MJBizDaily – Cannabis News Source

MJBizDailyMar 2, 2026

Oklahoma Governor Seeks Ballot Measure to Recriminalize $600 Million Medical Cannabis Industry

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has urged lawmakers to seek voter approval to fully shut down the state’s $600 million medical cannabis industry, citing criminal activity

•Governor Kevin Stitt calls for a ballot initiative to eliminate Oklahoma's medical cannabis industry
•Stitt cites criminal involvement and regulatory failures as key reasons for the proposal
•Oklahoma's cannabis market has declined from over $831 million in 2020 to $600 million in recent years

by oklahoma governor wants to recriminalize 600 million medical cannabis industry

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MJBizDailyMar 2, 2026

Cannabis Industry Leaders Reject New York Times Call for Higher Taxes and Stricter Regulation

Cannabis industry leaders have criticized The New York Times' call for higher taxes and stricter regulation, warning such measures could worsen public health and market challenges

•The New York Times editorial calls for higher cannabis taxes and stricter regulation to address perceived problems
•Industry leaders argue the sector already faces excessive regulation and taxation, especially in states like Colorado and California

by if america has a marijuana problem the new york times wants to make it worse

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MJBizDailyMar 2, 2026

Hawaii Adult-Use Cannabis Legalization Projected to Create $1 Billion Industry

Hawaii could see its cannabis industry reach $1 billion if adult-use legalization passes, with major economic growth projected for both local businesses and the tourism

•A government-commissioned report projects Hawaii's cannabis market could reach $59-95 million per month within five years of adult-use legalization
•The current medical cannabis market generates about $5.3 million in monthly sales, serving roughly 30,000 patients

by hawaii adult use cannabis legalization is 1 billion opportunity

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MJBizDailyFeb 2, 2026

Florida Marijuana Legalization Campaign Asserts It Can Still Qualify for 2026 Ballot Despite Official Rejection

Florida's marijuana legalization campaign insists it can still qualify for the 2026 ballot, challenging the state's declaration that it missed the signature requirement

•Florida's adult-use cannabis initiative claims it has enough signatures despite official rejection
•Trulieve Cannabis has invested over $200 million in legalization efforts to date

by Florida marijuana legalization campaign says there’s still chance to make 2026 ballot

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MJBizDailyFeb 2, 2026

Michigan Cannabis Retailers Strengthen Security in Response to Unprecedented Break-In Surge

Michigan cannabis retailers have implemented stricter security measures after a spike in break-ins driven by the resale of stolen products, impacting the state's $3.

•Michigan cannabis shops face a record surge in break-ins targeting product resale
•At least 75 robberies were reported in southeast Michigan between January 2024 and early 2025

by Michigan cannabis shops tighten security amid surge in break-ins

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MJBizDailyFeb 2, 2026

THC Beverage Sales Surge During Dry January and Maintain Momentum Year-Round

THC beverage sales experience a notable surge during Dry January, but industry data shows strong, sustained demand for cannabis drinks throughout the year

•THC beverage sales spike during and before Dry January, with retailers and brands reporting double-digit growth
•Consumer interest in cannabis-infused drinks is growing across age groups, including in traditionally conservative markets

by Dry January boosts THC beverage sales, but effect is felt year-round

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MJBizDailyJan 30, 2026

Colorado Cannabis Vape Products Test Positive for Banned Hemp-Derived THC Compounds

Lab tests have revealed that several Colorado cannabis vape products contain banned hemp-derived THC compounds, raising concerns about consumer safety and regulatory enforcement

•Lab tests found banned hemp-derived cannabinoids in three out of fourteen cannabis vape products from Denver-area dispensaries
•The practice of 'hemp inversion' undermines Colorado's legal cannabis market and poses consumer safety risks
•Specific manufacturers, including Dutch Botanicals and Rockin Extracts, were identified as having products with prohibited substances or solvent residues
•Colorado regulators have launched a pilot program but have yet to implement comprehensive testing and enforcement measures

by Report: Colorado cannabis vapes show signs of hemp inversion

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MJBizDailyJan 30, 2026

US Cannabis Rescheduling to Schedule 3 Imposes New Cybersecurity Compliance Demands

US cannabis operators will face sweeping new cybersecurity and data privacy compliance demands as the plant is rescheduled to Schedule 3, introducing stricter federal oversight and significant legal risks for noncompliance

•Cannabis rescheduling to Schedule 3 will bring new federal and state cybersecurity compliance requirements for operators
•Businesses may become subject to HIPAA, HITECH Act, FTC Act, and state privacy laws, with penalties for violations
•Compliance obligations often depend on the location of the data subject, not just the business location

by Once cannabis is Schedule 3, cybersecurity compliance is essential for operators

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MJBizDailyJan 29, 2026

Brazil Approves Legal Medical Cannabis Cultivation and Broadens Patient Eligibility

Brazil has authorized domestic medical cannabis cultivation for the first time, allowing patient associations and companies to grow under strict regulations while

