Trump Misinformed on Rescheduling? Last Week in Weed Feb. 3-10, 2026
Welcome to the latest edition of “Last week in Weed,” catching you up on the latest breaking news and industry developments in the world of cannabis.
Here’s what you may have missed over the last week:
GOP Senator Says Trump Was “Poorly Advised” on Cannabis Rescheduling
A senior Republican lawmaker publicly criticized President Donald Trump over his decision to pursue rescheduling cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III, arguing the move was based on flawed information. Sen. Ted Budd told Marijuana Moment that the administration’s claim that rescheduling would meaningfully expand research access is “a misnomer,” stating that studies can already occur under existing scheduling rules.
Budd said he raised his objections directly with Trump but that the two ultimately disagreed, adding that he believes “anything pro-marijuana will not age well.” The comments follow a December letter led by Budd and signed by more than 20 Republican senators urging Trump to abandon rescheduling, arguing it would undermine economic growth and public health goals. Despite the opposition, Trump has publicly dismissed GOP resistance, pointing to overwhelming public support for reform and personal accounts of cannabis providing medical relief, while the Justice Department has indicated there are still no updates on the status of the rescheduling process.
Dialed In Gummies Repositions Valentine’s Day Around Social Connection
Dialed In Gummies introduced Mix & Mingle, a limited-edition solventless rosin gummy designed to reframe Valentine’s Day as a communal, low-pressure social occasion rather than a couple-centric holiday. The product launched January 27 in Colorado, Arizona, and Massachusetts, with state-specific batches intended to reflect local consumer energy and preferences, according to the company’s announcement.
The release is supported by a series of experiential pop-ups and community-driven events, including a January 31 daytime party in Denver blending music, art, and cannabis culture. Dialed In President Max Vansluys described the concept as “reclaiming the night and showing up open, present, and unbothered by expectations,” signaling a broader shift toward experience-led, culturally fluent cannabis branding.
Florida Adult-Use Cannabis Campaign Falls Short of 2026 Ballot
Florida’s effort to legalize adult-use cannabis will not appear on the 2026 ballot after organizers failed to submit enough verified voter signatures. State officials confirmed the campaign fell short of the approximately 880,062 valid signatures required, despite submitting hundreds of thousands of petitions.
Campaign organizers have filed legal challenges disputing the state’s validation process, arguing that a significant number of signatures were improperly rejected. If those challenges fail, Florida remains the largest U.S. state without a clear voter pathway to adult-use legalization, reinforcing how procedural barriers continue to shape cannabis reform outcomes.
Wisconsin Democrats Renew Push for Cannabis Legalization
Democratic lawmakers in Wisconsin introduced new legislation aimed at legalizing adult-use cannabis and establishing a regulated commercial framework. The bill arrives amid growing debate over hemp-derived THC products and enforcement inconsistencies across the state.
While passage remains uncertain in a divided legislature, the proposal reflects mounting regional pressure as neighboring states expand legal markets and capture tax revenue. Supporters framed legalization as both a consumer safety issue and an economic competitiveness measure.
Connecticut Court Ends Dispensary Zoning Dispute
A Connecticut appellate court ruled against Rodeo Cannabis, ending the company’s multi-year effort to open a dispensary in Shelton after exhausting its legal appeals. The court upheld local zoning authority, reinforcing municipalities’ power to restrict cannabis retail locations.
The decision highlights ongoing friction between state legalization frameworks and local control, particularly in states where towns retain broad discretion over cannabis land use. For operators, the case underscores the persistent risks tied to zoning and real estate even after licensure.
Aurora Cannabis Reports Fiscal Q3 2026 Earnings
Aurora Cannabis released its fiscal third-quarter 2026 earnings, providing updated insight into performance amid continued restructuring in the global cannabis sector. The company emphasized its focus on international medical markets and operational efficiency in its investor update.
The results arrive as investors increasingly prioritize profitability and capital discipline over expansion. Public cannabis companies continue to face heightened scrutiny as markets mature and speculative growth narratives give way to fundamentals.
Cannabis Technology Adoption Accelerates Under Margin Pressure
New industry analysis points to accelerating adoption of automation, AI-driven cultivation tools, and data-centric compliance platforms across cannabis operations. According to Cannabis Risk Manager, these technologies are increasingly viewed as necessities rather than optional upgrades.
As pricing pressure and regulatory complexity persist, operators are turning to technology to stabilize yields, reduce labor dependency, and improve consistency. Analysts suggest 2026 may mark a tipping point where tech investment becomes essential for long-term viability.
Oklahoma Governor Floats Medical Cannabis Rollback
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt signaled support for a ballot measure that could dismantle the state’s voter-approved medical cannabis program, drawing immediate backlash from patients and industry stakeholders.
Advocates argue that reversing the program would disrupt patient access and small businesses across the state. If advanced, the proposal would represent one of the most aggressive attempts to roll back an established cannabis market in the U.S.