Cannabis News

The first government-run marijuana retailer, The Anoka Cannabis Company, has opened in Anoka, Minnesota, which aims to benefit local residents and initiatives by leveraging cannabis legalization. This milestone is part of the state's broader adult-use cannabis rollout, which has also included issuing the first cultivation microbusiness license and ending the criminalization of bong water.

A citizen-led ballot proposal in Maine to end adult-use cannabis sales and home grows failed to qualify for the ballot after missing the signature deadline. The campaign was overwhelmingly funded by a dark money group linked to the national anti-cannabis organization Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM), which also funded a similar, controversial repeal campaign in Massachusetts.

The Smart & Safe Florida campaign, seeking an adult-use cannabis legalization amendment on the 2026 ballot, is facing difficulty after the State Supreme Court canceled oral arguments following a claim that the campaign was short of the required 880,062 signatures. The campaign, which is challenging a new state law that made it harder for citizen-led amendments to qualify, is scheduled to go to trial on February 9 to preserve tens of thousands of rejected signatures.

Virginia lawmakers approved a bill to allow medical marijuana use in hospitals for qualifying patients, which is contingent on the federal government finalizing its proposal to reschedule cannabis. Separately, the legislature is advancing bills to legalize and regulate recreational cannabis sales, an effort that has the support of newly sworn-in Governor Abigail Spanberger.

The company's deal with a Millstreet affiliate includes a medical cannabis license, five active dispensaries, and a cultivation and processing facility

In nine months, federal hemp laws will significantly change, effectively re-criminalizing most consumable cannabinoid products, while the FDA faces an imminent deadline to publish lists of cannabinoids and define "container" to inform future policy. The new law will narrow the definition of legal hemp, applying the THC limit to total THC and imposing a 0.4-milligram total THC per-container limit, prompting industry stakeholders to seek legislative alternatives, such as the HEMP Act or the Hemp Planting Predictability Act to delay the ban.

- Scaling a cannabis business means scaling systems and compliance, as each new store is a separate regulated entity.
- Success is built on four pillars: documented SOPs, consistent customer experience, portfolio-level data, and disciplined inventory practices...

Marijuana Consumers Overwhelmingly Back Trump’s Rescheduling Order, Poll Shows As Advocates Await DOJ Action

DEA is promoting an anti-marijuana PSA contest, while Colorado's governor criticized his state's attorney general for supporting the federal gun ban for cannabis consumers. Kentucky introduced medical cannabis gummies, and bills were approved in Wisconsin, Mississippi, and Florida regarding medical cannabis. Studies show no negative difference in well child care for cannabis-exposed infants and promising results for psilocybin therapy in cancer patients with anxiety and depression.

New California Department of Cannabis Control Director Clint Kellum believes there is room for growth in the state's cannabis industry, projecting that an additional $1 billion in legal sales is possible.

A Minnesota city opened one of a handful of government-run cannabis stores, marking the beginning of an experiment with city-owned marijuana retail, as reported by MJBizDaily.

- Governor Andy Beshear announced that cannabis gummies are now available in Kentucky's licensed dispensaries.
- He is urging lawmakers to pass a bill expanding the list of qualifying medical conditions to cover approximately 430,000 additional Kentuckians.
- The program currently has over 18,500 approved card holders and 510 registered practitioners, with patient access and the supply chain continuing to grow.
- Executive orders protecting out-of-state purchases and waiving renewal fees for cards obtained this year will remain in effect.

A Willie Nelson-branded hemp THC drink, launched less than a year ago, is going national after raising $15 million in financing to fuel product development and national retail expansion.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis publicly opposed his state's decision to join a lawsuit supporting the federal ban on gun ownership for marijuana consumers, arguing that responsible cannabis users should not be stripped of their Second Amendment rights. This issue, currently before the Supreme Court in the *U.S. vs. Hemani* case, has drawn opposing briefs from groups like the NRA and drug policy reformers, who argue the ban is unconstitutional, and prohibitionist groups who urge the court to uphold it.

Leafly has published a list of the best THC chocolates of 2026.

The celebrity's company secured funding to quickly expand its retail presence across the country.

