The Canopy Daily — April 11, 2026

Your daily digest of the stories shaping the cannabis industry. From new markets opening to established ones struggling, here's what you need to know.

Alabama's First Medical Cannabis Dispensary Opens Next Month

After years of delays, lawsuits, and regulatory false starts, Alabama is finally about to join the medical cannabis market. The state's first dispensary is expected to open its doors in May 2026, according to the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission. Montgomery is the likely location for the inaugural opening. Alabama legalized medical cannabis back in 2021, but implementation has been plagued by licensing disputes and court challenges that pushed the launch back repeatedly. For patients who have been waiting five years, next month can't come soon enough.

Sources: MJBizDaily, WSFA, WHNT, Rocket City Now

Colorado's Legal Pot Market Hits a Harsh Comedown

The Washington Post published a deep dive into Colorado's struggling cannabis market — a cautionary tale for the entire industry. After record highs during the pandemic era, the state that pioneered recreational legalization is facing a painful correction. Prices have cratered, dispensaries are closing, and the once-booming market is contracting under the weight of oversupply, heavy taxation, and competition from neighboring states with newer programs. Colorado's experience is a reminder that being first doesn't guarantee lasting advantage, and that market maturity brings its own set of challenges.

Source: The Washington Post

Federal Judge Blocks Rhode Island Cannabis Licensing Over Residency Requirement

Rhode Island's cannabis licensing rollout has hit a wall. A federal judge blocked enforcement of the state's residency requirement for cannabis business licenses, halting the licensing process entirely. The ruling raises questions about whether states can legally restrict cannabis business ownership to residents — a common provision in state cannabis laws nationwide. If the ruling stands, it could have ripple effects in other states that use similar residency requirements to protect local operators from out-of-state corporate competition.

Sources: Rhode Island Current, Cannabis Business Times

Trump Advisor Says Someone Is 'Holding Up' Cannabis Rescheduling

The rescheduling saga continues with a new wrinkle. A Trump advisor publicly stated that someone within the administration is "holding up" the process of moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III. The comment, reported by Marijuana Moment, adds to growing frustration in the industry over a process that has seemed perpetually on the verge of completion. With DEA rulemaking, DOJ involvement, and now internal political dynamics at play, the path to Schedule III remains uncertain. For Hightree vendors and operators, the message is clear: don't plan your business around rescheduling until the ink is dry.

Source: Marijuana Moment

West Virginia Governor Vetoes Medical Marijuana Spending Bill

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey vetoed a revised $38 million medical marijuana fund spending bill, creating uncertainty for the state's medical cannabis program. The veto blocks the allocation of funds that had been earmarked for program implementation and expansion. West Virginia has had a medical cannabis law on the books since 2017, but the program has struggled with limited dispensary access and high costs for patients. The governor's veto adds another obstacle.

Source: WCHS

New Jersey Opens $15 Million Cannabis Loan Program

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority is opening applications for a $15 million cannabis loan program aimed at helping businesses in the state's growing legal market. The program targets operators who need capital for expansion, equipment, or working capital — areas where cannabis businesses have traditionally struggled to find financing due to federal prohibition. For entrepreneurs in New Jersey, this represents one of the most significant state-backed cannabis financing programs in the country.

Source: NJBIZ