Nevada, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana Cannabis Licensing: 2026 Update

Archive · 2026-06-09

Four Western states. Four very different cannabis stories. Nevada is navigating a sales dip tied to price compression and tourism trends. Wyoming's attorney general is formally objecting to federal rescheduling. Idaho voters will face two competing cannabis ballot measures in November. And Montana's mature market is hitting new sales records while tightening product requirements. Here's where things stand.

Nevada Cannabis License: Sales Drop, Compliance Notices and No Open Applications

The Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board is not currently accepting license applications but maintains a public mailing list to notify interested parties when application periods open. Nevada's market is showing an unusual pattern. Although sales dropped 8.6%, retailers aren't actually moving less product. "Our analysis of the sales, unequivocally, shows that people were not buying less, the prices were just going down," said Riana Durrett, executive director of the UNLV Cannabis Policy Institute. Price compression aside, the illegal market remains a significant drag. Nevada cannabis license holders saw sales drop $71 million in one year according to state Compliance Board data, and the broader dip mirrors a slight decline in Nevada's tourism industry. On the compliance side, Nevada cannabis license holders should note that since June 1, 2026, the Investigations Division has repeatedly identified issues with the Fingerprint Background Waiver - applicants are either failing to sign and date it before fingerprinting or using outdated versions of the form. The Division has issued an industry notice requiring businesses to discontinue outdated forms immediately, as these cause processing delays. Only the current Fingerprint Background Waiver will authorize fingerprint submissions for criminal history review.

Wyoming Cannabis License: AG Objects to Federal Rescheduling Trigger

Wyoming remains one of the few states in the country without any legal medical marijuana access, and the state isn't moving quietly toward change. Attorney Gen. Keith Kautz filed a formal objection May 27, 2026, to the automatic state-level rescheduling that would otherwise be triggered by the federal reclassification of cannabis. "The Wyoming Legislature has not legalized medical marijuana, has not approved a state licensed medical marijuana regulatory scheme, or approved of recognizing any other state's medical marijuana issued licenses," Kautz said. "Therefore, placing marijuana subject to a state medical marijuana license in Schedule III of the Wyoming Controlled Substances Act is inconsistent with the police powers exercised to date by the Wyoming Legislature." A public hearing on the objection was held June 18 at the Wyoming State Capitol. Despite ongoing advocacy efforts and some legislative consideration, Wyoming cannabis license availability remains nonexistent.

Idaho Cannabis License: Competing Ballot Measures Head to November

Idaho voters will face two cannabis-related measures on the November 3, 2026 ballot - and they directly conflict with each other. Idaho HJR 4, approved by the Idaho Legislative Council, would amend the state constitution to remove voters' power to pass cannabis reforms, giving the Legislature sole authority to legalize cannabis and other psychoactive or narcotic substances. A separate citizen-led initiative would place a medical cannabis legalization question on the same ballot. If both measures pass, the practical outcome is that medical cannabis legalization becomes the Legislature's decision alone - citizen initiatives would no longer be a path forward. No Idaho cannabis licenses are available or scheduled. Hemp licenses remain open for application through Dec. 31, 2026, and are valid for the current calendar year only. Learn more about Idaho licensing and inspection fees.

Montana Cannabis License: $1 Billion in Sales, New July 2026 Requirements

Montana's adult-use market has now surpassed $1 billion in cumulative cannabis sales since its 2022 launch, with last year setting a new annual record of $327 million, 90% of which came from adult-use sales. While license applications are not currently open, dispensaries face significant new requirements effective July 1, 2026. Exit packaging must be updated to include revised warnings. The maximum THC per serving for ingestible-infused products drops from 10 mg to 5 mg - any product labeled above 5 mg per serving cannot be sold after July 1. Montana's department has also discontinued approval and revision of advertising scripts and materials. Updated generic label templates are available to licensees at no cost, though a label application is still required. Businesses should transition away from previous versions as soon as possible.

Stay Current on Western Cannabis Licensing at CannaCon

Whether you're operating in Montana's mature market, watching Idaho's November ballot closely, or waiting for Nevada's next application window, staying current on Western cannabis licensing is essential. CannaCon brings together cannabis operators, compliance experts and licensing advisors. Join us at the next CannaCon in St. Louis, Missouri, Aug. 28-29! This article was originally published Aug. 6, 2019. It was most recently updated in June 2026.