•Brazil has legalized domestic cultivation of medical cannabis for pharmaceutical and scientific purposes
•New regulations allow private companies, research institutions, and selected patient associations to grow cannabis under specific conditions

by Brazil legalizes medical cannabis cultivation, widens patient access

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MJBizDailyJan 29, 2026

Oklahoma Lawmakers Advance Cannabis Cultivation Cap, Edibles THC Limits, and Local Tax Proposals

Oklahoma lawmakers have introduced bills to cap cannabis cultivation licenses, limit THC in edibles, and allow new local taxes, signaling a major regulatory shift

•House Bill 3144 would cap cultivation licenses at 2,550, down from a 2023 peak of 6,675
•Senate Bill 1591 proposes THC limits for edibles: 10mg per serving, 100mg per package

by Oklahoma proposes strict cannabis cultivation cap, THC limits in edibles, new taxes

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MJBizDailyJan 28, 2026

California Sets Record for Illicit Cannabis Seizures Amid Tax Policy Shifts

California authorities seized a record 377,010 pounds of illicit cannabis worth $609 million in 2025, but legal sales continued to decline despite recent tax cuts

•California law enforcement seized and destroyed 377,010 pounds of illicit cannabis valued at $609 million in 2025
•Illicit cannabis seizures increased 18-fold since the launch of the Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force in 2022

by California reports record illicit cannabis seizures as cultivation tax cut

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MJBizDailyJan 28, 2026

High Budtender Turnover Undermines Cannabis Retail Experience and Profits

High turnover among budtenders is disrupting cannabis retailers’ customer experience and bottom line across the U.S., with experts urging better pay, support, and career paths to retain skilled staff

•A 2022 Headset analysis found 55% annual turnover among budtenders, with nearly a quarter leaving in their first month
•Industry employment declined by 3.4% even as product offerings and sales volumes grew, highlighting the scale of staff churn

by The major problem hindering cannabis retail: budtender turnover

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MJBizDailyJan 28, 2026

Arizona Trump Republicans Support Repeal of Adult-Use Cannabis Sales, Backed by National Anti-Legalization Effort

Arizona Trump-aligned Republicans have endorsed a campaign to repeal adult-use cannabis sales, setting the stage for a ballot battle that could upend the state's $1.2 billion legal market

•Arizona Republicans Andy Biggs and Paul Gosar support a measure to repeal adult-use marijuana sales
•The proposed Arizona repeal is funded by Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM), a national anti-legalization group
•Arizona's legal cannabis market generated $1.2 billion in sales in 2024, with adult-use sales beginning in 2021

by Trump Republicans backing Arizona marijuana adult-use sales repeal

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MJBizDailyJan 26, 2026

Florida Court Invalidates Cannabis Legalization Petition Signatures Amid Ongoing Arrests

A Florida appeals court upheld the invalidation of more than 70,000 cannabis legalization petition signatures as arrests of campaign workers continue, raising new

•A Florida appeals court upheld the rejection of over 70,000 cannabis legalization petition signatures
•Smart & Safe Florida must submit 880,000 valid signatures by February 1 to qualify for the November ballot
•At least nine campaign workers have been arrested for alleged election fraud related to signature gathering
•State officials cited new rules against out-of-state signature gatherers and inactive voters as reasons for invalidation

by Florida court deals cannabis legalization major setback as arrests of campaign workers continue

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MJBizDailyJan 26, 2026

Cannabis Retailers Face Hidden Hurdles as Operators Share Lessons Learned

Cannabis retailers across the U.S. are sharing hard-won lessons about zoning, security, staffing, and regulatory hurdles that can dramatically impact costs and

•Operators report that local zoning laws can unexpectedly block store openings, even after significant investment
•Security compliance costs, including camera systems and reinforced infrastructure, can range from $15,000 to $50,000 or more
•Approval processes involving community boards and local authorities can delay openings and increase holding costs
•Retailers recommend starting with a diversified inventory and planning staff training well in advance to avoid operational setbacks

by Five lessons cannabis retailers learned the hard way

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MJBizDailyJan 26, 2026

Northeastern Winter Storm Drives Cannabis Sales Surge Across Four States

A major winter storm drove cannabis sales to record highs across New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Massachusetts as consumers treated marijuana as an essential item

•Cannabis retailers saw sales spike to 'Green Wednesday' levels ahead of the northeastern winter storm
•New York dispensaries experienced significant increases, with some stores reporting thousands more in weekly sales
•Retailers rapidly increased staffing and inventory to handle surging demand, especially for edibles

by Massive winter storm sees cannabis retail sales surge in four states

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MJBizDailyJan 23, 2026

Federal Marijuana Rescheduling Order Focuses on Medical Use, Excludes Adult-Use Cannabis

President Trump's executive order directs federal agencies to reschedule marijuana for medical use only, leaving adult-use regulation to states and signaling major changes for the cannabis industry and patient access

•President Trump's executive order directs the rescheduling of marijuana to Schedule 3 for medical purposes only
•The order calls for increased research and regulation of CBD and hemp-derived cannabinoid products
•Adult-use cannabis regulation remains under state jurisdiction, with no federal rescheduling for recreational marijuana
•Rescheduling could open new tax, banking, and insurance opportunities for cannabis businesses but may also impose stricter compliance and testing protocols

by Does federal marijuana rescheduling only apply to medical cannabis?

