Category: Washington, D.C.

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.

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.

D.C. unlicensed cannabis businesses that applied for medical licenses have until Mar. 31, 2025, to be operational.

The Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) recently shut down three unlicensed cannabis retailers in Washington, D.C. – Friends Smoke Shop, The Garden DC, and Hidden Gym.

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.

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.

The Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) shut down two unlicensed cannabis retailers in Northwest D.C. on January 15 and 16, 2025.

D.C.’s medical cannabis market experienced a slight decline in November 2024 compared to the previous month, primarily due to a decrease in cultivation and manufacturing sales. While dispensary sales increased slightly, overall market sales fell by nearly half a million dollars.

D.C. authorities shut down “All the Buzz DC,” an unlicensed cannabis retailer, for continued illegal operations. During the closure, authorities seized a large quantity of cannabis products.

Learn about evolving landscape of D.C.’s medical cannabis industry including hurdles faced by new and existing businesses, including regulatory challenges, real estate constraints and supply chain limitations.

The Alliance of Legal Cannabis Entities-DC (ALCE) has filed five additional lawsuits against 173 unlicensed D.C. gifting dispensaries and their landlords. These lawsuits, filed in federal court, allege unfair competition, false advertising, and negligence. The most recent two cases seek almost $12 million in damages.