Category: Featured
-
D.C. bill to clarify buffer zones between cannabis shops and early-childhood centers
The D.C. Council has introduced a bill that would implement several notable refinements to the District’s medical cannabis regime. The proposed amendments clarify distance requirements for proposed retail locations near child-development facilities, broaden the scope of protest rights available to Advisory Neighborhood Commissions and eligible parties, and align licensing criteria with practical enforcement considerations identified…
-
D.C. sets new patient record in October as medical cannabis market surges back to life
October marked a record-breaking month for Washington, D.C.’s medical cannabis program. 34,695 patients were served, the highest monthly total in program history, while dispensary and manufacturing sales surged to near-record levels. Manufacturing revenue hit $2.46 million, dispensary sales reached $5.78 million
-
DC shuts down popular alleged unlicensed cannabis retailer, Snackz DC and one other
D.C. officials shut down DC Daze Wellness and Snackz DC this week, seizing large quantities of cannabis and related products as part of ongoing enforcement against unlicensed retailers. The joint ABCA–MPD operation is part of a citywide effort that has closed 86 illegal cannabis businesses since July.
-
D.C. and cannabis trade group clash over constitutionality of enforcement system in federal court
A federal lawsuit challenging the District of Columbia’s cannabis enforcement system escalated this month as both sides submitted contrasting legal arguments in U.S. District Court. The Alliance of Recreational Cannabis Entities, representing unlicensed cannabis retailers, argues that D.C.’s regulatory framework violates constitutional protections, including due process and the Seventh Amendment, by imposing closures and fines…
-
Primo Payments on navigating the unbanked reality of the cannabis industry
Primo Payments, a longtime leader in cannabis-focused payment solutions, reflects on the unique financial challenges facing cannabis operators. In this Q&A, the team explains why the industry remains widely misunderstood, how federal inaction continues to stall banking reform, and what businesses should look for when choosing a stable, compliant payment processor.
-
D.C. authorities shut down YouGroGurl for second time alongside two other illegal cannabis shops
D.C. regulators and police shut down three unlicensed cannabis retailers — YouGroGurl, Puff Puff Pass, and Smoke Shop, Inc. — as part of the city’s ongoing crackdown on illegal operators under the 2024 Emergency Amendment Act. Authorities seized over 35 pounds of cannabis, hundreds of THC vape cartridges and edibles, and psychedelic mushrooms during the…
-
D.C. regulators adopt ninth emergency rules, expanding patient access and streamlining operations
The D.C. Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board (ABCB) has adopted its Ninth Emergency Rulemaking, immediately implementing crucial provisions of the MMPA Act of 2020 to modernize the market and expand patient access.
-
Virginia moves to paperless medical cannabis certifications starting Dec. 1, 2025
Starting December 1, 2025, all medical cannabis certifications in Virginia will be issued through the CCA Portal, replacing paper forms. Existing certifications remain valid until they expire, and patients can access new certifications securely on any device. Learn how this change makes the process faster, simpler, and more secure for both patients and practitioners.
-
Maryland social equity licensees could get deadline extension in new sweeping rule updates
Maryland’s proposed cannabis regulations would extend conditional license deadlines from 18 to 24 months, strengthen contamination controls, reduce fees, and expand operational flexibility for dispensaries and micro-licensees.
-
Tea Pad and Burner’s Block partner to fight food insecurity and support Baltimore families
Tea Pad and Burner’s Block are partnering to host a food and diaper drive in Baltimore on November 13 at Stem & Vine. The event, which features live jazz and a fireside chat with cannabis entrepreneur Christina Betancourt Johnson, aims to support families facing food insecurity and diaper need while promoting community empowerment within the…
-
D.C. regulators move to clarify what cannabis retailers can and can’t sell
The D.C. Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board has proposed new rules clarifying what medical cannabis retailers can sell, banning alcohol, tobacco, and non-cannabis vape products while allowing limited sales of branded merchandise and non-infused food and drinks to adults. The proposal also restricts minors from entering dispensaries unless accompanied by a guardian and seeks to…
-
Workers at Maryland dispensary accuse owners of retaliation amid union drive
Employees at Nature’s Care and Wellness, a medical cannabis dispensary in Cecil County, have accused management of an aggressive campaign of retaliation and intimidation after they began efforts to unionize with UFCW Local 27.