If 2025 saw the groundwork laid for cannabis to integrate more fully into our lives, then 2026 promises that those efforts will reach full bloom. From consumption lounges and infused dining experiences to widespread acceptance of cannabis as part of a health and wellness regimen, the coming year is expected to be a banner one for the industry. Leaders in the cannabis space—especially in light of the recent federal rescheduling—are feeling bullish on 2026 and shared their thoughts on what they’re most excited about, as well as what will be the biggest trends, for 2026.
Adolphus Busch, CEO, Teal Labs: “We are excited for what’s to come in 2026! In the edible department, we will be focusing on full-spectrum gummies infused with Live Resin and Live Rosin extracts, as well as more nighttime formulas with a focus on the minor cannabinoid, CBN, for sleep. In the smokeable and vape-able categories, we will be focusing on expanding our solventless lineup of extracts, as that seems to be the trend among the cannabis connoisseurs, and we will be developing a few new SKUs of infused pre-rolls for those looking for a more powerful cannabis flower experience.”
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George Jage, Founder and CEO, MJ Unpacked: “We have finally seen some progress on federal policy reform that aligns with both science and public opinion. While this will take some time to fully manifest, I believe this is the first step to seeing large institutional banking, accepting normal forms of payment at the dispensary, the return of investment capital, and a path to the ultimate goal of decriminalizing the plant, the people, and the patients. It will definitely have an immediate impact on research to unlock yet unknown medical benefits of cannabis for human health.”
Kevin Riggs, CEO of BeLeaf Medical: “We’re continuing to see incredible momentum among the 55+ community, and that’s only going to accelerate in 2026. This group is approaching cannabis with curiosity, intention, and a focus on wellness, whether that’s for sleep, pain management, or overall quality of life. As education improves, this demographic is becoming one of the most engaged and fastest-growing audiences in cannabis.”
Arica Avery, STL’s Pot Chef: “2026 will be the year of elevated cannabis experiences—chef-driven menus, immersive pop-ups, and hospitality-first events that feel intentional and elevated. We’re planning bigger cannabis culinary experiences and intimate, chef-led dinners next year, and I’m excited to see more authentic partnerships between corporate and local cannabis communities. A few major dispensaries are already getting into cannabis culinary experiences; I want that growth to lift small creators, local chefs, entrepreneurs like myself and neighborhoods, not just line big pockets. The Pot Chef team will continue to collaborate with caregivers, cannabis brands, dispensaries, community leaders, and restaurants to bring unforgettable experiences throughout the state of Missouri. Creativity, top-tier production, and community-first collabs are what’ll make Missouri’s cannabis industry grow authentically, not gimmicky… I’m personally looking forward to new players bringing fresh energy and experienced creators coming together. If we collaborate—credit, not copy—and protect our ideas/assets, our city’s cannabis scene will level up fast. Our state cannot afford to shut out the little brands.”
Lindsay Hof: Director of Marketing, High Fidelity Brands: “As Missouri’s cannabis market continues to mature, we’re seeing a real shift toward product sophistication and intentional innovation. Many operators have invested heavily in research and development over the last few years, which is translating into more refined, consistent, and effects-driven products for consumers. At the same time, I expect 2026 to be a year where community integration becomes even more important, finding meaningful ways for cannabis businesses to show up locally, support the neighborhoods they serve, and contribute positively beyond the dispensary walls.”
Joey Pintozzi, Chief Revenue Officer & Strategy Officer, BeLeaf Medical and Project Manager for The Church on Delmar: “In 2026, we’re excited about cannabis becoming more integrated into community life in St. Louis and experienced outside of the traditional retail setting. With the opening of The Church on Delmar, SWADE is creating a space where cannabis can intersect with life’s moments: weddings, corporate events, creative workshops, and community gatherings. It’s about meeting people where they are and helping them bring cannabis into their lives in meaningful, elevated, and responsible ways.”
Carl Hazel, Director of Edibles at Revolt Brands: “As far as the Missouri market goes, I think the infused pre-roll market is going to continue to see a lot of growth, and I think the infused beverage market is going to see some aggressive growth as well, with solventless vapes and edibles in that aggressive growth category. Also, people are demanding more and more clean label things, so the whole solventless market is going to continue to see a lot of growth. I’ve even started pressing my own home grown flower and making my own vapes, gummies, and tinctures.vFinally, with the rescheduling of cannabis as a schedule 3 drug, we are hopefully going to see a lot of clinical study starting up, which is really exciting! We weren’t really allowed to study it the way we wanted/needed to as a schedule 1 drug. I think that might be the most exciting piece.”
