Cannabis Market Intelligence
A historic exchange listing and an active DEA hearing push cannabis toward mainstream capital markets
Cannabis crossed a symbolic threshold in Q2 2026 as the first plant-touching operator listed on a major U.S. exchange, while the DEA opened hearings that could extend Schedule III status, and the tax relief that comes with it, to adult-use cannabis nationwide. State-level legalization efforts moved at very different speeds, from stalled budget votes to multi-year rollout timelines. This report examines what these developments mean for valuations, capital access, and deal activity across the cannabis sector.
Q2 2026 Report
What's Inside
- How the sector's first major exchange listing is reshaping the path to institutional capital
- Which multi-state operators are outperforming on earnings and why capital discipline is the new watchword
- How public market multiples are responding to the exchange-listing precedent
- What recent balance-sheet moves signal about operator positioning for uplisting
- How pending mergers and DEA registration filings are reshaping the competitive landscape
- What deal structures are emerging as operators position for regulatory change
- What's at stake in the DEA's adult-use rescheduling hearing and who's allowed to weigh in
- How state-level legalization efforts are diverging and what it means for near-term market access
Download the Report
Q2 2026 Cannabis Quarterly Update
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Our Experience
Cannabis Industry Expertise
For over 25 years, Houlihan Capital has provided specialized financial services to cannabis businesses across cultivation, retail, processing, and ancillary services. Our team understands the unique valuation challenges, regulatory complexities, and strategic considerations that define success in this rapidly evolving industry.
Cannabis Services:
Business Valuations | Fairness Opinions | Transaction Advisory | Exit Planning | Compliance-Ready Financial Analysis
Questions? Contact our cannabis specialists at info@houlihancapital.com or 312.450.8600
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment or legal advice. Always consult qualified professionals regarding cannabis business operations and compliance.
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