The Mississippi House of Representatives approved "Ryan’s Law" (HB 1034), allowing terminally ill patients to use medical cannabis in forms other than smoking or vaping within hospitals, nursing facilities, and hospice centers. Under the law, patients or their caregivers are responsible for the acquisition, administration, secure storage, and removal of the cannabis, and compliance can be suspended if federal agencies take enforcement action.

The partnership is founded on a shared commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and expanding access to high-quality cannabis products.

The Wisconsin Senate Health Committee approved a GOP-led medical marijuana bill, though its passage is uncertain due to concerns from the Assembly Speaker who believes the bill is "way too broad" and doubts there are enough votes to advance it. This occurs despite strong public support for legalization, repeated attempts by Democrats and Governor Tony Evers to include reform in the state budget, and estimates that legalization could generate nearly $170 million in annual tax revenue.

The prohibitionist group Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) is facing criticism for denying entry to drug policy reform experts from the pro-reform group Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) to its summit, leading SSDP to accuse SAM of insulating the event from evidence-based scrutiny. This controversy occurs as SAM actively prepares to fight federal proposals to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III.

Maryland lawmakers are debating House Bill 365, which seeks to prevent authorized medical cannabis patients from being denied the right to purchase, own, possess, or carry a firearm solely based on their patient status, addressing a current loophole in state law. This state-level reform would not affect the similar federal prohibition, which is currently facing scrutiny by the U.S. Supreme Court.

A Florida House committee unanimously approved a bill to reduce the medical marijuana ID card fee for honorably discharged veterans from $75 to $15, a measure intended to ease financial barriers for veterans using cannabis for conditions like chronic pain and PTSD. In related news, the Florida Supreme Court closed a case on a proposed marijuana legalization ballot initiative because election officials determined the campaign did not submit enough valid signatures.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has partnered with the anti-marijuana group Johnny's Ambassadors to host a PSA contest for high school students, inviting them to submit videos warning peers about the harms of cannabis use, with winners to be announced on "Anti-420 Day." The contest closes on April 13 and prohibits content that imitates or promotes the use of THC products. This initiative comes as the DEA is simultaneously rumored to be drafting a rule to expedite the process of rescheduling marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III.

The Ohio Attorney General’s Office certified the title and summary language for a proposed referendum aimed at repealing restrictions on the state’s adult-use cannabis law and undoing changes to hemp regulations. To put the issue to voters, the campaign must collect roughly 250,000 signatures from at least 44 counties before the bill takes effect in mid-March.

Medical cannabis advocates in Idaho are pursuing the Medical Cannabis Act, a constitutional amendment for the November 2026 ballot that would allow medical use for qualifying patients and reclassify the drug for research, with a signature deadline of April 30. This effort coincides with a separate amendment proposed by state lawmakers for the same ballot, which, if approved, would eliminate the ability of voters to legalize cannabis via a ballot initiative in the future, giving that power solely to the Idaho Legislature.

Buds & Roses is a well-known cannabis dispensary in Studio City, operating since 2006, that offers a blend of neighborhood warmth and expert knowledge. It serves both recreational and medical customers with a wide selection of products, including premium flower, concentrates, and tinctures, and is also known for providing seeds and in-house clones for cultivation.

Harvest Cannabis San Pedro is a community-focused dispensary in San Pedro, California, offering a curated selection of premium recreational and medical cannabis products, online ordering, and knowledgeable staff consultations daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Virginia senators have approved two key bills: one to legalize recreational marijuana sales and another to provide resentencing relief for people with prior cannabis convictions. The sales legislation passed with controversial amendments that align penalties for illegal marijuana sale and underage possession with those for alcohol, drawing criticism from advocates concerned about recriminalization. The resentencing measure mandates automatic hearings for individuals with certain felony convictions for marijuana offenses that occurred before July 1, 2021, to consider sentence modification.

- BLKBRN Dispensary partnered with Display Dispensary to create a clean, high-contrast, and intuitive space that blends custom elements with scalable stock components.
- The design accommodates New Jersey's fulfillment-style regulations using lockable drawers and a flow that ensures efficient work for budtenders.
- Flexibility was prioritized for future market changes, including displays designed for frequent refreshing and the potential for a walk-up pickup window.
- The centerpiece is a sculptural wooden tree, symbolizing BLKBRN's roots and creating a modern-day gathering spot that nods to the founders' time at Howard University's Blackburn Center.

