Cannabis events & dates — April 2026
Everything on the cannabis calendar for April 2026: conferences and trade shows, retail sales days, policy and voting dates, and regulatory and tax deadlines. Click any item for details and add-to-calendar links, or switch to the week and day views.
KeyEventSalesPolicyRegulatoryTaxCultureDashed outline = date estimated or pending; confirm with the organizer before booking.
All items in April 2026
6 items- Apr 1–30, 2026
National Cannabis Awareness Month
April is observed by advocates and brands as cannabis awareness month, culminating on 4/20. Useful anchor for education campaigns and community events.
- Apr 15, 2026
Federal return due — C-corps & individuals (Form 1120 / 1040)
Calendar-year C corporations and individuals file (or extend) and pay. Q1 estimated tax is also due. If April 15 falls on a weekend or DC's Emancipation Day, the IRS moves it — confirm each year.
- Apr 17–20, 2026
4/20 promo window
The run-up to 4/20 — retailers spread promotions across the weekend before, and Canadian stores often peak on the Friday. Menu screens, online menus and loyalty campaigns should be scheduled for the whole window.
- Apr 20, 2026
4/20 — the biggest cannabis retail day of the year
The single largest sales day for licensed cannabis retail. Plan inventory, staffing, menu boards and promotions weeks ahead; most stores discount, and transaction counts — not just basket size — spike.
- Apr 28, 2026
DEA order moving state-medical and FDA-approved marijuana to Schedule III takes effect
Following Executive Order 14370 (Dec 18, 2025), the DEA's April 23 order downschedules marijuana used under state medical programs, and FDA-approved cannabis drugs, from Schedule I to Schedule III. Broader rescheduling went to an expedited administrative hearing.
- Apr 30, 2026
California cannabis excise tax return due — Q1 (Jan–Mar)
Cannabis retailers file the CDTFA cannabis retailer excise tax return and payment for Q1 (Jan–Mar). The excise rate is 15% through June 30, 2028 (AB 564).
Missing an event in April 2026?
Organizers are listed free. Send us the dates and the source and we’ll add it after checking.