Key Takeaways
- FDA announced it will suspend enforcement of specific food and drug regulations for hemp-derived oral CBD products
- The cannabis sector ETF climbed 16% during the week, marking its strongest performance in 2026
- Tilray, Canopy Growth, and Curaleaf experienced significant Thursday gains
- This development builds upon Trump’s December executive action that moved marijuana to Schedule III classification
- Industry experts note the policy remains limited in scope and falls short of comprehensive regulatory reform
Major cannabis companies experienced their most significant weekly rally of 2026 following the FDA’s announcement of a more lenient approach toward CBD products. The regulatory shift propelled several prominent cannabis stocks higher and positioned the sector for its strongest weekly showing since December.
In a Wednesday letter, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary outlined that the agency plans to halt enforcement of specific provisions within the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act for hemp-derived oral products containing CBD. This policy covers products marketed as dietary supplements along with those dispensed to patients through physician oversight.
CBD represents a non-intoxicating component of cannabis plants. Consumers utilize it for various health and wellness applications, and it appears in numerous consumer products across the wellness industry.
The upward movement in cannabis equities commenced Tuesday, preceding the White House and FDA’s launch of a four-meeting series with industry participants focused on CBD compliance and enforcement strategies.
This FDA announcement extends President Trump’s December executive order, which reclassified marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under federal drug regulations. That directive also instructed the FDA, National Institutes of Health, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to establish pathways for expanded medical CBD access.
Cannabis equities experienced a temporary surge following December’s executive order before retreating. The industry continues to grapple with challenges including limited banking services, exchange listing restrictions, and interstate commerce barriers stemming from federal regulations.
Tilray Brands
Tilray emerged as a leading gainer during the week. The company’s shares advanced 6.7% during Thursday’s session and ranked among the sector’s highest by dollar volume. Tilray conducts research, cultivation, processing, and distribution of medical cannabis throughout Canada, Germany, Australia, Argentina, and additional markets.
Canopy Growth
Canopy Growth advanced 2.6% on Thursday. The enterprise markets cannabis and hemp offerings for recreational and medicinal purposes throughout the US, Canada, Germany, and various international territories. The company also oversees the Storz and Bickel division, which produces cannabis vaporization devices. Canopy Growth joined Tilray as one of the week’s most actively traded cannabis equities.
Canopy Growth Corporation, CGC
Curaleaf Holdings
Curaleaf delivered the most impressive Thursday performance among major cannabis names, surging 8.4%. This US-centered cannabis operator has captured significant investor attention as market participants monitor any federal policy changes that might enable interstate cannabis commerce.
The AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis exchange-traded fund climbed 4.6% Thursday and registered a 16% weekly gain, tracking toward its strongest weekly result since December.
An industry analyst characterized the policy as having a “narrow scope” while emphasizing it lacks the foundation for a comprehensive cannabis market framework, urging Congressional action for further progress.
The FDA conducted its initial stakeholder meeting regarding CBD policy on Wednesday, with three additional sessions planned within the same series.
