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Apr 19, 2026	Can cannabis treat opioid addiction? In July, a user on the popular social media forum Reddit posed a simple but charged question: “Does cannabis help?” Posted to r/OpiatesRecovery, a 56,000 member forum for people recovering from opioid addiction, the question drew mixed responses within minutes. Some said they found it helpful; others cited cannabis’ negative side effects. For cannabis and psychedelics researcher Philippe Lucas, the question is not hypothetical.
Apr 19, 2026	Teen cannabis use rose after California legalization, reversing years of decline Teen cannabis use in Northern California increased following the legalization of adult recreational cannabis and later declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new research from Kaiser Permanente published in JAMA Network Open.
Apr 19, 2026	They tried everything, and nothing worked. Now, women are turning to cannabis for help By Dr. Sanjay Gupta - When I started filming the first “Weed” documentary back in 2012, I could not have predicted where this journey would take me — or the stories that would keep unfolding long after that initial exploration into the world of cannabis. At the time, I thought I was making a single self-contained film about a controversial plant and its place in modern medicine. What I didn’t realize was that I was also beginning a long, evolving conversation about hope, healing and who gets to be taken seriously when talking about something as provocative as medical marijuana.
Apr 18, 2026	Trump Complains DOJ Is ‘Slow-Walking’ Marijuana Rescheduling, Four Months After He Issued An Order To Get It Done President Donald Trump on Saturday appeared to complain that federal officials are “slow-walking” following through on an executive order he issued to complete the process of federally rescheduling marijuana.
Apr 17, 2026	An exciting archaeological discovery from prehistoric times – the world’s oldest cannabis plant from Saxony-Anhalt? Researchers at the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin came across a spectacular plant fossil whilst cataloguing the collection. Further investigations are now underway to determine whether this is indeed by far the oldest known specimen of the Cannabis genus. It is certainly a highlight.
Apr 17, 2026	Forbes 2026 Cannabis 42.0 List Every April 20, the high holiday for marijuana lovers, is a reason to examine the state of the $30 billion cannabis industry. And this year, there is tremendous optimism that federal reform is finally coming.
Apr 17, 2026	Nebraska Medical Marijuana Regulations Now Await AG and Governor’s Approval The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission has approved a set of rules governing the state’s emerging cannabis supply system, almost a year after first adopting temporary guidelines. The framework has operated under short-term extensions lasting 90 days at a time. The measures, repeatedly renewed, outline how medical marijuana businesses must operate. They address licensing limits, security standards, approved product types, and the qualifications required for physicians who recommend cannabis to patients.
Apr 17, 2026	Mass. cannabis law could take effect before 4/20 — here’s what changes A new cannabis law in Massachusetts could take effect on the eve of April 20 — the informal “4/20” holiday widely celebrated by cannabis users — triggering immediate changes for dispensaries and consumers alike. The new statue, called "H.5350, An Act Modernizing the Commonwealth’s Cannabis Laws‚" was on Gov. Maura Healey’s desk for consideration to become law no later than April 19, after it was passed by the House and Senate on April 6.
Apr 17, 2026	Life in Prison for a First Time, Nonviolent Cannabis Charge? Advocates, members of Congress, and those negatively impacted by cannabis incarceration will come together for a 4/20 congressional briefing and press conference designed to recenter the cultural holiday around an urgent reality: cannabis remains federally illegal and the harms of prohibition persist
Apr 17, 2026	New Zealand: Nascent medical cannabis industry aims for growth The budding medicinal cannabis sector is struggling to put down roots, and another specialist processing factory is set to close. But regulators considering current rules and a new industry collective offer some promise to reduce New Zealand's reliance on imported medicinal bud.
Apr 17, 2026	Berlin 2026: European Cannabis M&A Finds its Footing As the European cannabis conference season gets started, industry experts, lawmakers, regulators and business owners are facing greater mainstream scrutiny than ever before. From police raids in Portugal and North Macedonia, to a media backlash in the UK, operators are facing increasing questions about the industry’s resilience in the face of coordinated pushback. Europe’s largest medical cannabis market, once again, finds itself at the very centre of this debate. Delegates at this year’s ICBC Berlin were offered insights from Germany’s most informed voices to get the latest picture on where the thriving market currently stands, and whether regulatory headwinds will push capital toward neighbouring markets.