Washington State lawmakers approved a bill to legalize and regulate the therapeutic use of psilocybin for adults 18 and older with qualifying conditions in a medically supervised environment. The State Department of Health will be responsible for developing and licensing the program, which is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2028.

Ayr Wellness sold its cannabis cultivation facility in Ohio for $28.5 million to a New York-based real estate investment trust, but the company will continue to operate the facility.

The potential rescheduling of cannabis will drive the industry's maturation by shifting operations from intuition to technology-driven infrastructure, demanding adherence to FDA-style oversight and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Technology is essential for compliance, risk mitigation, improved consistency in cultivation, and protecting margins through data-driven decisions and integrated, auditable systems.

Rhode Island hospitality and liquor industry representatives are opposing a proposed ban on restaurants and bars serving hemp-derived THC beverages, arguing on-premise consumption is the safest method. The state's Cannabis Control Commission is preparing final recommendations, which also include proposals for new testing standards, tax restructuring (up to 15 percent wholesale tax or the cannabis tax structure), and addressing potential federal restrictions that conflict with current state THC limits.

Curaleaf will utilize an AI workforce screening partner to establish a reliable, compliant, and built-to-scale hiring process.

A recent setback to an MSO-funded legalization effort caused by Florida elections and law enforcement officials highlights the difficulty of legalizing adult-use marijuana in the state.

- Edun Farms utilizes a no-till regenerative Korean Natural Farming (KNF) method for cannabis cultivation in Parachute, CO.
- This organic, prohibition-era approach relies on natural inputs like Fermented Plant Juice (FPJ), Indigenous Microorganisms, and companion planting, resulting in zero use of pesticides, fungicides, or chemicals.
- The practice yields plants with exceptionally high terpene levels (4.5-5%), leading the company to focus primarily on high-quality extracts, such as live rosin, rather than flower.
- Edun aims to build a regenerative system that improves over time, contrasting with the current race-to-bottom Colorado cannabis market.

Attorney General Dave Yost approved the referendum petition seeking to repeal legislative changes to Ohio’s voter-approved legalization laws.

A Maine campaign seeking to repeal the state's regulated adult-use cannabis sales missed the February 2 deadline to submit the necessary signatures for the November 2026 ballot, prompting them to shift focus to the 2027 election. The effort has faced significant criticism from opponents and industry stakeholders for allegedly using misleading signature-gathering tactics by falsely claiming the initiative was primarily intended to improve product safety, when its main effect would be to eliminate licensed recreational sales and personal cultivation.

Virginia lawmakers approved a bill allowing medical marijuana access for qualifying patients in hospitals and expanding protections for hospital workers, provided the federal government moves forward with rescheduling cannabis. Separately, the legislature is advancing bills to legalize and regulate adult-use cannabis sales and provide resentencing relief for past convictions.

CC Pharma, a European pharmaceutical distribution subsidiary of Tilray Brands Inc., was named a TOP 100 Innovator in Germany for demonstrating innovative strength and future-focused business practices. The company serves over 13,000 pharmacies through its nationwide network and is a key distributor of medical cannabis in Germany.

WM Technology Inc. appointed Harry DeMott and Brent Cox to its board of directors, effective February 1. DeMott is an investor and operator with experience spanning cannabis and technology, including co-founding Raptor Ventures and serving on public-company boards. Cox is a seasoned investment professional and board advisor focused on growth and regulated businesses, who founded Subtext Holdings and holds extensive prior board experience in the cannabis industry.

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond supports the Governor's call to shut down the state's medical marijuana program due to law enforcement concerns, but he cautions the state would need to reimburse hundreds of licensees because it would effectively be "taking" away their source of revenue. The push for reevaluation has drawn mixed reactions from lawmakers, with some supporting reform and others opposing a repeal of the voter-approved law.

