Cannabis Industry News & Updates

102 articles covering regulatory changes, licensing updates, and industry news across 21 US states. Original analysis from government and industry sources.

March 2026

31

Mar

IndustryMarijuana Moment

New York Officials Report $2.5 Billion in Cannabis Sales Since Legalization

New York officials reported that retail cannabis sales have surpassed $2.5 billion since adult-use legalization, with $1.6 billion generated in 2025 alone. Licensed storefronts nearly doubled from 261 in 2024 to 556 in 2025.

30

Mar

FederalCannabis Business Times

Congressman Presses DOJ and DEA on Cannabis Rescheduling Timeline

Congressman Steve Cohen sent a letter to AG Bondi and DEA Administrator Cole demanding an update on cannabis rescheduling progress. The letter came 99 days after Trump signed the executive order directing 'expeditious' completion of Schedule III rulemaking.

28

Mar

RegulatoryMarijuana Moment

Maryland Lawmakers Pass Bill Protecting Firefighters Who Use Medical Cannabis Off Duty

Maryland's House of Delegates passed HB 797 by a 100-31 vote, protecting firefighters and rescue workers from employment discrimination for off-duty medical cannabis use. Registered patients cannot be punished for testing positive for cannabis metabolites.

18

Mar

FederalMarijuana Moment

New Congressional Research Report on Cannabis Rescheduling Published

Congressional researchers released a new analysis noting that rescheduling would be a 'transitional' step requiring follow-up banking, commerce, and justice reforms. The report emphasized that rescheduling alone would not bring state markets into compliance with federal law.

16

Mar

LicensingMarijuana Moment

Virginia Legislature Sends Cannabis Sales Legalization Bill to Governor

Virginia's legislature voted to adopt legislation legalizing adult-use cannabis dispensary sales, sending the bill to Gov. Spanberger's desk. The bill sets a January 1, 2027 launch date for retail sales, covering taxes, licensing, and regulatory duties.

12

Mar

Tax & FinanceMJBizDaily

Cannabis MSOs Owe $1.6 Billion in Unpaid 280E Taxes as IRS Fights Back

Major cannabis multistate operators collectively owe more than $1.6 billion in unpaid federal taxes under Section 280E. The IRS argued that Trump's rescheduling executive order does not change tax obligations because it has not been finalized.

12

Mar

Tax & FinanceMarijuana Moment

IRS Disputes Cannabis Company's Challenge to 280E in Tax Court

The IRS filed arguments in Tax Court against New Mexico cannabis company Ultra Health, which challenged the applicability of Section 280E. The IRS called Ultra Health's argument for the court to conduct its own rescheduling review an 'imaginary process.'

10

Mar

Tax & FinanceMJBizDaily

Michigan Cannabis Sales Fall to Lowest Level in Two Years Under New Wholesale Tax

Monthly cannabis sales in Michigan fell to their lowest level in more than two years as the new 24% wholesale tax continued to squeeze the market. Eight state senators announced plans to repeal the tax, arguing it is devastating the industry.

6

Mar

RegulatoryMarijuana Moment

Federal Government Warns About Cannabis and Hemp in Drug Tests

Federal agencies issued warnings about the impact of medical cannabis and hemp product use on standard drug testing protocols. The guidance came amid growing tension between state-legal marijuana programs and federal workplace testing requirements.

5

Mar

RegulatoryMarijuana Moment

Texas Voters Overwhelmingly Approve Cannabis Legalization Ballot Measure

Texas voters in the Democratic primary approved a nonbinding marijuana legalization ballot question by a margin of 80% to 20%. The measure asked whether the state should legalize cannabis for adults and automatically expunge records for past offenses.

5

Mar

RegulatoryCannabis Business Times

House Agriculture Committee Advances Farm Bill Without Hemp THC Ban Delay

The House Committee on Agriculture voted 34-17 to approve the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 without provisions to delay the hemp THC ban. The bill tightens the definition of hemp to include a 0.3% total THC pre-harvest test.

3

Mar

FederalMarijuana Moment

Supreme Court Justices Skeptical of Trump DOJ's Defense of Cannabis Gun Ban

During oral arguments in U.S. v. Hemani, most Supreme Court justices appeared skeptical of the Trump administration's defense of the federal firearms ban for marijuana users. Several justices suggested the pending rescheduling action undermines the government's case.

2

Mar

TestingMJBizDaily

New York Cannabis Products Recalled Over Unreliable Lab Testing Results

New York's OCM issued its first product recall of 2026 after inspections revealed Keystone State Testing issued inaccurate safety certificates. A records audit found 54 product lots falsely reported as passing Aspergillus mold tests, affecting products from nearly two dozen companies.

February 2026

27

Feb

RegulatoryMarijuana Moment

Hemp THC Ban Delay Hits Roadblock in Congress

The effort to delay the federal hemp THC product ban hit a major setback after two GOP-led amendments were not approved. The House Agriculture Committee chairman determined the delay amendments were not germane to the underlying Farm Bill.