Apr 17, 2026	Smuggling Busts Further Taint North Macedonia’s Legal Cannabis Industry Dragan Krstev used to work for a company called Green Life, growing medicinal cannabis in a village called Josifovo near North Macedonia’s southern border with Greece. Cultivation of cannabis for medicinal purposes was legalised in 2016 and promoted heavily by the former Social Democrat-led government of Prime Minister Zoran Zaev. By 2021, the country boasted more than 60 licenced cannabis producers.
Apr 17, 2026	Examining Canada’s cannabis business since legalization It's coming up on eight years since recreational cannabis use in Canada was legalized in 2018. Before that, virtually all cannabis transactions were conducted illegally, in the shadows, where everything, including accurate data, were sketchy at best. Today, we know how and where legal cannabis is grown, where it is warehoused and sold, and how much it is taxed.
Apr 17, 2026	Why the future of marijuana legalization remains hazy despite high public support Thousands of Americans will soon gather to celebrate April 20 – or “4/20” – the most important day of the year for cannabis enthusiasts. But this year, a cloud of uncertainty will hang over these celebrations. After years of success, the movement to legalize recreational and medical cannabis has stalled.
Apr 17, 2026	Singaporean man executed for importing over 1kg of cannabis Convicted drug importer Omar Yacob Bamadhaj was hanged on April 16 for bringing 1,009.1g of cannabis into Singapore in July 2018. The 46-year-old Singaporean was convicted of the capital offence on Feb, 24, 2021. His conviction and sentence were upheld by the Court of Appeal on Oct 12, 2021.
Apr 16, 2026	Canada’s cannabis business since legalization It’s coming up on eight years since recreational cannabis use in Canada was legalized in 2018. Before that, virtually all cannabis transactions were conducted illegally, in the shadows, where everything, including accurate data, were sketchy at best. Today, we know how and where legal cannabis is grown, where it is warehoused and sold, and how much it is taxed. Half of Canada’s cannabis retailers are small businesses, employing four people or less You will find legal cannabis dispensaries across Canada, precisely 3,295 retail businesses with employees at the end of 2025, on main streets in big cities, in suburban strip malls and in small towns, too. In 2025, just over half (51.4%) of Canada’s cannabis retailers were small shops with one to four employees. Meanwhile, we counted two mega retailers with 200 to 499 employees.
Apr 16, 2026	5 Ways Cannabis Can Save the Planet This Earth Day A look at the long-term environmental impact of cannabis cultivation demonstrates how vital it is that everyone — especially those in the industry — does their part to prioritize Earth’s health. There are a lot of different ways to for big companies to practice sustainability — and as a consumer, you can get in on the action by ditching disposable vape cartridges or buying your bud from a local source. Some critics think family farming could herald in a greener future for cannabis, while others have hopes for responsibly grown cannabis on a larger scale. But no matter the outcome, cannabis (and the cannabis industry) can still be a part of the plan to keep Earth happy and healthy.
Apr 16, 2026	Small businesses form the foundation of Canada’s cannabis industry New figures from Statistics Canada show that more than seven years into legal cannabis, 51.4% of Canada’s cannabis retailers were small shops with one to four employees. All but two cannabis retailers are considered small businesses, which the agency defines as an enterprise with 1 to 99 paid employees. This is based on a count of 3,295 retail cannabis businesses with employees at the end of 2025. In addition to the 1,694 stores with 1-4 employees, there were another 1,066 with 5-9 employees. The federal agency also notes there are two large chain ”mega retailers” with 200 to 499 employees.
Apr 16, 2026	Council vote moves Iqaluit cannabis store closer to relocation Iqaluit city council has voted to take a step closer to allowing an Iqaluit cannabis store to move to a new location in the heart of downtown. At Tuesday’s council meeting, members voted in favour of a rezoning amendment on first reading that would enable the Higher Experience cannabis store to move to a new location 30 metres away from its current site
Apr 16, 2026	District Cannabis Launches a Ridiculously Serious Campaign to Make 4/20 a National Holiday District Cannabis, an irreverently innovative cannabis company operating in Washington, D.C., and Maryland, is launching a bold, tongue-in-cheek campaign complete with a petition on Change.org calling on the White House to finally recognize what millions of Americans already know: 4/20 deserves federal holiday status. While the campaign begins in the nation’s capital, founder Andras Kirschner sees the mission as much bigger than the DMV. “Weeding the people goes beyond our zip code. We want to make cannabis more accessible, more accepted, and more celebrated nationwide,” said Andras.
