Author: LJ Dawson
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Under a quarter of D.C. unlicensed cannabis shops transition to the legal market
D.C.’s medical cannabis market doubled after 41 unlicensed stores transitioned by the March deadline. This surge dramatically reshapes the city’s cannabis landscape, moving a large portion of the “gifting” market into the regulated sector.
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As little as 10% of unlicensed D.C. cannabis shops set to transition to legal medical market
Even if half of the shops who made it to the license docket make Monday’s open deadline, a little over 30% of unlicensed applicants will have made the transition to the legal D.C. market. That’s as little as 10% of the entire cannabis gifting market in D.C. if considering the number of unlicensed shop according…
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Another placarded D.C. cannabis shop, padlocked for unlicensed sales
D.C. authorities shut down Sheridan International Market for operating as an unlicensed cannabis retailer, seizing over five pounds of illegal cannabis products. The location, also linked to a pending medical cannabis license, was deemed a public safety hazard.
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VA Republican Gov. vetoes retail cannabis bill, again
Gov. Youngkin vetoed a Virginia bill to create a retail marijuana market, citing public safety and failed examples from other states. Democrats, who legalized cannabis, can’t override the veto.
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Unlicensed Adams Morgan cannabis store shut down a third time
An unlicensed cannabis shop in D.C. was padlocked for a second time in the same location after allegedly continuing to offer unlicensed cannabis. Kaliiva made headlines a year ago after being one of the first few shops to be raided despite committing to transition to the legal market. Unlicensed shops were given safe harbor from…
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D.C. medical cannabis market sees new patient growth and market expansion
D.C.’s medical cannabis market grew in February 2025 with more dispensaries and patients, but sales per patient decreased. Vape sales rose significantly, while concentrate profits and flower sales dropped. The market also faces upcoming patient certification expirations.
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Over 35 unlicensed cannabis shops face Mar. 31 deadline for legal open
Only 14 of over 70 D.C. unlicensed cannabis “gifting” shops have transitioned to the legal medical market by March 14, 2025, despite a 2023 opportunity. With a March 31, 2025 deadline looming, 19 licensed but unopened businesses and 15 pending applicants face closure if they don’t open.
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Six months after orders to close, two unlicensed D.C. cannabis stores padlocked
Two unlicensed stores padlocked more than half a year after receiving cease and desist orders from authorities.
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Ex-owner of D.C. dispensary suing I-71 businesses indicted for almost $1M in federal tax evasion
Jennifer Brunenkant, owner of D.C. cannabis dispensary Herbal Alternatives II, has been indicted on federal tax evasion charges, including failing to report millions in revenue and evading roughly $800,000 in income taxes, as well as $130,000 in employment taxes.
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Emergency legislation passed to solidify unlicensed D.C cannabis shop closure deadline
D.C. Council passed emergency legislation to tighten enforcement against unlicensed cannabis and Schedule I substance sales, including immediate action against those selling drugs like psychedelic mushrooms. It sets an April 2025 deadline for all unlicensed shops, allows action against licensed dispensaries posing risks, and expands testing authority.
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D.C. medical cannabis patient registrations will now only last two years
Starting Sunday, Mar. 2, 2025, the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) will issue new medical cannabis patient and caregiver registrations for D.C. residents for two-year periods.
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D.C. attorney general touts unlicensed cannabis shop closures as enforcement finally picks up
D.C. saw a significant increase in unlicensed cannabis shop closures in February 2025, following pressure from licensed businesses and streamlined enforcement laws. This surge comes after months of slow progress due to bureaucratic hurdles and safe harbor periods, which allowed the illegal market to flourish.