A new Gallup survey finds that 17% of American adults now smoke cannabis, more than twice the rate recorded when the polling organization first began tracking the figure. The data also reveals that traditional cigarette use has dropped to its lowest point ever measured.

Missouri's final round of cannabis microbusiness licensing attracted close to 900 applicants competing for just 77 available spots. A lottery drawing set for September 9 will determine the recipients of licenses aimed at increasing participation from underrepresented communities in the state's legal cannabis market.

Two failed bills in the South Carolina legislature mean hemp-derived THC products will remain on sale without new restrictions for at least another year. The legislative session closed without tightening DUI rules related to cannabis consumption either.

North Carolina's Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that the smell of cannabis is sufficient grounds for law enforcement to conduct a search. The decision, stemming from a Mecklenburg County case, affirms that detecting cannabis odor contributes to probable cause under the totality of circumstances standard.

The California Department of Cannabis Control has issued a voluntary recall for a Backpackboyz cannabis flower product after regulators determined its packaging—which includes a small collectible figurine—violates state rules prohibiting packaging that may appeal to minors.

A Texas Tech University economic analysis finds that states legalizing cannabis experience a roughly 9% rise in agricultural sector employment beyond what would have occurred otherwise. The findings were presented at the Agricultural & Applied Economics Association's 2026 annual meeting.

Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation permitting adult-use cannabis sales at approved farmers markets and community events across New York. The measure is designed to help small cannabis cultivators and microbusinesses reach customers directly through new retail channels.

A recent overhaul of Georgia's medical cannabis law has triggered a dramatic spike in patient registrations, overwhelming state officials tasked with processing applications. Authorities are urging new applicants to remain patient as they work to manage the record-breaking volume of card requests.

Rhode Island's Cannabis Control Commission has relaunched its application process for new marijuana retailers after an earlier licensing round was invalidated by a federal court ruling. The restart follows the resolution of that litigation and the passage of an updated Cannabis Act.

A 2026 Fisher Phillips Flash Survey reveals that 60% of employers now screen job applicants for cannabis, up from 52% two years prior. The data signals a notable increase in workplace drug testing despite ongoing legalization trends across the U.S.

A proposed Senate amendment would preserve the legislative push to prohibit THC-containing hemp products, keeping potential restrictions on the market on course. Separately, state attorneys general are urging Congress to uphold hemp recriminalization measures rather than reverse course.

Multistate operator Vireo Growth Inc. has announced a deal to take over Planet 13 Holdings Inc., gaining 36 retail locations across Florida, Illinois, and Nevada. The acquisition also brings three cultivation and production facilities, a distribution license, and a consumption lounge license into Vireo's portfolio.