Webinar overview
State cannabis markets are in a period of rapid transition, due to: 1) federal marijuana rescheduling developments, 2) the coming federal prohibition on intoxicating hemp products and high THC seeds, and 3) the 2026 midterm election results.
This webinar will feature Harris Sliwoski attorneys Jason Adelstone (CO, NM, AZ), Jared Schwass (CA) and Vince Sliwoski (OR, MN), alongside Ananda Strategy Founder & Principal, Hirsh Jain. The panelists will examine significant developments for state cannabis markets headed into 2027.
Big picture developments
The impact of medical marijuana rescheduling for state-licensed businesses (if it sticks) cannot be overstated. Many of these businesses will pay less tax with medical marijuana on Schedule III, to start. At the same time, the proposed rule to also place adult-use marijuana in Schedule III remains mired in litigation. Much of the “hemp loophole” is about to close, and the prospects for greater reform at the federal level just increased dramatically following the midterm Congressional elections.
With all of this happening in the federal context, state markets continue to move forward. The ballot measure to repeal Massachusetts’ adult use market flopped miserably, while Idahoans voted to preserve their rights to instigate reform. Other states, such as Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, look poised to legalize adult use cannabis in 2027. Even historically red states like Texas, Iowa, and North Carolina are likely to see shifts in cannabis policy.
Further, DEA is requiring both those who submitted applications during the expedited application window, as well as existing DEA registrants, to establish closed supply chains that exclude other state-licensed operators. This requirement threatens to bifurcate state medical marijuana programs into separate, economically unsustainable markets, potentially undermining the viability of both.
Why this matters now
Federal dynamics will cause the business environment to evolve rapidly in 2027, as will state prohibition reform efforts. All of this will benefit certain operators and harm others.
This webinar will offer a practical overview of what we can expect heading into the new year. It should help attendees consider their options and prepare for pending changes.
- Date: November 19, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. PST / 3:00 p.m. EST
- Format: Live interactive webinar with Q&A
Whether you’re a cannabis business operator, an investor, a service provider or a regulator, this webinar should be helpful.
Feel free to submit your questions in advance at the registration link. We'll look forward to seeing you on November 19th!