Apr 16, 2026	Is Cannabis Effective for ADHD? Few conditions in the field of medical cannabis are backed by such adamant patient conviction, but as little clinical data as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD is one of the most commonly reported reasons people seek medical cannabis prescriptions in legalised markets, yet the controlled evidence base for this indication is severely lacking, to the point of being almost non-existent.
Apr 15, 2026	Canadian cannabis producer targets international markets in $26.5M deal Aurora Cannabis Inc. has bought Safari Flower Co. in a stock-and-cash deal valued at $26.5 million. The acquisition includes a $2-million cash payment that is contingent on satisfaction of certain conditions. Aurora says Safari Flower has an EU GMP certified indoor cultivation and manufacturing facility in Ontario. It says the deal that will increase its capacity to supply key international markets, including Germany, Australia, Poland, and the United Kingdom, and support further market expansion.
Apr 15, 2026	Cannabis consolidation and global demand fuel sector outlook Cannabis markets in Canada and the U.S. are showing uneven growth as the industry matures, with consolidation and international demand emerging as key themes shaping the sector.
Apr 15, 2026	Pre-rolls overtake flower as top-selling cannabis product in the US American cannabis consumers prefer pre-rolls over any other product. Continuing a years-long trend, pre-roll unit sales grew nearly 20% last year to become the most-sold cannabis product category in the United States, according to a new report from Renton, Washington-based packaging and manufacturing company Custom Cones USA. Pre-rolls generated $3.6 billion in sales, a nearly 10% increase from 2024, according to the report, based on numbers from cannabis analytics firm Headset.
Apr 15, 2026	Singapore: Halt Imminent Execution for Cannabis Trafficking The Singaporean government should immediately halt the execution of Omar bin Yacob Bamadhaj, scheduled for April 16, 2026, for trafficking cannabis, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, Capital Punishment Justice Project (CPJP), and Anti-Death Penalty Asia Network (ADPAN) said today.
Apr 15, 2026	Study finds that Morocco’s cannabis cooperatives outperform in seed oil production Researchers in Morocco recently found that local farmer-run cooperatives deliver stronger environmental and social performance in cannabis seed oil production than other methods, including artisanal or industrial, according to research published in an MDPI journal.
Apr 15, 2026	Cannabis use rises in Quebec but falls among teenagers, report finds A growing number of Quebecers are using cannabis since legalization, according to a new report, though use among teenagers is declining. The Institut de la statistique du Québec announced Tuesday that one in six Quebecers reported using cannabis in 2025. That’s up from about one in seven in 2018, the year before legalization. But that increase was not evenly distributed across age groups.
Apr 15, 2026	New report hopes to stir chats among parents and youth on cannabis poisoning Just days out from the annual unofficial 4/20 Day, a new report on youth-related cannabis poisonings aims to get parents and caregivers talking to teens about the risks of cannabis use. A new study from the BC Children’s Hospital’s BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit (BCIRPU) says youth between 14 and 16 years make up most cannabis-related poisonings at BC Children’s Hospital.
Apr 15, 2026	Canadian cannabis producer targets international markets in $26.5M deal Aurora Cannabis Inc. has bought Safari Flower Co. in a stock-and-cash deal valued at $26.5 million. The acquisition includes a $2-million cash payment that is contingent on satisfaction of certain conditions. Aurora says Safari Flower has an EU GMP certified indoor cultivation and manufacturing facility in Ontario.
Apr 14, 2026	4/20 Vancouver is Back: Pot Block Party on April 20 4/20 Vancouver is back for 2026 – on the world-famous Pot Block! Join us all day on APRIL 20 for 4 floors of live music, contests, dab bars, tattoos, tarot readings, live painting, give-aways and tons more fun for stoners (19 years+) – all on The Pot Block in Vancouver.
Apr 14, 2026	Nebraska Officials Approve Medical Marijuana Rules, Sending Them To Attorney General And Governor The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission unanimously signed off on formal regulations over the budding supply chain Monday, nearly a year after issuing the first regulations.
Apr 14, 2026	Federally Funded Research Reports Breakthrough in Marijuana Breathalyzer Development A newly published study points to a possible step forward in efforts to create a cannabis breathalyzer, offering early evidence that a compact and affordable device could detect recent cannabis use without requiring laboratory testing.