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MJBizDailyJan 23, 2026

Bipartisan Congressional Bill Proposes FDA Regulation of CBD and Opens Path to Medicare Coverage

A new bipartisan bill would empower the FDA to regulate CBD in hemp products and could pave the way for Medicare coverage, addressing industry uncertainty

•Bipartisan HEMP Act would grant FDA authority over CBD limits in hemp-derived products
•The bill responds to President Trump's promise for Medicare CBD coverage and looming THC bans
•Hemp industry faces uncertainty with a ban on most CBD products set for November
•Proposed regulations would require the Health Secretary to set cannabinoid limits or default to statutory caps

by Bipartisan proposal could fulfill President Trump’s promise for CBD Medicare coverage

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MJBizDailyJan 23, 2026

Arkansas Medical Cannabis Sales Reach Record $291 Million in 2025, Marking Industry Rebound

Arkansas medical cannabis sales climbed to a record $291 million in 2025, reflecting a strong rebound and renewed growth for the state's regulated industry

•Arkansas medical cannabis sales hit a record $291.1 million in 2025, surpassing previous years
•Dispensary sales volume grew to 79,223 pounds of product, up from 75,598 pounds in 2024

by Arkansas medical cannabis sales hit record $291 million in 2025

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MJBizDailyJan 22, 2026

Thailand Moves to Recriminalize Cannabis as Industry Faces Political and Public Pushback

Thailand's $1 billion cannabis industry faces possible collapse as political parties and public opinion drive the country toward recriminalizing cannabis following a period of rapid, largely unregulated growth

•Thailand decriminalized cannabis in 2022, spurring the growth of an estimated 18,000 cannabis sellers
•All major political parties in the February 8 elections have pledged to reinstate cannabis restrictions or recriminalize the drug
•Recent polls indicate most Thais support a return to criminalization due to concerns about market saturation and youth access

by Thailand poised to recriminalize cannabis as boom sparks backlash – and boredom

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MJBizDailyJan 22, 2026

Joe Bayern Unveils 'Day 2' Cannabis Strategy Prioritizing Brands Over Cultivation

Joe Bayern is leading MM Brands with a strategy that focuses on building cannabis brands and leveraging science, rather than expanding cultivation operations, amid shifting federal regulations

•Joe Bayern leads MM Brands with a brand-focused, asset-light cannabis strategy
•His vision emphasizes scientific research and functional products over THC potency

by Joe Bayern’s ‘Day 2’ cannabis strategy: Build brands, not canopies

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Latest news from MJBizDaily

Oklahoma Governor Seeks Ballot Measure to Recriminalize $600 Million Medical Cannabis Industry

Cannabis Industry Leaders Reject New York Times Call for Higher Taxes and Stricter Regulation

Hawaii Adult-Use Cannabis Legalization Projected to Create $1 Billion Industry

Florida Marijuana Legalization Campaign Asserts It Can Still Qualify for 2026 Ballot Despite Official Rejection

Michigan Cannabis Retailers Strengthen Security in Response to Unprecedented Break-In Surge

THC Beverage Sales Surge During Dry January and Maintain Momentum Year-Round

Colorado Cannabis Vape Products Test Positive for Banned Hemp-Derived THC Compounds

US Cannabis Rescheduling to Schedule 3 Imposes New Cybersecurity Compliance Demands

Brazil Approves Legal Medical Cannabis Cultivation and Broadens Patient Eligibility

Oklahoma Lawmakers Advance Cannabis Cultivation Cap, Edibles THC Limits, and Local Tax Proposals

California Sets Record for Illicit Cannabis Seizures Amid Tax Policy Shifts

High Budtender Turnover Undermines Cannabis Retail Experience and Profits

Arizona Trump Republicans Support Repeal of Adult-Use Cannabis Sales, Backed by National Anti-Legalization Effort

Florida Court Invalidates Cannabis Legalization Petition Signatures Amid Ongoing Arrests

Cannabis Retailers Face Hidden Hurdles as Operators Share Lessons Learned

Northeastern Winter Storm Drives Cannabis Sales Surge Across Four States

Federal Marijuana Rescheduling Order Focuses on Medical Use, Excludes Adult-Use Cannabis

Bipartisan Congressional Bill Proposes FDA Regulation of CBD and Opens Path to Medicare Coverage

Arkansas Medical Cannabis Sales Reach Record $291 Million in 2025, Marking Industry Rebound

Thailand Moves to Recriminalize Cannabis as Industry Faces Political and Public Pushback

Joe Bayern Unveils 'Day 2' Cannabis Strategy Prioritizing Brands Over Cultivation