Hemp-derived THC beverages, which have become a multi-billion dollar national market and a mainstream channel for cannabis normalization, face an existential threat after Congress inserted language into a federal appropriations bill to outlaw them by November. This policy reversal is seen as undermining the progress of cannabis destigmatization and sending a destabilizing message to the entire industry that business models built on federal law can be undone without comprehensive policy transition.

Florida's adult-use cannabis legalization campaign failed to meet the signature requirement for the ballot, though campaign representatives dispute the state's premature declaration and believe they submitted enough valid petitions. The effort was complicated by opposition from Governor Ron DeSantis and several issues with the signature verification process.

Dr. Monica Oldenburg resigned as Chair of the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission after nine months, citing commitments with her family and physician job, leading to Commissioner Lorelle Mueting being named interim chair. Meanwhile, the commission continues to face heavy criticism from advocates who believe its proposed rules for the state's medical cannabis program seek to override the will of voters.

Trump Signs Bill Continuing To Block D.C. From Legalizing Recreational Marijuana Sales As Advocates Await Rescheduling Action

The Florida Supreme Court dismissed a case concerning a marijuana legalization ballot initiative, canceling oral arguments after Attorney General James Uthmeier withdrew his request for review because election officials determined the campaign, Smart & Safe Florida, failed to meet the signature requirements. Smart & Safe Florida disputed the signature count and urged the court to reject the dismissal, arguing that thousands of invalidated signatures are currently subject to legal challenge and that the court's action frustrates the people's right to amend the Constitution.

A new adult-use cannabis bill in Wisconsin, which also includes medical legalization, is likely to be blocked by Republican lawmakers despite similar proposals failing in the past. Proponents argue the legislation is necessary to regulate the existing $700 million hemp-derived THC industry and address racial disparities in arrests, while a June 2025 poll found 67% of Wisconsin voters support legalization.

Display Dispensary, a 2019 subsidiary of Econoco Corporation, specializes in providing professional, affordable, and compliant retail fixtures and display solutions for the cannabis market across the United States and Canada. They offer both stock and custom-designed products, including the turnkey Dispensary123™ system, drawing on their parent company's extensive retail display expertise.

Oklahoma may become the first state to completely eliminate legal cannabis access if Governor Kevin Stitt's proposal to end the $600 million legal medical marijuana industry is heeded.

The author followed the former Benzinga Cannabis event organizers, who formed IgniteIt Cannabis, to their November 17 Washington, D.C. event, which featured discussions on the "hemp ban" and a speech by Cory Booker on cannabis policy reform. The author enjoyed the timely programming and networking and is now looking forward to the upcoming IgniteIt event in New Jersey on February 10.

Texas lawmakers will likely focus on establishing a clear regulatory framework for hemp THC during the 2027 legislative session, signaling a shift away from prohibition.

Ohio's Attorney General approved a revised referendum petition aimed at repealing key components of Senate Bill 56, a law that restricted the state's marijuana and hemp regulations. The referendum now moves to the signature collection phase to make the ballot, with the goal of blocking a law that recriminalizes certain marijuana activities, removes anti-discrimination protections, and bans most hemp product sales outside of licensed dispensaries.

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen is accepting applications for a seat on the Medical Cannabis Commission after Chair Dr. Monica Oldenburg resigned, citing familial and physician commitments that prevented her from committing adequate time to the volunteer role. Lorelle Mueting has taken over as interim chair, and the governor is directing appointees to ensure the program remains medical, with the commission having proposed restrictions on cultivation and products.

Washington State senators approved a bill, SB 6204, that would allow adults over 21 to cultivate up to six marijuana plants at home, expanding the state's existing legalization law. The bill, which passed the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee, includes restrictions such as limiting plants to 15 per housing unit and allowing municipalities and property owners to prohibit cultivation.

Governor Josh Shapiro is again urging Pennsylvania lawmakers to pass an adult-use marijuana legalization bill, citing it as a valuable economic engine that is supported by federal policy changes like proposed cannabis rescheduling. The budget estimates $200 million in annual tax revenue once fully implemented, with funds designated for restorative justice initiatives including record expungement and support for new small businesses. Although the House previously passed a bill and polls show bipartisan support, the reform continues to be blocked by the GOP-controlled Senate.

- Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has called for reevaluating and potentially shutting down the state's medical marijuana program, claiming voters were misled and citing public safety issues, foreign influence, and crime.
- Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton supported reining in the program but said a full repeal would need another statewide vote to respect the will of the people.
- Senate Minority Leader Julia Kirt opposes revisiting state questions, urging lawmakers to trust the people and implement the existing medical marijuana law correctly.
- The lieutenant governor of the Chickasaw Nation, Chris Anoatubby, also expressed support for reforming the current cannabis law.

Indiana Lawmakers Say Marijuana Legalization Won’t Happen This Year Despite Trump’s Federal Rescheduling Move

Lawmakers in at least 13 states are advancing variations of "Ryan's Law" this session, a reform aimed at allowing seriously or terminally ill patients to access medical cannabis within hospital and other healthcare facilities. This policy is already enacted in California and Minnesota and is being championed by groups like the Ryan's Law Foundation and NORML to promote humane, patient-centered end-of-life care.

TribeTokes, a women-owned and operated company, offers a line of high-quality THCA pre-rolls for the mature, medicinal cannabis user, compliant with the 2018 Farm Bill and third-party tested for purity. Their current offerings include the uplifting sativa-leaning Blue Dream, the mood-enhancing hybrid Tropicana Cherry, and the deeply relaxing indica-leaning Jealousy, each designed to deliver specific effects.

Republican Rep. Andy Harris, a strong opponent of marijuana reform and the author of the "Harris rider" that blocks D.C. from regulating recreational cannabis sales, is vulnerable to losing his congressional seat due to a new Maryland redistricting plan approved by the state's House of Delegates that favors Democrats. Political observers believe that if he is unseated, it could be a significant step forward for cannabis reform advocates, particularly concerning D.C.'s ability to legalize sales.

Maryland extended its psychedelics task force through 2027 to study decriminalization and regulation of substances like psilocybin, while Virginia lawmakers rejected a bill to bar police from stopping drivers based solely on cannabis odor.

- Legal cannabis won't be on Florida's November ballot after failing to collect enough valid signatures, a determination the campaign disputes.
- Oklahoma's Governor is pushing to "shut down" the medical cannabis industry, while Idaho activists collected over 45,000 signatures for a legalization initiative.
- West Virginia and Mississippi both passed bills to support ibogaine research.
- A federal bill was filed to require the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to establish a national drug-involved crash data collection system.
- Research suggests that participants who used more cannabis consumed less alcohol, highlighting its potential to reduce alcohol-related harms.

The company will celebrate the grand opening of its latest Florida medical cannabis dispensary on Feb. 7.

The controlled indoor trial set a new standard for science-backed cultivation by demonstrating uniform canopy development and reliable high-yield potential.

The prohibitionist group failed to file the necessary signatures for the 2026 ballot and must now concentrate on the 2027 election.

The National Rifle Association (NRA), NORML, and other organizations filed amicus briefs in the Supreme Court case *United States v. Hemani*, which challenges the federal ban on firearm possession for individuals who are unlawful users of controlled substances, specifically marijuana. The briefs argue the ban is unconstitutional because it is inconsistent with historical tradition, citing that past firearm restrictions on intoxicated persons were temporary and that historical cannabis use did not warrant the loss of Second Amendment rights. The NRA's brief also countered claims about increased crime from legalization by pointing to a study that found minimal to no effect on major crime rates in Colorado and Washington.

A federal judge dismissed most claims, including tribal sovereignty interference, in a lawsuit over an alleged illegal raid on tribal land by California sheriffs and the CHP, but allowed the Round Valley Indian Tribe to pursue civil rights and negligence claims against Mendocino County Sheriff Matthew Kendall, prompting the plaintiffs' attorney to plan an appeal.

An Alabama bill that passed the state House would make smoking or vaping cannabis in a motor vehicle with a child present a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in prison and a $6,000 fine. The bill also requires mandatory reporters to report when a person under 19 smells of cannabis as suspected child abuse, drawing concerns about implicating innocent parents and the definition of a child.

