Archive · 2026-08-19

Cannabis laws across the U.S. are constantly evolving, and Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas are no exception. From new licensing opportunities and proposed adult-use programs to shifting THC regulations, cannabis business owners and entrepreneurs have plenty to keep up with in 2026. Here’s the latest on cannabis legislation and cannabis business licensing in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas, and what these changes could mean for the industry.

Arkansas Cannabis Business Licensing

There’s good news for those seeking medical cannabis business licensing in Arkansas! Applications are now available for Processors and Transporters. The Arkansas Alcohol and Beverage Control agency is responsible for the licensure of medical marijuana dispensaries; as of August 8, 2026, the number of active medical marijuana ID cards in the state is 118,759. Recreational legalization, however, does not have such a hopeful future, as both major-party gubernatorial candidates oppose it. This is despite Arkansas medical marijuana sales reaching $140.3 million through June 2026 and $144 million in the same period in 2025, according to the state Department of Finance and Administration. Sitting Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who is favored to win a second term, confirmed her opposition in an emailed statement: “Giving more access to drugs, particularly recreational access, does nothing to help or benefit Arkansans,” Sanders wrote. The Democratic Party nominee, state Sen. Fred Love, has said he personally opposes legalization but would defer to voters.

Louisiana Cannabis Business Licensing

As of July 2026, there is no pathway to obtaining cannabis business licensing in Louisiana. The state is exploring a pilot program to test the feasibility of adult-use cannabis legalization in the state, however. If approved, the program would launch next year and run through 2030, with the Louisiana Department of Health overseeing the program. The Adult-Use Cannabis Pilot Program Regulation and Enforcement Act, introduced by Democratic state Rep. Candace Newell, would allow only existing medical marijuana dispensaries to participate. There are ten in the state. In an encouragement to the place of cannabis business licensing in Louisiana, patients with terminal and irreversible conditions are now permitted to consume medical marijuana in hospitals. Gov. Jeff Landry recently allowed the reform to be enacted without his signature, rather than signing or vetoing it. Emergency or outpatient departments are exempted from the policy, and patients and primary caregivers are responsible for acquiring and administering medical marijuana, which must be “stored securely at all times in a locked container provided by the patient.” Health care professionals and staff are prohibited from “administering, storing, retrieving, or assisting the patient with the medical marijuana.”

Oklahoma Cannabis Business Licensing

Good news for those seeking cannabis business licensing in Oklahoma! All commercial license types are open, including grower, processor, dispensary, transporter, transporter agent, testing laboratory, waste disposal facility, research, and education. Both new and existing businesses in the industry here, however, should be aware of the updated child-safe edibles rules, planned to go into effect November 1st, which have been causing confusion across the state. Packaging for Oklahoma marijuana edibles that is "attractive to children" is considered too ambiguous, as well as having the potential to be erratically enforced. Under the law, cannabis edibles cannot use “any image or words designed or likely to appeal to persons” younger than 18, be manufactured “in the shape of humans, cartoons, or animals”, contain color additives, or bear any resemblance to “commercially available candy”. A moratorium on new permits in the state ran until August.

Texas Cannabis Business Licensing

As of July 2026, there is no pathway to obtaining a cannabis business license in Texas. The last time the Department of Public Safety Regulatory Services Division accepted new applications for the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP) to dispense organization licenses was from August 15, 2025, to September 15, 2025. For those interested in the industry here, this short window shows how difficult it is to get in. Although options for cannabis business licensing in Texas aren’t making news, the latest in state regulations is. Recently, a ban was enacted that applies to all synthetically created THC forms, including delta-8, delta-10, THCP and THCA flower. The only exception to the ban is delta-9 products with less than 0.3 percent THC by dry weight. Further, a federal judge denied an emergency motion for a temporary restraining order sought by hemp businesses and consumers, therefore allowing the ban on THC products to continue until the case is resolved.

CannaCon St. Louis Connects You!

The balance between legalized states and states continuing to ban cannabis continues to wobble. Keep abreast of the news with CannaCon’s website and plan to attend its leading business-to-business cannabis conference. The goal at CannaCon is to grow the cannabis industry by educating cannabis business owners on all things related to cannabis and CBD. The trade show features a large exhibition hall with exhibitors from across the country, as well as seminars led by industry experts. Join us at our upcoming event in St. Louis! CannaCon originally published this article July 24, 2019. It was updated Sept. 12, 2023 and again on August 19, 2026.