26

Feb

FederalMarijuana Moment

ACLU Previews Cannabis and Guns Arguments Ahead of Supreme Court Hearing

The ACLU previewed its arguments for the Supreme Court hearing in U.S. v. Hemani, where the NRA joined marijuana advocacy groups urging justices to overturn the federal ban on gun ownership by cannabis consumers.

25

Feb

RegulatoryMarijuana Moment

Congress Considers Hemp THC Product Ban Delay

Congressional lawmakers were set to consider a proposal to delay the federal ban on intoxicating hemp-derived THC products scheduled for November 13, 2026. The ban would outlaw hemp products with more than 0.4mg THC or synthetic cannabinoids like delta-8.

20

Feb

RegulatoryMarijuana Moment

Cannabis Legalization Appears on Texas Democratic Primary Ballot

Texas Democrats placed a marijuana legalization question on the party's primary ballot asking voters whether the state should legalize cannabis for adults and automatically expunge records. Texas currently only operates a restrictive medical program with THC capped at 1%.

19

Feb

FederalMarijuana Moment

DOJ Tells Supreme Court Gun Ban for Marijuana Users Must Be Upheld

The DOJ argued before the Supreme Court that the federal gun ban for marijuana users must be upheld regardless of whether Trump's rescheduling order is finalized. This came despite an internal DOJ memo acknowledging that the ban is vulnerable to litigation.

15

Feb

LicensingMJBizDaily

Oklahoma House Passes License Moratorium Extension Through 2028

The Oklahoma House passed legislation to extend a moratorium on issuing new medical cannabis licenses through August 1, 2028. The bill also limits cultivation licenses to 2,500, reflecting concerns about market oversaturation.

12

Feb

RegulatoryCannabis Business Times

New York Governor Forces Two Top Cannabis Regulators to Resign

Governor Hochul called for the resignations of the OCM's acting executive director and deputy counsel. John Kagia was appointed as the new acting executive director, with the appointment pending Senate confirmation.

9

Feb

RegulatoryMarijuana Moment

FDA Faces Deadline for Cannabis Guidance on Hemp THC Serving Sizes

The FDA faced a deadline to publish cannabinoid lists and issue guidance on 'container' definitions for hemp product THC serving sizes. This stemmed from the hemp recriminalization legislation that imposed a 0.4 milligram THC limit per container.

6

Feb

Tax & FinanceCannabis Business Times

Congressional Research Service Questions Constitutionality of Cannabis Tax Section 280E

A Congressional Research Service report found that whether Section 280E violates the Eighth Amendment's Excessive Fines Clause 'is a matter of debate.' While the Tax Court ruled in 2019 that 280E does not violate the clause, three dissenting judges concluded it imposes a fine.

January 2026

27

Jan

IndustryMJBizDaily

Cannabis M&A Activity Surges Following Trump Rescheduling Order

A flurry of cannabis mergers and acquisitions followed Trump's marijuana rescheduling executive order, driven by price compression and oversupply. Industry analysts cautioned that most deals have been tuck-in acquisitions rather than transformative consolidation.

26

Jan

LicensingMarijuana Moment

Virginia Cannabis Sales Legalization Bills Advance in Legislature

Virginia's House and Senate advanced competing bills to legalize adult-use cannabis retail sales under the state's new Democratic trifecta. Cannabis has been legal to possess and home-grow in Virginia since 2021, but no retail marketplace existed until these bills began moving.

22

Jan

LicensingMJBizDaily

Tennessee Lawmakers Introduce Bipartisan Medical Cannabis Bill

Tennessee Representatives and Senators introduced bipartisan legislation to decriminalize possessing medical cannabis for patients with a physician's recommendation. Tennessee remains one of eight states without any medical cannabis program.

20

Jan

IndustryMJBizDaily

Big Banks Still Refusing Cannabis Industry Despite Trump Rescheduling Order

Major U.S. banks continued refusing to service the $32 billion legal cannabis industry despite Trump's rescheduling executive order. JP Morgan Chase indicated it was 'still too early to reconsider' without formal reclassification finalized.

19

Jan

RegulatoryMarijuana Moment

Bipartisan Senators File Bill to Delay Federal Hemp THC Ban

Senators Klobuchar, Paul, and Merkley introduced a bill to delay enforcement of a law recriminalizing hemp THC products for two years. The delay was requested to give lawmakers time to develop regulatory alternatives to the outright prohibition.

15

Jan

IndustryMJBizDaily

Ohio Dispensaries Surpass $1 Billion in Legal Cannabis Sales in 2025

The Ohio Division of Cannabis Control reported that dispensaries sold more than $1 billion worth of combined recreational and medical marijuana products in 2025. This milestone came during the first full year of adult-use legalization, with sales having launched in August 2024.

13

Jan

IndustryMJBizDaily

Vireo Growth Acquires Eaze for $47 Million

Cannabis MSO Vireo Growth agreed to acquire Eaze, once known as the 'Uber of Weed,' in a $47 million all-stock deal. The acquisition gives Vireo an additional 65 retail locations and a delivery platform that has completed more than 12 million orders.