Greentank Technologies uses a consumer-first approach to develop vape hardware, analyzing macro tech and regulatory trends to anticipate user needs like reliability and flavor consistency. This process led to the Quantum Chip, a ceramic-free heating platform built to minimize clogging and preserve oil integrity, which the company plans to scale commercially in 2026.

Cova Software was named "Cannabis Retail Software of the Year" by the Emjays Awards for the second consecutive year, signaling trust and reliability for cannabis retailers. The system is highlighted for its mission-critical reliability, including 100% uptime on 4/20 for eight years, real human support in under 30 seconds, and its ability to handle complex regulatory changes without disruption.

Despite state election officials declaring the MSO-funded Florida marijuana legalization campaign over, the campaign insists it is still alive and has a chance to make the 2026 ballot.

Dr. Monica Oldenburg, chair of the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission, resigned nine months after her appointment following her guidance of strict regulations that aimed to prevent smoking or vaping and were opposed by patient advocates. The remaining commissioners voted unanimously to name Commissioner Lorelle Mueting as the interim chair.

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt is urging voters to revisit and "shut down" the state's medical marijuana law, calling the industry "out-of-control" and a major threat to public safety that enables criminal activities like cartel activity and human trafficking. He argues that the state was misled by "liberal activists" during the 2018 legalization vote and now has too many dispensaries plagued by foreign criminal interests.

Michigan cannabis shops are tightening security due to a surge in break-ins, which are attributed to the lucrative resale of stolen cannabis products rather than cash-grabs.

Wisconsin Democratic lawmakers unveiled a new bill to legalize adult-use and medical marijuana, citing economic, public safety, and racial justice reasons and noting broad public support, but its passage is unlikely due to Republican opposition despite some Republican openness to a limited medical cannabis program. The bill outlines adult possession limits, establishes a Division of Cannabis Regulation, sets up medical patient registration, implements various excise taxes, and includes provisions for reviewing and expunging past convictions.

Companies producing intoxicating hemp beverages report increased sales leading up to and throughout January, indicating that "Dry January" boosts THC beverage sales, an effect MJBizDaily suggests is felt year-round.

Bipartisan Texas lawmakers are advancing legislation to regulate hemp THC products, driven by the belief that prohibition is ineffective and the market is "too big to ignore." This push for regulation, including a 21+ age requirement and a ban on synthetic products, follows Governor Greg Abbott's veto of a prohibition bill and comes amid new state rules expanding the medical marijuana program.

The West Virginia and Mississippi Houses of Delegates passed bills to fund research on the psychedelic ibogaine as a potential treatment for opioid and substance use disorders, with requirements for applicants to seek FDA breakthrough therapy status. Separately, West Virginia lawmakers are discussing cannabis reform, as federal marijuana rescheduling and high medical cannabis prices are increasing pressure for legalization in the state, despite previously slow progress.

The unified platform now supports monitoring and onboarding for highly regulated sectors, including cannabis-related businesses and money services businesses.

The company and forbearing noteholders discussed potential strategies and options to address the company's liquidity needs.

The California Supreme Court ruled that loose cannabis flower in a vehicle does not violate open container laws since it is not "accessible for consumption," thereby posing no potential for impaired driving.

The company joined a research initiative with academic and industry partners to advance terpene science and support public safety.

The Florida House Health Professions & Programs Subcommittee unanimously approved House Bill 887 to reduce the cost of a medical cannabis ID for honorably discharged veterans from $75 to $15, effective July 1. Proponents state the change removes a costly barrier and helps veterans access support for medical and mental health issues like PTSD.

All 22 proposed ballot initiatives failed to qualify, leading the legalization campaign to sue the state.

The Natural Medicine Alliance of Idaho (NMAI) has gathered over 45,000 signatures toward the 70,725 needed to place a medical marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot, a reform supported by 83 percent of likely voters in a recent poll. The proposed Idaho Medical Cannabis Act would allow practitioners to recommend medical cannabis for conditions like cancer and anxiety, establish a limited dispensary market, and reclassify marijuana as a Schedule II controlled substance.

