Cannabis and marijuana continue to fascinate the general public, prompting big legal changes that are always shifting. Businesses and consumers are often left wondering what will happen next. Federal law and marijuana classification may change in 2026 according to the current administration, and state law could change if State Question 837 passes. As the legal landscape continues to change, the right cannabis attorney can make all the difference in how to stay compliant and plan for the New Year.
The experienced attorneys at Brune Law Firm help you understand how cannabis law changes will affect you in 2026. Schedule a consultation to learn how we can help.
The Current Landscape in Oklahoma
The last several years have seen big changes in how medical marijuana has impacted the industry. Voters approved State Question 788 in 2018, permitting medical marijuana in the state. Now, over 400,000 residents have medical marijuana licenses. This means that cannabis is a big part of our state economy. However, strict market regulations continue to apply:
- The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority has tightened rules on seed-to-sale tracking
- Many licenses have consolidated and smaller operators left the market
- Oversupply remains a significant issue in Oklahoma
Regulators are concerned that overproduction for the number of users means that marijuana is heading to illegal markets. This means that continued and increased enforcement will likely occur in 2026.
New Attempt to Legalize Recreational Marijuana in the State
Medical marijuana has been legal for a while now, but voters turned down recreational marijuana in 2023. Now, the question is back. State Question 837 was an attempt to legalize recreational marijuana, but it did not get enough signatures to make it on the 2026 ballot.
If it had passed, it would:
- Let individuals 21 and older have up to 8 ounces of cannabis
- Let people cultivate up to 12 plants at home
- Remove taxes for medical patients
- Impose a 10% excise tax
If it’s not on the ballot, why talk about it? This push is not over. You can fully expect legalization of recreational marijuana to come back around in the future, and you need an attorney who can help you prepare for the changing legal landscape it creates.
Consumer Expectations in 2026
Cannabis experiences for consumers continues to change. For one, medical access remains strong. There are over one thousand dispensaries operating statewide. Products are subject to tighter inventory rules, as well as quality regulations. Consumers expect safe and quality products.
Price pressures could also impact what consumers have available. Oversupply continues to be a problem, but this could ease if recreational marijuana is ever approved. However, imposed taxes are highly likely on any recreational cannabis products.
National Trends Impacting Oklahoma
The federal trends impact Oklahoma too. Many of the laws other states have passed are the basis for renewed efforts to legalize recreational marijuana in Oklahoma. Legalization in other states also makes it possible, though not legal, to get marijuana products made in other states.
Federal reforms are also likely in 2026. The current federal administration, and perhaps Congress, could reschedule marijuana from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III drug. This could open marijuana to further research, eased restrictions, and may help push the needle in the direction of legalization within the state.
For producers, the environmental impact of marijuana continues to be in the discussions. Increased scrutiny on water use and disposal of waste products could affect businesses in 2026.
Let an Oklahoma Cannabis Attorney Help You
There are both opportunities and potential challenges related to cannabis you need to be ready for in 2026. Businesses will have to comply with strict federal and state law requirements. Many of these will continue to change throughout the year. Knowing what you can offer, consume, use, or do with marijuana and cannabis is critical to your success. As the industry changes, you can change with it when you have an experienced cannabis lawyer at your side.
Let the experienced lawyers at Brune Law Firm assist you with your cannabis-related legal needs. Contact us today for a consultation.