10

Jan

LicensingMJBizDaily

U.S. Active Cannabis Business Licenses Decline 13% Over Two Years

The number of active cannabis business licenses in the U.S. declined to 37,555, down about 1% from the prior quarter and extending a downturn since late 2022. Over the past two years, total active licenses fell 13%, reflecting industry consolidation.

9

Jan

RegulatoryMarijuana Moment

Federal Medical Cannabis Protections Approved in Congress

The Senate voted to send President Trump a bill continuing protections for state medical cannabis programs from federal interference. The legislation did not include a rider that would have blocked the administration from completing the marijuana rescheduling process.

8

Jan

FederalMarijuana Moment

Trump Drug Czar Pushed to Back Full Cannabis Legalization

Advocates pushed President Trump's drug czar to support full cannabis legalization beyond Schedule III reclassification. The push came amid growing industry sentiment that rescheduling alone would not resolve the patchwork of state-federal conflicts facing the cannabis industry.

6

Jan

FederalMarijuana Moment

DEA Says Cannabis Rescheduling Process Remains Pending Despite Trump Executive Order

The DEA confirmed that the marijuana rescheduling appeal process remains pending despite President Trump's December 2025 executive order directing expedited movement from Schedule I to Schedule III. The process had been sidelined since January 2025, complicated by the DEA administrative law judge retiring.

5

Jan

FederalMarijuana Moment

Supreme Court Schedules Oral Arguments in Cannabis and Gun Rights Case

The U.S. Supreme Court scheduled oral arguments in U.S. v. Hemani, a case challenging the federal law banning marijuana users from possessing firearms. Several years of conflicting lower court rulings prompted the justices to decide whether Section 922(g)(3) is consistent with the Second Amendment.

5

Jan

IndustryMJBizDaily

Cannabis Edibles Giant Wyld Acquires Competitor Gron

Portland-based Wyld, the most recognized cannabis edibles brand in North America, announced the acquisition of fellow Oregon company Gron. The deal combines two leaders in the $4.8 billion edibles category, with Wyld operating in 16 states and roughly 7,500 retail locations.

5

Jan

RegulatoryCannabis Business Times

Congress Removes Language Blocking Cannabis Rescheduling From Spending Bill

The House and Senate Appropriations committees released a bipartisan funding package that removed language intended to block the DOJ from rescheduling marijuana. This marked a significant retreat from earlier congressional efforts to strip the executive branch's authority over rescheduling.

1

Jan

Tax & FinanceCannabis Business Times

Michigan's 24% Cannabis Wholesale Tax Takes Effect Despite Industry Lawsuit

Michigan's new 24% wholesale cannabis tax took effect January 1 after a judge denied the cannabis industry's request for an injunction. The tax is projected to generate roughly $420 million annually for road and bridge infrastructure.

December 2025

30

Dec

IndustryMJBizDaily

Missouri Cannabis Sales Hit Record $1.5 Billion

Missouri cannabis retailers reported a record $1.5 billion in sales for 2025, a 4% increase. The market generated a record $255 million in tax revenue, cementing Missouri as one of the fastest-growing markets.

20

Dec

IndustryMJBizDaily

Ohio Cannabis Sales Top $1 Billion in First Full Year

Ohio's cannabis market surpassed $1 billion in its first full year of recreational retail, with adult-use accounting for over $836 million. More than 130 cities enacted moratoriums banning recreational sales.

18

Dec

FederalCannabis Business Times

Trump Signs Executive Order to Reclassify Cannabis to Schedule III

President Trump signed an executive order directing Attorney General Bondi to expeditiously finalize moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III. The order also included a Medicare provision covering up to $500 annually for CBD products starting April 2026.

15

Dec

IndustryMJBizDaily

Colorado Cannabis Sales Fall for Fourth Straight Year

Colorado cannabis sales fell for the fourth consecutive year to roughly $1.4 billion, the lowest since 2016. Active recreational cultivation licenses declined 48% between 2021 and 2025.

15

Dec

IndustryMJBizDaily

New York Legal Cannabis Sales Hit $1.5 Billion as Licensed Stores Double

New York's legal cannabis market saw explosive growth with sales topping $1.5 billion as licensed retailers more than doubled. NYC shut down 640 illicit shops since May, boosting legal market sales.

10

Dec

IndustryMJBizDaily

Oregon Cannabis Prices Hit Record Low After Largest-Ever Harvest

Oregon growers harvested over 13 million pounds in 2025, the largest crop on record, pushing median price per gram to $3.33. Annual sales fell from $960 million to $925.5 million despite steady demand.

1

Dec

IndustryMJBizDaily

Michigan Cannabis Revenue Drops Despite Record Unit Sales

Michigan retailers sold more cannabis products than ever, but plummeting prices drove revenue down $113 million to $3.17 billion. Rising volume with falling revenue illustrated the broader industry challenge.

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