LONG BEACH, Calif. and TORONTO, Feb. 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Glass House Brands Inc. (“Glass House” or the “Company”) (CBOE CA: GLAS.A.U) (CBOE CA: GLAS.WT.U) (OTCQX: GLASF) (OTCQX:GHBWF), one of the fastest-growing, vertically-integrated cannabis companies in the U.S., today announced the establishment of a Special Committee of its Board of Directors (“the Board”) to oversee new products and business expansion beyond the Company’s legacy California cannabis business and to evaluate ongoing and future ...

Core Insights - The cannabis industry is experiencing significant regulatory changes and stock volatility, with expectations for long-term growth due to increased acceptance of marijuana for medical and recreational use [1][2][3] Industry Overview - The current investing landscape in the cannabis sector is shaped by regulatory reforms, which are crucial for understanding market dynamics and potential investment opportunities [2] - Speculation plays a significant role in trading, and 2026 is anticipated to be a pivotal year for legal cannabis, with high hopes for market performance [3] Company Highlights - **Trulieve Cannabis Corp.**: Operates as a cannabis retailer, involved in cultivation, processing, and distribution of cannabis products. The company recently praised the Trump administration for rescheduling cannabis to Schedule 3, marking a significant milestone in cannabis reform [4][6][7] - **Curaleaf Holdings, Inc.**: Engages in the production and distribution of cannabis products both domestically and internationally. The company recently launched Adult Use sales in Maine, expanding its retail presence to five locations in the state and 161 nationwide [9][10]

Industry Overview - The cannabis industry is expected to see significant developments by 2026, particularly in the U.S. where cannabis is now classified as a Class 3 substance, leading to potential regulatory changes and new business opportunities [1][2] - The success of cannabis companies is closely tied to their ability to expand operations and meet the growing demand for cannabis products as societal acceptance increases [2][3] Company Highlights - **Glass House Brands Inc.**: This integrated cannabis company operates in three segments: Retail, Wholesale Biomass, and Cannabis-Related Consumer Packaged Goods. The company has announced an accelerated expansion strategy for 2026, driven by positive results from previous developments and anticipated cannabis reform [4][6] - **Verano Holdings Corp.**: A vertically integrated multi-state cannabis operator that has recently increased its revolving credit facility by $100 million, extending its maturity date without additional collateral. This move is part of a strategy to strengthen its balance sheet [9][10] - **Planet 13 Holdings Inc.**: This company cultivates and provides cannabis products for both medical and retail markets. At the start of 2026, it granted Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to its officers, directors, and employees, which will vest in three equal tranches [12]

Core Insights - The Roundhill Cannabis ETF (BATS:WEED) has experienced a significant increase in technical strength, with its momentum ranking reaching the 89th percentile this week due to renewed optimism for federal cannabis reform [1][2]. Momentum Analysis - The Roundhill ETF's momentum score is reported at 89.25, significantly outperforming industry peers like Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ:ACB), which has a momentum score of 21.25 [2]. - This momentum metric is crucial for traders as it reflects the ETF's relative strength based on price movement patterns and volatility over various timeframes, indicating strong investor confidence [3]. Long-Term Outlook - Despite the short-term surge in momentum, the technical outlook is mixed; while the ETF shows positive trends in the short and long term, the medium-term trend remains negative according to Benzinga Edge's Stock Rankings [4]. Regulatory Impact - The primary catalyst for this momentum is the evolving regulatory environment, particularly President Trump's initiative to reschedule cannabis to Schedule 3, which is considered a significant policy shift in 50 years [6]. - Rescheduling to Schedule 3 would alleviate the tax burdens imposed by Section 280E, enhancing the profitability of U.S. cannabis operators [7]. Performance Metrics - The WEED ETF has seen a decline of 4.72% in 2026 thus far, but it has increased by 61.50% over the last six months and 26.17% over the past year [8].

Core Insights - Glass House Brands Inc. is accelerating its expansion plans for 2026 due to positive results from previous developments and anticipated cannabis reform actions [1][8] Production Capacity - The company has returned to full production capacity in its existing greenhouses and completed the buildout of the first third of Greenhouse 2, marking the highest planted acreage in its history [2] - Greenhouse 2 will add approximately 300,000 lbs. of biomass in annual production capacity, with full planting expected by the second quarter of 2026 [3] New Developments - A light retrofit and buildout of Greenhouse 4 has commenced, targeting international CBD and hemp markets, with plans to supply the reimbursable CBD market under President Trump's Executive Order [4][6] - The company is preparing for new business opportunities arising from cannabis rescheduling and the creation of a Medicare reimbursement program for CBD [6] Market Position - Glass House is positioned to capitalize on growth opportunities in the U.S. CBD market, with existing CBD/low THC strains that can comply with new federal regulations [6] - The company is engaged in developing medicinal cannabinoids through a partnership with the University of California Berkeley, aiming to be a leading supplier in pharmaceutical and consumer packaged goods markets [6] Expansion Strategy - The company is accelerating its expansion efforts by planning production in two additional greenhouses and targeting markets outside of California [8] - The expansion is driven by confidence in restoring existing operations and developing new business opportunities, including international exports [8]

