
  

• CBD can help restore ECS balance. Trump refers to CBD as a “natural tool” for supporting senior health.
  

• The video states why Medicare should cover hemp-derived CBD. Not just pharmaceutical-grade — but the kind you can buy today, if it's quality tested.
  

• Doctors need education on the ECS. The video argues that most physicians aren’t trained in how the ECS works — and that needs to change.
  

“We’re missing a whole system in the body,” the narrator says, referring to the ECS. “That’s like pretending the circulatory system doesn’t exist.”¹

It’s bold, and frankly, long overdue.

I’ve been in this space for years, and I can tell you: the science behind the ECS is real, but most people — including healthcare providers — have never heard of it. If this initiative gains momentum, it could bring real awareness and legitimacy to how CBD supports senior wellness.

Of course, a video isn’t legislation. But when a current President calls for change, people start listening.

The Endocannabinoid System: What It Is, and Why It Matters More As We Age

If you’ve never heard of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), you’re not alone — most doctors barely cover it in med school. But it’s real, and it plays a big role in how we age.

Here’s the short version:

The ECS is a network of receptors spread throughout your body — in the brain, immune system, gut, skin, and even bones.² It helps regulate things like:

• Sleep
  

• Inflammation (Pain)
  

• Appetite
  

• Memory
  

• Mood
  

Your body produces its own “endocannabinoids” to keep everything in balance. But as we get older, those levels decline — kind of like how we produce less collagen or melatonin with age.³ Think of the ECS like your body's “balance manager.” And aging throws it off.

That’s where CBD comes in. While it doesn’t get you high (that’s THC), it interacts with the ECS in a way that may help restore balance — especially when it comes to sleep, chronic pain, and inflammation.

Here’s a simple visual to show how the ECS works:

 

At 55plus, we’ve seen this firsthand. Many of our customers are looking for relief from the same cluster of issues: joint pain, restless nights, anxiety. Once they understand what the ECS is and how CBD supports it, the results often make a lot more sense.

And now, that system is finally getting some national attention.

CBD and Medicare: What’s Covered Now vs. What’s Being Proposed

Let’s clear something up: Medicare does not currently cover CBD.

That means if you’re using a CBD lotion for pain and inflammation, or other CBD products for anxiety and sleep, you’re paying out of pocket. Regardless of if you’re using a cheap gas station brand or a premium, third-party-tested brand like ours.

Trump’s video flips that script. It calls for adding CBD — specifically hemp-derived, non-intoxicating CBD — to Medicare coverage for seniors.

Here’s how the current system stacks up against what’s being proposed:

📊 This is more than a reimbursement issue — it’s a legitimacy issue.

Medicare coverage doesn’t just make CBD more affordable — it would signal that the federal government takes this science seriously, which could open the door to better regulation, better products, and better doctor guidance.

As someone who talks to seniors daily, I can tell you: this change would be huge.

Why This Matters for Seniors — And Why I Care So Much

I founded 55plus CBD because I saw a gap — not just in products, but in how seniors were being left out of the wellness conversation. And now, for the first time, we’re seeing a national conversation that actually puts older adults at the center.

Here’s why this push for Medicare coverage of CBD matters so much:

Affordability of CBD

Right now, CBD is entirely out-of-pocket, and premium wellness products aren’t cheap. At 55plus, we work hard to keep our prices as accessible as possible while maintaining the quality people deserve. Even so, cost can still be a barrier. If Medicare were to provide coverage for CBD, it could make this natural option available to those who need it most — not just those who can afford to experiment.

Legitimacy of CBD

Let’s be honest: CBD still has a stigma. Some folks think it’s “weed” or some kind of wellness gimmick. But if Medicare starts covering CBD? That sends a clear message: this is legitimate healthcare, not a trend.

Health Needs of Seniors

The issues CBD may help with — chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety, inflammation — are exactly what most of our customers are dealing with. For joints and post-activity comfort, consider CBD recovery softgels for seniors enhanced with curcumin for targeted support.

📢 Did you know? Based on 2022 national survey data published in Clinical Gerontologist, nearly 1 in 6 adults aged 50 and older (16.5%) reported using CBD products in the past year.⁴

That number could skyrocket if cost and stigma weren’t in the way.

At 55plus, we’ve built our formulas to be THC-free, third-party tested, and designed specifically for older adults. But what excites me about this moment is that the conversation is finally catching up to what so many seniors already know: CBD helps.

CBD & Medicare: What’s Standing in the Way

As encouraging as this announcement is, let’s keep it real — we’re not there yet.

For CBD to be covered under Medicare, a lot needs to happen. These are the big questions and roadblocks ahead:

More Clinical Trials

Most of the scientific support for CBD is based on small studies or anecdotal evidence. The FDA has only approved one CBD-based drug (Epidiolex), and that’s for rare forms of epilepsy — not anxiety, sleep, or inflammation.

If Medicare is going to cover CBD broadly, we’ll need more large-scale studies focused on seniors. That’s going to take time, funding, and political will.

Three Agencies Have to Align

It’s not just up to Congress. For any CBD coverage to happen, three powerful federal agencies need to be on board:

• FDA – for safety and regulation
  

• DEA – for reclassification of cannabis-derived products
  

• CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) – for actually changing Medicare policy
  

Getting all three to move in the same direction is no small task.

