Health & Biotech

Best Marijuana Stocks for 2026: Which Cannabis Shares Could Run Next

Wednesday, 6 May 2026 4:32PM UTC

Shoppers and investors are circling back to cannabis stocks as rescheduling gains steam, US multi-state operators are reporting solid quarters and operational growth, which matters for anyone weighing cannabis shares in 2026. Here’s a clear, practical look at the names to watch and why their business wins could translate to market momentum.

Essential takeaways

Strong quarters matter: Curaleaf reported healthy revenue and net income, signalling operational resilience and improved cash positions.
Regulatory progress: Green Thumb filed for DEA registration after rescheduling, a practical step that could unlock new markets and partnerships.
Expansion on the ground: Verano is growing its retail footprint and product lines, especially in high-demand categories like pre-rolls.
Patience and planning: Trading has been choppy, so investors should focus on fundamentals, cash flow and scale rather than short-term price moves.

Why Curaleaf’s Q1 shows real operational muscle

Curaleaf’s recent quarter brought a clean, cash-positive look that feels reassuring after years of headline volatility; the revenue beat and positive net income give the company a firmer footing. According to Curaleaf’s report, revenue rose year over year and the business generated operating cash flow, which is the sort of tangible result investors can point to when the tape is quiet. In plain terms, when a large MSO converts scale into profit you start to see the industry mature. For investors that means prioritising balance-sheet strength and consistent margins, look for companies turning revenue into free cash rather than just top-line growth. Expect the market to reward operational clarity over hype as legality and supply chains steady.

Green Thumb’s DEA move is a practical milestone, not just theatre

Green Thumb’s decision to file for DEA registration after the rescheduling development is the sort of regulatory plumbing that can unlock real commercial opportunities. Industry outlets reported the application as a direct response to Schedule III classification, and Green Thumb’s leadership framed it as preparing for the next phase of medical cannabis in America. That filing matters because it’s a forward-looking step: companies that establish compliance early may find themselves better positioned to partner with healthcare providers or enter new distribution channels. If you’re comparing stocks, ask whether management is treating regulatory progress as a roadmap or as marketing copy.

Verano is expanding where people actually buy cannabis

Verano’s recent moves, new stores in Florida, a bigger credit facility, and a standalone pre-roll brand, show the company is investing in the retail and product categories that drive repeat sales. Expansion that leans on proven consumer formats, like pre-rolls and local retail, tends to convert faster into same-store sales and market share. From an investor’s point of view, that feels less speculative; it’s about execution. When evaluating Verano and peers, check how new openings are performing and whether product launches fill gaps in high-growth categories rather than chasing novelty.

What rescheduling really changes for investors

The rescheduling of medical cannabis to Schedule III is not a switch that flips overnight, but it changes the incentives for pharmaceutical, payment and distribution partners to take cannabis seriously. Reporting suggests companies are already filing the administrative paperwork consistent with that new reality. The practical effect could be more research, smoother banking access and clearer supply agreements, each of which reduces business risk. Investors should treat rescheduling as a slow-moving catalyst: it raises the odds of structural wins but doesn’t guarantee immediate stock rallies. A sensible playbook is to overweight names with scale and clear regulatory strategies.

How to build a smarter cannabis-watchlist right now

Start with balance-sheet health, recurring revenue and management that talks about margins, not just market share. Watch for cash-flow improvements and debt structures that won’t choke growth when rates move. Consider the geography of stores and licences: states with mature markets and tourist hubs tend to provide steadier comps. Finally, size your positions, smaller stakes in a basket of MSOs and vertically integrated players helps manage the inevitable volatility. If you’re nervous about single-stock risk, REITs or ETFs focused on cannabis provide exposure without putting all your chips on one operator.

It's a small change that can make a big difference to returns if you choose names with real operations behind the story.

Source Reference Map

Story idea inspired by: ^[1]

Sources by paragraph:

Paragraph 1: ^[2], ^[6]
Paragraph 2: ^[3], ^[4]
Paragraph 3: ^[1], ^[7]
Paragraph 4: ^[4], ^[5]
Paragraph 5: ^[2], ^[3]

