Author: LJ Dawson
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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.
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New manufacturers boost D.C. monthly sales, consumer sales continue to flatline
D.C. cannabis sales show growth in Jan. 2025, driven by increased manufacturer activity, despite initial data errors.
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“Barely Surviving”: D.C. dispensaries face I-71 competition
D.C. medical cannabis businesses pleaded for stricter enforcement against unlicensed shops at a recent council roundtable. Licensed dispensaries, including those transitioning from the illicit market, are struggling to compete with the thriving unlicensed sector, citing insufficient enforcement, a limited patient pool, and heavy regulations.
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D.C. 2024 total medical cannabis sales below last two years despite expansion of program
D.C.’s medical cannabis sales declined in 2024, totaling $51.8 million compared to $60 million in 2023 and $56.8 million in 2022. The opening of Maryland’s adult-use market significantly impacted D.C. sales, along with challenges in attracting new patients and competition from the unlicensed gifting market.
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From Ziplock bags to licensed dispensaries: Pink Fox launches as the first transitioned D.C. manufacturer
After years operating in D.C.’s I-71 market, Mark Nigab has successfully launched Pink Fox in the city’s legal medical cannabis system.
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Gov. Moore appoints Tabatha Robinson as director of Maryland Cannabis Administration
Gov. Wes Moore announced the appointment of Tabatha Robinson as the new director of the Maryland Cannabis Administration, succeeding former director Will Tilburg. Robinson, currently serving as executive deputy director of economic development and acting chief equity officer for the New York State Office of Cannabis Management, brings experience in cannabis policy and social equity…
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Anacostia Organics hits six year anniversary in D.C. despite tough market
Linda Greene, CEO of Anacostia Organics, is celebrating her dispensary’s sixth anniversary tomorrow. Despite facing significant challenges, including competition from unlicensed operators and regulatory hurdles, Greene has persevered in her mission to provide legal medical cannabis to communities east of the river in Washington D.C.
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Dec. 2024 D.C. medical cannabis sales steady but far below previous years.
Despite a slight increase from November, December 2024 medical cannabis sales in D.C. remained significantly below previous years, reflecting the ongoing impact of Maryland’s recreational legalization.