The Canopy Daily — March 30, 2026

Your daily briefing on what's moving in the cannabis world.

Idaho Medical Cannabis Ballot Clears Signature Threshold

Idaho's campaign to place a medical cannabis question on November's ballot has surpassed the required signature count. Campaign polling shows over 80 percent of Idahoans support legalizing medical cannabis access — a striking number for one of the most conservative states in the country.

But there's a catch: state lawmakers are already urging voters to reject the measure. Idaho remains one of the few states with no legal cannabis program of any kind — no medical, no CBD carve-outs, nothing. If the ballot initiative survives legislative opposition and voter approval, it would be a landmark shift for a state that has historically been among the most restrictive on cannabis.

For the broader industry, Idaho joining the medical cannabis map would close another gap in the national patchwork. For Hightree shoppers in neighboring states, it could eventually mean expanded vendor access in the region.

Source: NORML

AOC Challenges Federal Drug Scheduling System

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez took aim at the federal drug scheduling framework this week, arguing that Schedule I classification for cannabis contradicts decades of scientific evidence showing legitimate medical applications.

Her comments come as the rescheduling debate continues to simmer at the federal level. The core argument isn't new — cannabis's Schedule I status, which defines it as having "no currently accepted medical use," has been increasingly difficult to defend as 38 states have legalized medical cannabis programs. But having vocal congressional advocates keeps the issue in the public conversation, which matters for the long-term trajectory of federal reform.

Source: Marijuana Moment

Texas Lawmakers Ordered to Study Cannabis and Psychedelics

Texas Senate and House leaders have directed committees to study cannabis health impacts and psychedelic therapy research during the interim period before the 2027 legislative session.

This isn't legalization — not even close. Texas remains deeply conservative on cannabis policy. But the fact that legislative leadership is formally ordering study committees signals that the conversation is shifting, even in traditionally resistant states. Study committees often precede legislative action by one or two cycles.

The psychedelics inclusion is also notable. Texas has been surprisingly receptive to psychedelic therapy research, particularly for veterans' mental health — a politically palatable entry point in a state with a large military population.

Source: Marijuana Moment

Indiana Governor Blames GOP Leaders for Legalization Stall

Indiana Governor Mike Braun publicly criticized Republican legislative leaders for blocking cannabis legalization, stating that "half of Hoosiers probably smoke it illegally" while the state misses out on tax revenue that neighboring states are collecting.

Indiana is now surrounded by legal cannabis markets — Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio all have operational adult-use programs. The economic pressure of border-state competition is real: Indiana consumers drive to Michigan or Illinois to purchase legally, spending money that could stay in-state.

Braun's comments are unusually blunt for a Republican governor, and they reflect a growing pragmatic wing within the party that sees legalization as an economic issue rather than a moral one.

Source: Marijuana Moment

In Brief

Michigan governor candidate pledges to repeal 24% cannabis tax. A longshot candidate for Michigan governor has vowed to eliminate the state's new wholesale cannabis tax if elected, as a separate lawsuit challenges the tax's legality. The tax debate continues to be a flashpoint in mature cannabis markets. (MJBizDaily)

Missouri cracks down on hemp THC retailers ahead of federal ban. Stores must immediately halt sales of intoxicating hemp products due to concerns over mislabeled and potentially unsafe merchandise. Missouri joins a growing list of states tightening hemp THC rules before the federal ban takes effect. For Hightree shoppers, this reinforces why buying from verified, lab-tested vendors matters. (MJBizDaily)

Virginia social equity advocates call to delay adult-use launch. Cannabis equity advocates in Virginia are urging the governor to delay the start of recreational sales so that small businesses have a fair chance of competing with multi-state operators. Virginia's adult-use sales are currently set to begin in January 2027. (MJBizDaily)

Teamsters claim union win at Pennsylvania cannabis dispensary. A 20-day strike at a Cresco Labs-owned medical cannabis dispensary ended with workers claiming improved conditions. Cannabis labor organizing is accelerating as the industry matures and workers push for better pay and protections. (MJBizDaily)

Ohio legalization rollback impacts patients. Ohio lawmakers have repealed provisions of the voter-approved cannabis legalization law, affecting patient access to certain products. The move highlights the ongoing tension between voter-approved cannabis measures and legislative bodies that seek to modify or restrict them after passage. (NORML)

Cannabis tax debate continues. An industry op-ed argues that excessive, layered cannabis taxes in states like Illinois and Washington are pushing consumers toward illicit markets rather than eliminating demand — undermining the very goals of legalization. The piece adds to growing industry consensus that tax reform is essential for legal market viability. (Marijuana Moment)