Below is The Marijuana Herald’s Daily Cannabis News Brief for November 6, 2026, sponsored by Trulieve. The Marijuana Herald publishes a new edition every weekday at around 3 p.m. Pacific Time. Previous editions can be found by clicking here.
Canada Proposes Major Marijuana Tax Reform, Slashing Required Excise Stamps From 13 to Six
Canada’s federal government has proposed reducing the number of marijuana excise tax stamps from 13 to six, allowing licensed producers to use a common stamp across multiple provinces and territories. Included in the country’s 2026 federal budget, the proposal would reduce packaging costs, simplify distribution and streamline compliance requirements. The new system would become available January 1, 2028, with a transition period extending into 2029.
State-Commissioned Report Estimates Virginia’s Annual Marijuana Market at Up to $1.27 Billion, With 872,216 Active Consumers
A new state-commissioned report estimates Virginia residents spend approximately $1.05 billion annually on marijuana, with a potential market value as high as $1.27 billion. The analysis identifies 872,216 adults who consume marijuana monthly and estimates that the state could initially support between 107 and 163 retail locations under its baseline modeling assumptions. The findings come as Virginia prepares to launch recreational marijuana sales in July 2027.
DEA and Rescheduling Opponents File Final Reply Briefs, Clearing Way for Judge’s Recommendation
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and opponents of marijuana rescheduling have submitted their final reply briefs, completing the last scheduled round of written arguments before Chief Administrative Law Judge Derek Julius issues his recommendation. The DEA maintains that a recent Government Accountability Office report should carry no weight in the proceedings, while opponents argue it identifies serious procedural deficiencies. With the November 5 deadline passed and the temporary stay expired, Julius can now move toward issuing his recommendation on rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III.
Maryland Expanding Medical Marijuana Employment Protections to Out-of-State Firefighters and Emergency Personnel
Maryland is establishing a registration pathway allowing firefighters and emergency medical personnel who work in the state but live elsewhere to qualify for medical marijuana employment protections. Under Senate Bill 439, eligible workers with valid Maryland medical marijuana certifications are protected from workplace discrimination based solely on their certification or a positive marijuana test. Regulators have launched an interest form ahead of opening registration to qualifying nonresidents.
South Korea Moving Forward With ₩29.5 Billion ($22 Million) Plan to Expand Cannabinoid Research Beyond CBD to CBG, CBN and CBC
South Korea is advancing a four-year, $22 million initiative to expand medical cannabinoid research and production beyond cannabidiol (CBD) to include cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN) and cannabichromene (CBC). Running from 2027 through 2030, the project will establish pharmaceutical production infrastructure in Andong, expanding the country’s capabilities for developing cannabinoid-based medicines and high-purity ingredients.
Washington State: New Marijuana Initiative Would Ban Residential Cultivation, Require Business Insurance
A newly filed Washington State initiative would prohibit marijuana and hemp cultivation in residential zones while establishing additional licensing and insurance requirements for businesses. Designated IL27-432, the proposal could affect medical marijuana patients who currently cultivate plants at home. Supporters must collect at least 308,911 valid signatures by December 31 for the measure to advance to the 2027 Legislature.
South Dakota Doubles Medical Marijuana Edible THC Limit to 100 Milligrams Per Serving as New Rules Take Effect
South Dakota has officially doubled the maximum THC allowed in individual medical marijuana edible servings, increasing the limit from 50 milligrams to 100 milligrams. The change, which took effect November 5, allows licensed businesses to offer higher-potency edible products to registered medical marijuana patients under the state’s updated regulations.
Maryland Marijuana Sales Top $1 Billion in 2026
Maryland’s legal marijuana market has surpassed $1 billion in sales for 2026, reaching the milestone for the third consecutive year. Sales totaled $917.23 million through September, and a spokesperson for the Maryland Cannabis Administration confirmed October sales exceeded the $83 million needed to cross $1 billion. The state reached the milestone one month earlier than in 2025, positioning it to potentially set a new annual sales record.
Verano Opens 87th Florida Medical Marijuana Dispensary, Bringing Nationwide Total to 164
Verano Holdings has opened its 87th Florida medical marijuana dispensary, expanding its nationwide retail footprint to 164 locations across 13 states. The new MÜV dispensary in Fernandina Beach is the company’s second location in Nassau County. The opening follows continued expansion in Florida and recent quarterly financial results showing $212 million in revenue, approximately 5% higher than the same period last year.
Oregon Releases First Major Marijuana Health Guidance Update in Nine Years, Recognizes Medical Benefits
The Oregon Health Authority has released its first major update to marijuana public health guidance since 2017, formally recognizing scientific evidence supporting medical benefits for several conditions. The 20-page report identifies moderate or strong evidence that marijuana or cannabinoids can help treat chronic pain, certain seizure disorders, multiple sclerosis-related spasticity and chemotherapy-induced nausea. The revised guidance incorporates hundreds of scientific studies and reviews, expanding the state’s previous public health statements to include therapeutic applications alongside potential risks.
San Antonio City Council Members Propose Study of Marijuana Legalization’s Economic Benefits
Five San Antonio City Council members have introduced a proposal to study the economic benefits of marijuana legalization, including potential job creation, tax revenue and business development. Led by Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez, the proposal would direct city staff to examine regulated marijuana markets elsewhere and evaluate their potential impact on San Antonio and Texas. The findings could inform the city’s legislative priorities ahead of the Texas Legislature’s January session.
Failed Massachusetts Marijuana Repeal Campaign Spent More Than Annual Public Safety Budgets of 124 Towns, Law Enforcement Group Finds
A new analysis by the Law Enforcement Action Partnership finds that the failed campaign to repeal recreational marijuana sales in Massachusetts spent more than $3.7 million, exceeding the annual public safety budgets of 124 towns. The findings come after approximately 76% of voters rejected Question 8 in Tuesday’s election. The law enforcement group criticized the campaign’s spending, arguing that the money could have been better directed toward public safety initiatives and improvements to the state’s existing marijuana regulatory system.
Canopy Growth Reports 141% Surge in International Marijuana Revenue, Total Quarterly Revenue Reaches CA$81.4 Million
Canopy Growth reported CA$81.4 million in quarterly revenue, a 22% increase from the previous year, as international marijuana sales surged 141%. The company’s international marijuana division generated CA$12.3 million, driven primarily by growing medical marijuana demand in Germany and Poland. Canadian medical marijuana revenue also increased 18% to CA$25.8 million, while recreational marijuana revenue rose 17% to CA$28.1 million.
