D.C. board rejects ANC 5A challenge to new medical cannabis retailer in Ward 5
The D.C. Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board has rejected ANC 5A’s bid to reinstate its protest against a new Clinical Solutions medical cannabis dispensary in Ward 5, ruling that the ANC’s objections about daycare proximity and safety lacked the specific statutory grounds required to proceed; the license application remains on track, though the decision can still be appealed.
- Alt Sol was featured by wtop News.
- Catch up on today’s ABC Board meeting: watch, agenda.
- Sept. 24, Black Cannabis Week’s D.C. event, “From Prohibition to Policy.”
- A GOP-led House committee is advancing a bill to repeal Washington, D.C.’s Second Chance Amendment Act—which automatically expunges past cannabis possession records—framing the move as part of a broader “restoring law and order” initiative.
Workers protest at Maryland dispensary grand reopening over labor disputes
Cannabis workers and community members protested outside The Apothecarium’s grand reopening in Cumberland, Md., on Sept. 5, alleging the company engaged in union-busting and stalled contract negotiations since employees voted to unionize last year. UFCW Local 27 says workers are demanding fair pay and just cause protections, while the company has not yet issued a response.
Virginia’s 2025 gubernatorial race may decide future of legal cannabis market
Over half of Virginians have used cannabis, but the state currently lacks a legal retail market, though a bipartisan commission is studying its potential and the issue is expected to hinge on the 2025 gubernatorial election. Democratic candidate Abigail Spanberger supports establishing a regulated retail market to boost revenue and public safety, while Republican nominee Winsome Earle-Sears opposes legalization, citing cannabis as a gateway drug.
ICYMI: D.C. Dispensaries Boom, Trulieve Expands, Virginia Cannabis Hits a Turning Point
East Coast Roundup
Once a dominant force in Massachusetts‘ cannabis industry, Fitchburg-based Rev Clinics supplied products to approximately 75% of the state’s dispensaries. However, the company has faced significant challenges leading to its collapse.
A CBD shop in Connecticut shut down following allegations of illegal cannabis sales. The owner has agreed to a settlement.
New York’s licensed cannabis sales surpassed $2.09 billion, with over $1 billion generated in 2025 alone, indicating a robust and expanding market despite market turmoil.
The New York State Office of Cannabis Management announced the transition to the Metrc system for tracking cannabis from seed to sale will start in 2026.
Delaware’s recreational cannabis market achieved $7.3 million in sales during its inaugural month, signaling a strong consumer demand.
The Massachusetts Attorney General certified 44 ballot proposals for the 2026 election, including one aiming to repeal the state’s 2016 law legalizing recreational marijuana sales. This proposal, led by Sudbury resident Caroline Alcock Cunningham, seeks to shut down recreational dispensaries and impose civil penalties for public possession exceeding one ounce.
Culture & More
A new report highlights a significant rise in cannabis use among Americans aged 65 and older, with a 46% increase between 2021 and 2023.
USF Credit Union has introduced ‘Verde,’ a cannabis banking program aimed at providing financial services to the legal cannabis industry in Florida.
A new study found that THC can reach the human egg and may affect female fertility. Women who had THC in their follicular fluid showed a small increase in egg maturity but a lower rate of healthy embryos.
Around the Country
Mississippi’s medical cannabis program is expanding rapidly, with an average of 50 new patient cards issued daily. As of August 2025, the state has approximately 50,000 active cards, up from 40,000 in June 2024.
Texas retailers are relieved after the state legislature failed to pass a ban on THC products during the second special session. Despite this, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick remains committed to a total ban, citing concerns over youth access.
California’s use of drones to monitor illegal cannabis cultivation led to unintended consequences, including the targeting of residents without cannabis operations. In Sonoma County, drone surveillance resulted in fines, evictions and legal battles for individuals who had no cannabis involvement.
From the swamp
Former Trump advisor Kellyanne Conway is reportedly a strong proponent of rescheduling cannabis, according to a GOP congressman. Her support adds a notable voice to the ongoing debate over federal cannabis policy reform.
OPINION: A Washington Post opinion piece argued that a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill allows children access to psychoactive hemp-derived substances like delta-8 and delta-10 THC.