Industry Overview - 2026 is anticipated to be a significant year for the marijuana industry, particularly due to the rescheduling of cannabis by Donald Trump, which is expected to bring positive changes [1] - The speculation surrounding reform news often leads to increased trading activity in cannabis stocks, as investors look to capitalize on potential gains [2] - The growing consumer demand for cannabis, both medical and recreational, is driving companies to expand their operations [2] Company Highlights - **Glass House Brands Inc.** reported Q3 2025 earnings with revenue of $38.4 million, exceeding guidance but down from $63.8 million the previous year. The gross profit margin was 31%, significantly lower than 52% in Q3 2024 [9] - **Ayr Wellness Inc.** is undergoing a transition in leadership as it winds down its existing corporate entity and moves forward with new assets [11] - **Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc.** announced a partnership with Mister Jones in New Jersey, marking a significant milestone under recent legislation. This partnership aims to ensure a steady product flow and support for retail space [14]

Industry Overview - The marijuana sector is currently trading at low share prices, but upcoming reforms and rescheduling may lead to a rebound in stock prices [1][2] - The cannabis market is experiencing growth not only in the US but also in Canada and Europe, with Canada being the first country to fully legalize cannabis [1] Regulatory Changes - The US has reclassified cannabis as a Schedule 3 substance, which may facilitate collaboration with foreign markets and improve the public sector's growth prospects [2] - There is a call for legislative alignment with the new cannabis rescheduling to support safe banking reforms, which would enhance financial transaction security in the cannabis industry [5] Company Highlights - **Planet 13 Holdings Inc.** focuses on cultivating and providing cannabis products for medical and retail markets in the US and supports the new cannabis bill introduced by Trump [4][10] - **FLUENT Corp.** has sold its Pennsylvania operations for US$12.5 million, aiming to strengthen its balance sheet and focus on markets with greater opportunities [7][8] - **Glass House Brands Inc.** operates in retail, wholesale biomass, and cannabis-related consumer packaged goods, and supports the rescheduling of cannabis, viewing it as a significant drug reform [10]

Core Insights - President Trump signed an executive order to reclassify cannabis from schedule 1 to schedule 3, easing restrictions on medical research, banking, and taxes [1] - A Medicare pilot program will allow some seniors to receive up to $500 a year in hemp-derived CBD products starting in April [2] - The executive order is seen as a calculated move rather than a sudden shift, influenced by increased industry lobbying and engagement [4] Industry Developments - The reclassification is not final yet; once the DEA finalizes the change, there will be a formal challenge period, likely leading to litigation [2] - Congress has passed a ban on all hemp products starting November 2026, which includes the CBD products under the Medicare pilot [2] - The White House plans to work with Congress to update the statutory definition of final hemp-derived cannabinoid products, but the specifics remain uncertain [3] Political Context - The timing of the executive order is strategic, appealing to states already advancing cannabis legislation and targeting voter demographics ahead of the 2026 election cycle [4][6] - There has been a notable increase in cannabis lobbying efforts in Washington, indicating growing influence within the political landscape [5][6] - The engagement of industry leaders, such as True Leaf CEO Kim Rivers, highlights the industry's push for reform [3]

Core Viewpoint - The recent executive order from the Trump administration to reschedule cannabis to a Schedule III classification and authorize a pilot program for Medicare reimbursement of CBD is seen as a significant drug reform, enhancing access to cannabis for medical purposes [2][3]. Company Overview - Glass House Brands Inc. is recognized as one of the fastest-growing, vertically integrated cannabis companies in the U.S., focusing on the California market and building strong brands across various consumer segments [4]. Market Opportunities - The rescheduling of cannabis is expected to create export opportunities into international markets, with Glass House positioned to capitalize on the growth of the U.S. CBD market [3]. - The Medicare reimbursement program will allow over 60 million seniors to receive $500 per year for CBD, creating a market exceeding $30 billion [3]. Production and Development - Glass House has a low-cost, high-quality cannabinoid production model and is prepared to be a leading supplier in the emerging CBD market [3]. - The company is actively developing CBD products in compliance with new federal regulations and is collaborating with the University of California Berkeley on hemp research [3]. Operational Readiness - The company has ramped up its cultivation efforts, achieving the most acreage planted in its history, and plans to continue expanding in early 2026 [3].

Core Insights - The Company is assessing U.S. licensing pathways for its Canna Cabana retail brand and is evaluating Medicare-aligned product categories for its CBD brands, NuLeaf Naturals and FAB CBD [1][3] Group 1: Regulatory Developments - The Executive Order from the White House is a significant step in U.S. federal cannabis reform, indicating bipartisan support for cannabis and CBD policy changes [2] - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is expected to launch a pilot program allowing certain Medicare beneficiaries to receive CBD treatments at no cost, which could enhance market opportunities for the Company [1][2] Group 2: Business Strategy - The Company is exploring the feasibility of expanding Canna Cabana into the U.S. through a licensing model while ensuring compliance with NASDAQ and TSXV listings [3] - NuLeaf Naturals and FAB CBD are developing Medicare-aligned product categories to potentially be included in Medicare Advantage supplemental benefits, leveraging their CGMP-certified operations and large customer base [3] Group 3: Market Position - High Tide operates the largest cannabis retail chain in Canada, with 218 domestic and 1 international location, holding a 12% market share [6] - The Company has been recognized as one of Canada's Top Growing Companies and ranked number one in the retail category on the Financial Times list of Americas' Fastest Growing Companies for 2023 [8]