Breakthrough technology, cutting-edge innovation, and the latest developments shaping the cannabis industry
President Trump signed an executive order on December 18, 2025 directing the attorney general to expedite rescheduling marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III — the most significant federal cannabis policy shift in decades. The move could eliminate the crushing 280E tax burden on cannabis businesses, unlock banking access, and open the floodgates for medical research.
READ SOURCE →Cannabis executives and economists assess what lies ahead in 2026 after a year of oversaturation, price compression, and a dramatic shift toward rescheduling. Industry leaders predict safe banking guidance and 280E relief could fundamentally reshape the business landscape, while M&A activity is expected to surge as operators consolidate.
READ SOURCE →At MJBizCon 2025 in Las Vegas, a packed panel explored AI-powered cultivation — from canopy-scanning robots to AI-guided tissue-culture automation. But panelists warned that no amount of AI can compensate for poor environmental control.
The executive order directing rescheduling could remove major barriers to clinical trials and federally funded cannabis research. Scientists say Schedule I restrictions have kept large, placebo-controlled studies under lock and key for decades.
New automated machines like the Stardust and Jiko systems can infuse and coat up to 1,500 pre-rolls per hour with precision that manual labor can’t match. As margin pressure intensifies, robotics are shifting from nice-to-have to essential.
THC-infused beverages are among the fastest-growing segments in cannabis, driven by nano-emulsification tech that improves taste and onset time. As “sober curious” consumers ditch alcohol for low-dose cannabis drinks, the category is projected to grow at over 15% CAGR.
Blockchain-based traceability systems are gaining traction in cannabis, assigning unique digital identifiers to each plant from seedling through retail. The tamper-proof records help operators prove compliance and give consumers verifiable transparency.
From automated irrigation scheduling to AI-driven pest detection and spectral imaging for potency testing, smart cultivation systems are becoming standard. Analysts project the global cannabis tech market could exceed $25 billion by 2032.
Portland-founded edibles leaders Wyld and Grön announced a merger expected to close in Q1 2026. The combined company will reach roughly 7,500 retail locations across 16 states and Canada, signaling continued consolidation.
Cannabis cultivators are increasingly investing in post-harvest technology — advanced drying, curing, and environmental control systems — to protect product quality and maximize returns. Cross-industry innovations from meat curing are being adapted for cannabis.
Our investigation exposes the cashless ATM fraud sweeping cannabis retail — billions in stolen interchange fees, under-the-table "rebates," and hidden fees consumers never consented to.