Pharma vs. Plant-Based Products

There’s a real risk that any coverage that does happen may only apply to pharmaceutical-grade CBD, not the kind you can buy today at wellness stores or online.

That could shut out smaller, more natural brands — and limit access to the broad-spectrum, THC-free products many of our customers prefer.

We Need Standards

Right now, CBD labeling and dosing are all over the place. Some products say “THC-free” but aren’t. Others underdose or overpromise. For Medicare to get involved, there will need to be clear federal standards for purity, potency, and testing.

We’re hopeful — but we’re also realistic. Policy takes time. In the meantime, seniors deserve transparency, quality, and education. That’s what we’re here to provide.

What This Means for You — The 55plus Reader

Whether you’re curious about CBD or already use it daily, here’s what this Medicare moment means for you: you have options — and power — right now.

We may not have government coverage yet, but we do have access to safe, effective, THC-free CBD products that support real needs like sleep, joint discomfort, and daily stress.

Here’s what I recommend:

Talk to Your Doctor

Before starting or adjusting any supplement — CBD included — it’s smart to talk with your doctor, especially if you’re on medication. Most are still learning about the endocannabinoid system, but many are open to the conversation.

Choose THC-Free, Senior-Safe CBD

Not all CBD is created equal. Look for:

• THC-free (important if you’re sensitive or in a drug-tested setting)
  

• Third-party tested (check for lab results)
  

• Clearly labeled dosages (so you can start low and go slow)
  

This is why we built 55plus CBD the way we did — to take the guesswork out for older adults. While policy catches up, many older adults rely on CBD softgels 25mg for steady, senior-friendly daily support.

Find a Formula That Fits

Different needs = different solutions. That’s why we offer:

• THC-Free CBD & CBN Sleep Collection for Seniors — for restless nights and staying asleep naturally
  

• THC-Free CBD Recovery Collection for Seniors — for joint and muscle support
  

• THC-Free Everyday CBD Products for Seniors — for daily stress, mood, and inflammation
  

These formulas are non-habit-forming, gentle on your system, and made with older adults in mind.

💡 Remember: You don’t have to wait for Medicare to start taking care of your ECS!

We’re here to help you do that now — safely, clearly, and confidently. Whether it be a CBD sleep softgel or a CBG gummy for focus, we've got you covered.

What Comes Next — And How to Stay Informed

Trump’s video isn’t a policy change — at least not yet. But it opens a door that’s never been opened before. For the first time, national leaders are talking about the endocannabinoid system, CBD for seniors, and the possibility of Medicare coverage.

That’s a big shift.

Whether or not this turns into legislation in 2025, one thing is clear: CBD is no longer fringe. And older adults are no longer being ignored in the wellness conversation.

At 55plus CBD, we’re not waiting on the government. We’re already helping people take control of their sleep, their pain, their stress — safely, naturally, and with products they can trust.

💌 Want to stay informed about Medicare and CBD news?
Sign up for our free 55plus Wellness Updates — we’ll keep you posted, with no hype and no spam.

Thanks for reading — and for being part of a growing movement toward smarter, safer wellness for older adults.

FAQs: What Seniors Need to Know About CBD and Medicare

We get these questions all the time. Here are the straight answers — no hype, no fluff.

Does Medicare currently cover CBD?

No. As of now, Medicare does not cover any over-the-counter CBD products. The only exception is Epidiolex, a prescription CBD medication used to treat rare seizure disorders — and even that has strict requirements.

Why is CBD being considered for seniors?

Because of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) — a key network in the body that helps regulate pain, sleep, inflammation, and mood. As we age, the ECS weakens, and CBD may help support its function. That’s why there’s growing interest in making it part of senior care.

🧠 Learn more in our section: “The Endocannabinoid System | Why It Matters for Older Adults”

Is CBD safe for older adults?

Generally, yes — but talk to your doctor. CBD is well-tolerated by most seniors, especially THC-free formulas like ours. But it can interact with certain medications, like blood thinners or antidepressants. Always check with your healthcare provider before starting.

When could Medicare start covering CBD?

It’s hard to say. For coverage to happen, we’d need:

• More clinical trials proving effectiveness
  

• Policy shifts from agencies like CMS, FDA, and DEA
  

• Congressional or executive action

If momentum builds, 2025 could be a pivotal year — but nothing’s guaranteed yet.

What kind of CBD is best for seniors?

Look for:

• THC-free
  

• Broad-spectrum or isolate
  

• Lab-tested for purity and dosage
  

• Designed for senior health goals (sleep, inflammation, joint support)

That’s exactly what we offer at 55plus CBD — made with older adults in mind.

Sources Cited

1. Trump, D. (2025, September). Video posted on Truth Social [Truth Social post]. Truth Social. URL: https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/115283887618990920

2. “Review of the Endocannabinoid System.” PMC / PubMed Central. URL: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7855189/

3. “Dynamic Changes in the Endocannabinoid System during the Aging Process.” PMC / PubMed Central. URL: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9499672/

4. Choi, N. G., Marti, C. N., & Choi, B. Y. (2024/2025). Cannabidiol Use Among Older Adults: Associations with Cannabis Use, Physical and Mental Health, and Other Substance Use. Clin Gerontol. URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39575982/