A Florida campaign to legalize marijuana failed to collect enough valid signatures to qualify for the 2026 ballot, according to state officials, a finding the campaign is disputing as premature. The initiative faced aggressive opposition, including legal challenges over signature invalidations, criminal investigations, and strong resistance from Governor Ron DeSantis and business groups.

Leafly has published the February 2026 horoscopes, connecting star signs with cannabis strains and highlighting emotional clarity and honest connections this month.

Washington State lawmakers are debating Senate Bill 6204, which would permit adults 21 and older to grow up to six marijuana plants at home, a measure that is supported by advocates who argue current penalties disproportionately affect people of color but opposed by law enforcement groups citing burdens on police and concerns about youth exposure. This marks the 11th year legislation has been introduced to allow home cultivation since the state legalized recreational cannabis in 2012.

- Alabama's House of Representatives passed HB 72, a bill that makes it a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail, to smoke or vape marijuana in a car with a child under 19.
- The legislation also mandates an educational program and reporting to human resources for violators.
- Democrats largely abstained from the vote, raising concerns about potential unintended consequences related to the criminalization of marijuana in communities of color and the bill's definition of a child, which could hold parents responsible for older teens without their knowledge.
- The bill now moves to the Senate.

The California Supreme Court ruled that to violate the state's open container law, marijuana in a vehicle must be of a usable quantity, in imminently usable condition (like a rolled joint), and readily accessible to an occupant. Loose marijuana crumbs on a car's floorboards are not considered readily consumable and therefore do not constitute an open container violation or provide police with probable cause to search the vehicle.

This free guide from Mobius, "Cannabis & GMP: A Guide to Certified Post-Harvest Processing," offers step-by-step guidelines, checklists, and real-world examples to help cannabis processors achieve GMP certification for post-harvest operations, covering equipment, sanitation, training, and documentation. Access to the free download requires completing a registration form.

Florida officials are intensifying a criminal probe into a marijuana legalization campaign just days before a key deadline.

Ayurcann Holdings Corp. and its subsidiary Ayurcann Inc. were granted creditor protection under the CCAA by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, appointing Alvarez & Marsal Canada Inc. to oversee the initial 10-day stay of creditor claims to allow the company to operate while considering restructuring alternatives. The company intends to seek approval for a sale of its business and assets and debtor-in-possession financing, which may result in a halt or delisting of its common shares from the CSE.

Zig-Zag has launched Limited-Edition Rose Cones, which are personal-size cones handcrafted from real rose petals and designed to elevate the smoking ritual for modern consumers. The cones, which cost $9 per 3-count tube, officially launch nationwide on February 7th and are making their cultural debut during the Grammy Awards weekend in Los Angeles.

Cannabis industry experts warn that products showing signs of "hemp inversion" in Colorado cannabis vapes could endanger consumers and undermine the state's $1.4 billion legal cannabis market.

The National Rifle Association (NRA) joined drug policy reform groups like NORML and the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) to urge the U.S. Supreme Court to declare the federal ban on gun ownership by marijuana consumers (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3)) unconstitutional in the case of *U.S. vs. Hemani*.

State officials failed to update an adult-use legalization campaign's statewide signature count for nearly two months, which led to an order.

- Virginia lawmakers are advancing legislation to legalize and regulate recreational marijuana sales, a move supported by 60 percent of registered voters, according to a new poll.
- The legislation proposes retail sales starting in late 2026 or early 2027, with a maximum purchase limit of 2.5 ounces and a total tax rate of up to 12.625 percent.
- The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority would oversee licensing and regulation, and tax revenue would fund administration, an Equity Reinvestment Fund, pre-kindergarten, and substance use prevention programs.

- Anvisa approved new rules for low-THC medical cannabis cultivation and expanded the program's administration methods following a November 2024 Federal Supreme Court ruling.
- Private companies, patient associations, and research institutes are authorized to grow medical cannabis with a THC content of no more than 0.3%.
- Consumption methods were expanded to cover dermatological, sublingual, and buccal products, in addition to the previously available oral and inhalation methods.
- Anvisa also approved Brazil's agricultural research agency, Embrapa, to launch a 12-year research program investigating cannabis and hemp.