Record patient numbers fuel resurgence in D.C. cannabis market
In October 2025, Washington, D.C.’s medical cannabis program reached a record 34,695 patients, surpassing May’s previous high, while overall market sales jumped 98% year-over-year. Dispensary revenue rebounded to $5.78 million — a 112% increase from October 2024 — and manufacturing sales hit a three-month high of $2.46 million, reflecting strong growth across all major product categories despite average storefront sales remaining below historical levels. The rise highlights renewed patient demand and market resilience following months of declining dispensary revenue.
- The next ABC Board meeting is Dec. 3 & 4, 2025: watch, agenda. (There will be one last meeting for 2025 on Dec. 10)
- Nov. 19, 2025 disposition.
State lawmakers finalize blueprint to launch Virginia recreational cannabis industry
The state’s Joint Commission on the Future of Cannabis Sales finalized a proposal to launch a regulated adult‑use recreational cannabis market in Virginia, eliminating a controversial “local opt‑out” clause, increasing local taxing authority, and prioritizing small, independent, Virginia‑based businesses over large medical operators.
- OPINION: State legislators argue that allowing local governments to opt out of retail cannabis would effectively perpetuate the illicit market — undermining product safety, racial equity goals, public health protections, and consistent access — and that a statewide regulated retail market without opt‑outs is necessary for safety, fairness, and economic opportunity.
East Coast Roundup
The village of Sidney, New York, once home to a major calendar factory, is seeking economic revival through the arrival of recreational cannabis company Stiiizy, which planned to hire up to 400 workers. However, state investigations into prior licensing issues with Omnium Health have created uncertainty for Stiiizy’s operations, leaving local officials cautious while weighing the potential economic benefits of cannabis for the struggling community.
The Native‑owned delivery service Tribal Fire announced a collaboration with Suncrafted to launch the first Native American–branded cannabis product line on the East Coast, offering flower, pre‑rolls, and vape cartridges while pledging a portion of profits to support tribal programs.
A New Hampshire young adult with a genetic connective‑tissue disorder found medical cannabis eased his chronic pain and helped him function daily — sleep better, eat, and even pursue a small clothing business — but admitted carrying a stigma and daily anxiety about being judged or scrutinized.
Culture & More
The first‑legal adult‑use dispensary in New York Housing Works Cannabis Co. donates 100% of its proceeds to Housing Works — a nonprofit that supports people with HIV/AIDS and chronic illnesses — funding housing, healthcare, job training and advocacy efforts.
The medical community is now able to officially diagnose Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), a serious condition marked by severe nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain among long‑term cannabis users; recognition by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention aims to improve tracking and awareness of its rising incidence.
The “Best Weed Gifts of 2025” guide offers a selection of cannabis‑related products — from stylish glassware to vaporizers and curated strain samplers — targeting people who appreciate cannabis culture and are shopping for festive or practical gifts this season.
Around the Country
About 1 in 6 pregnant people in Michigan report using cannabis during pregnancy — a trend more common among socially disadvantaged populations — raising concerns because prenatal cannabis exposure is linked to increased risks such as low birth weight and premature delivery.
Ignite Dispensary & Cigar owner Timothy Frey describes the confusion faced by CBD‑ and hemp‑product retailers in Wisconsin, where state‑level marijuana remains illegal even as neighboring states legalize recreational cannabis — and a new federal hemp‑derived THC ban (from the recent government‑shutdown spending bill) threatens to shutter many current CBD shops.
From the swamp
A newly passed federal spending bill includes a provision banning many hemp‑derived THC edibles, snacks, and drinks, threatening a rapidly expanded market of hemp‑based intoxicating products with enforcement set to begin in November 2026.
The upcoming Supreme Court decisions and shifting federal regulation — including possible bans on hemp‑derived THC products — could reshape the future of U.S. cannabis legalization, potentially ending the more permissive regulatory environment that has allowed many hemp‑derived products to flourish.