Apr 14, 2026	Virginia Governor Proposes Delaying Launch of Recreational Cannabis Sales Virginia's recreational cannabis market has been slow to get off the ground, and now it looks like consumers in the state will have to wait a little longer. It's been five years since Virginia legalized possession of small amounts of cannabis and earlier this year, state lawmakers approved a retail framework that would have kicked off sales as early at Jan. 1, 2027.
Apr 14, 2026	How Smokers Use Certain Strains to Boost Their Focus does smoking improve focusPHOTO Gracie Malley for Cannabis NowMedicalHow Smokers Use Certain Strains to Boost Their Focus Preliminary research and anecdotal evidence suggests there’s a more complicated truth beneath the ‘lazy stoner’ stereotype. ByEmily EarlenbaughPublished on April 14, 2026 ShareTweet Cannabis has a bad reputation when it comes to mental focus. There’s a common perception that cannabis kills concentration, leaving smokers spacey and unmotivated. And let’s face it, there’s validity to the stigma, because it’s true that indulging in too much or smoking the wrong strain of marijuana can leave consumers in a confused place. Still, cannabis has a wide range of effects, so the story about cannabis and focus isn’t as simple as it seems. This powerful plant can also have the opposite effect and actually improve mental functionality. Many cannabis users report that cannabis helps them stay more engaged and clear-minded.
Apr 14, 2026	Is Spain Set to Become the Next European Cannabis Processing Hub? As the European medical cannabis market has developed, expanded and matured over the last half-decade, Portugal has played a critical role in the global supply chain, earning a reputation as the ‘doorway to Europe’. Dried flower from Canada, Colombia, Thailand and a swathe of other global exporters has been diverted through the Portuguese processing hub for the majority of the European market’s existence. Its dominance, built on a forgiving regulatory framework, low costs and a cluster of EU-GMP processing facilities, is now under pressure.
Apr 14, 2026	New Study Finds Vaporizing Cannabis Reduces Harmful Combustion Byproducts by Up To 99% Compared to Joint Smoke PAX, a leading global cannabis brand rooted in science and innovation, today released new research demonstrating that vaporizing cannabis flower can dramatically reduce exposure to harmful combustion byproducts compared to smoking a joint. I would take this study with a grain of salt, mainly because a vaporizer company did the research
Apr 13, 2026	Alabama’s 1st Medical Cannabis Dispensary Plans to Open Next Month Five years after legalization, Alabama’s first licensed medical cannabis dispensary intends to commence sales on May 4 in Montgomery, state regulators announced during their regular commission meeting on April 9. Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission’s (AMCC) newly elected chairman, Sam Blakemore, said during the meeting that Callie’s Apothecary, located in the state’s capital city, expects to start serving patients in as little as three weeks, WSFA 12 News reported.
Apr 13, 2026	Understanding the nuances of South Africa's cannabis laws It's been just over seven years since South Africa's Constitutional Court, in the landmark judgment of Prince, confirmed an order of constitutional invalidity made by the Western Cape High Court, which declared legislation criminalising the use, possession, purchase and cultivation of cannabis unconstitutional.
Apr 13, 2026	France extends experimental access to medical cannabis until 2027 Patients currently receiving medical cannabis as part of the French trial have been granted a temporary reprieve. Health Minister Stéphanie Rist signed the accompanying letter guaranteeing continued access to treatment, potentially until the first quarter of 2027 , pending the widespread implementation of medical cannabis.
Apr 13, 2026	How to Start a Cannabis Business: A Complete Guide The global legal cannabis industry is no longer an emerging market, but a maturing one with established regulatory frameworks, institutional capital, and a growing ecosystem of professional services. Europe’s medical cannabis market alone is projected to reach €2.28 billion by 2029, up from €1.09 billion in 2025, according to Prohibition Partners research. For entrepreneurs and investors looking to enter the sector, the opportunity is real, but so is the complexity. This guide covers the key steps involved in starting a cannabis business, from choosing your market and structure to navigating regulation, technology, and funding.