More on this

https://marijuanastocks.com/here-is-how-marijuana-stocks-are-setting-up-to-run-in-2026/ - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://ir.curaleaf.com/2026-05-05-Curaleaf-Reports-First-Quarter-2026-Results-Robust-Growth-and-Net-Income - Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. reported its first-quarter 2026 financial results, highlighting a net revenue of $324.2 million, marking a 6% year-over-year increase. The company achieved a gross profit of $157.3 million, with a gross profit margin of 49%, and a net income of $70.1 million. Additionally, Curaleaf completed the buyout of its German subsidiary, Four20 Pharma, and filed applications for DEA registration, positioning itself for future growth in the evolving cannabis industry.
https://investors.gtigrows.com/news-releases/news-release-details/green-thumb-industries-files-applications-dea-registration - Green Thumb Industries Inc. announced the submission of applications to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to register certain state-licensed medical cannabis operations. This move follows the rescheduling of medical marijuana to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act, aiming to normalise and regulate the federal cannabis industry. CEO Ben Kovler expressed optimism about the future of medical cannabis in America, highlighting the potential for increased research and improved tax treatment for responsible operators.
https://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/cannabis-rescheduling/news/15824069/green-thumb-industries-files-applications-dea-registration - Following the federal government's historic rescheduling of medical cannabis, Green Thumb Industries Inc. has filed applications with the DEA to register certain state-licensed medical cannabis operations. CEO Ben Kovler stated that the rescheduling recognises the benefits of medical cannabis, opens doors for more research, and addresses punitive tax treatments. The company operates over 110 retail locations across 14 U.S. markets, serving both medical patients and adult-use consumers.
https://www.mmjdaily.com/article/9835490/green-thumb-industries-files-applications-for-dea-registration/ - Green Thumb Industries has submitted applications to the DEA to register certain state-licensed medical cannabis operations under the expedited registration pathway created by the rescheduling of medical marijuana to Schedule III. CEO Ben Kovler highlighted the significance of this change for the future of medical cannabis in America, emphasising the potential for increased research and improved tax treatment for responsible operators. The company operates over 110 retail locations across 14 U.S. markets, serving both medical patients and adult-use consumers.
https://www.nasdaq.com/press-release/curaleaf-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2025-results-domestic-and-international - Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. reported its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 financial results, showcasing accelerated growth in both domestic and international markets. The company achieved a net revenue of $333 million in the fourth quarter, with international revenue reaching $51 million. Gross profit margin expanded to 49%, reflecting the company's strategic focus on growth and operational efficiency. These results underscore Curaleaf's strong position in the evolving cannabis industry.
https://www.stocktitan.net/news/CURLF/curaleaf-reports-first-quarter-2026-results-robust-growth-and-net-ilr9okihngpv.html - Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. reported its first-quarter 2026 financial results, highlighting a net revenue of $324.2 million, marking a 6% year-over-year increase. The company achieved a gross profit of $157.3 million, with a gross profit margin of 49%, and a net income of $70.1 million. Additionally, Curaleaf completed the buyout of its German subsidiary, Four20 Pharma, and filed applications for DEA registration, positioning itself for future growth in the evolving cannabis industry.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 7

Notes: The article references recent developments, including Curaleaf's Q1 2026 results and Green Thumb Industries' DEA registration applications, both announced on May 5, 2026, and May 4, 2026, respectively. However, the article itself was published on May 6, 2026, which is a reasonable timeframe for reporting on these events. No evidence suggests that the content is recycled or republished from low-quality sites. The narrative appears original, but without access to the full article, it's challenging to confirm its originality with high confidence. Therefore, a moderate freshness score is assigned.

Quotes check

Score: 6

Notes: The article includes direct quotes from Green Thumb Industries' CEO Ben Kovler regarding the rescheduling of medical cannabis to Schedule III. These quotes are consistent with statements found in the company's press release dated May 4, 2026. However, without access to the full article, it's difficult to verify the accuracy and context of all quotes. Therefore, a moderate score is assigned.

Source reliability

Score: 5

Notes: The article originates from marijuanastocks.com, a niche publication focusing on cannabis stocks. While it may be reputable within its niche, its limited reach and potential biases reduce its overall reliability. Additionally, the article cites press releases from Curaleaf and Green Thumb Industries, which are self-reported and may lack independent verification. Therefore, a moderate score is assigned.

Plausibility check

Score: 7

Notes: The article discusses recent developments in the cannabis industry, including Curaleaf's Q1 2026 results and Green Thumb Industries' DEA registration applications. These events are plausible and align with industry trends. However, without access to the full article, it's challenging to assess the depth and accuracy of the analysis. Therefore, a moderate score is assigned.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): FAIL

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM

Summary: The article presents recent developments in the cannabis industry, including Curaleaf's Q1 2026 results and Green Thumb Industries' DEA registration applications. However, the reliance on press releases from the companies themselves and the article's origin from a niche publication with limited reach raise concerns about the independence and reliability of the information. Without access to the full article, it's challenging to fully assess its accuracy and depth. Therefore, the overall assessment is a FAIL with medium confidence.