Apr 13, 2026	Germany Now Represents 62% of Canadian Cannabis Flower Exports as Portugal’s Share Collapses Canadian cannabis exports totalled CA$51.6 million in February 2026 across the three main cannabis HS codes tracked in export data, up 8.7% on the same month a year earlier. Beyond this headline export growth sits a more nuanced picture of supply chains, trade routes, and emerging markets from the world’s largest exporter of cannabis products.
Apr 13, 2026	Nova Scotia chiefs call for moratorium on cannabis raids, want talks The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs is calling for a moratorium on raids on cannabis dispensaries located in First Nation communities and is asking for open dialogue with the provincial government. The move comes after events on April 2 that saw traffic impeded by protesters in some communities in Cape Breton and off-island after an early-morning raid in Potlotek First Nation. Before the RCMP could leave Potlotek, residents had blocked in several police vehicles. As a result, the RCMP retrieved their guns from the vehicles and walked out of the community to waiting cars that drove some of the officers away.
Apr 11, 2026	$80M cannabis bust results in $50K fine against Leamington company Through a lawyer Friday, 2732304 Ontario Ltd. Pleaded guilty to a single charge of unlawfully cultivating cannabis. Court learned, on Nov. 18, 2020, 89,613 live cannabis plants and 5,353 pounds of dried product was seized from a greenhouse on Mersea Road 3. It was valued at $80-million by the OPP and the Public Prosecution Service of Canada.
Apr 11, 2026	RFK And Dr. Oz Want Anti-Marijuana Groups’ Lawsuit Challenging Medicare Hemp Coverage Program Dismissed Federal health officials are asking a court to dismiss marijuana legalization opponents’ lawsuit challenging a new Trump administration initiative to cover up to $500 worth of hemp-derived products each year for eligible Medicare patients. The program being implemented by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) focuses largely on CBD but also allows a certain amount of THC in products.
Apr 11, 2026	Province seeking feedback on proposal to allow cannabis shops to open as early as 7 a.m. Ontarians could soon have the same flexibility to buy cannabis and alcohol at the same time. The Ministry of the Attorney General is seeking feedback on a proposal to amend the Cannabis Licence Act that would allow stores to open as early as 7 a.m. Under the current law, cannabis retail stores are only able to operate between the hours of 9 a.m. and 11 p.m.
Apr 11, 2026	How $10 Million Meant for Florida Taxpayers Ended Up in the Anti-Marijuana War Two months before Florida voters decided the fate of marijuana legalization, $10 million tied to a Medicaid overbilling settlement quietly resurfaced in a campaign to keep cannabis illegal. The money, drawn from a $67 million settlement with the state’s largest Medicaid contractor, moved through a charity founded by First Lady Casey DeSantis and then to two nonprofits with close ties to Governor Ron DeSantis’s political orbit. Within days, $8.5 million landed in political committees fighting Amendment 3, the marijuana legalization ballot measure, according to state campaign finance records and documents obtained by the Associated Press.
Apr 11, 2026	Rapid Onset Cannabis Drinks The ButACake Cherry Hibiscus Elixir has been launched in New Jersey from the cannabis brand as its latest marijuana refreshment that makes use of Azuca's proprietary technology to accelerate effects for consumers. The drink is formulated using Azura's TiME INFUSION processing and has the RTD ACTiVATOR that enables it to achieve onset in five to 15-minutes.
Apr 10, 2026	Once a global leader, Canada is turning back the clock on access to medical cannabis for veterans Canada was one of the first countries to authorize the use of cannabis for medical purposes in 2001, and the second to legalize recreational cannabis with the 2018 passage of the Cannabis Act. However, for veterans experiencing anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain and PTSD, significant budget cuts for medical cannabis at Veteran Affairs Canada (VAC) have left many of them feeling betrayed, as the clock turns backward on access.
Apr 10, 2026	The US vape market is reshaping itself: Here’s what you need to know Over the past year, the US cannabis vape category hasn’t just grown; it has fundamentally reorganized. What used to be a relatively straightforward market defined by cartridges and distillate is now evolving into something far more segmented, more strategic, and more competitive. If you’re a brand, buyer, or operator, the takeaway is clear: the old playbook is no longer enough.
Apr 10, 2026	Hawaii Senate Votes To Ask Congress To Federally Legalize Marijuana The Hawaii Senate has passed a pair of resolutions calling on Congress to federally legalize marijuana, support state efforts to clear people’s conviction records and take steps to facilitate access to banking services for companies in the cannabis industry.

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