Out-of-State medical cannabis patients outpace D.C. residents as market faces summer slowdown
In June 2025, D.C.’s medical cannabis sales fell by over $500K, with local patient numbers dropping from 17,880 to 13,025. Out-of-state patients again outnumbered locals. Despite the monthly decline, sales nearly doubled compared to June 2024.
- Catch up on the ABC Board meeting July 30 at 10:30 A.M., agenda, watch.
- Last week’s meeting disposition.
Richmond Council tightens smoke shop rules
Richmond City Council approved new restrictions banning smoke, vape, and hemp shops within 1,000 ft of schools, parks, homes, and other sensitive areas. Existing shops are grandfathered in. The council also expanded residency rules for top city officials.
Vape shops take over Richmond’s retail scene
Richmond’s vape shop boom stems from hemp loopholes and limited enforcement, says former shop owner Merritt. While over 70 shops are licensed, actual numbers may be much higher. Merritt argues real reform must target distributors, not just storefronts.
ICYMI: Another D.C. psychedelic shop raided — and Congress advances bill to keep blocking D.C. rec weed
East Coast Roundup
New York revealed that nearly 200 state‑licensed cannabis dispensaries were built too close to schools due to faulty regulatory guidance, forcing many to relocate before renewing their licenses.
Delaware will begin adult‑use cannabis sales on August 1, 2025 at 12 converted medical dispensaries, subject to a 15% retail tax and a one‑ounce possession limit, though critics are urging a boycott until new retail‑only operators launch.
Newly released court records expose internal discord within Massachusetts’s Cannabis Control Commission and underscore the contentious firing of former chair Shannon O’Brien amidst allegations of dysfunction and misconduct.
Culture & More
Youth cannabis use remained steady between 2021–2024, even as adult use rose and more states legalized the drug.
A Wisconsin restaurant’s THC-laced burger allegedly poisoned customers, raising new questions about edibles safety — especially in unexpected settings.
For the first time, federal researchers detected cannabinoids in human breath after ingestion of cannabis edibles, a development that may enable future impairment testing.
Around the Country
State regulators fined 25 cannabis businesses in Michigan for compliance violations amid broader industry scrutiny.
An Arizona cannabis worker is pursuing legal action after an alleged unfair termination tied to union organizing.
Authorities seized approximately $10M worth of unlicensed Michigan cannabis products during recent enforcement actions.
A Kentucky medical cannabis cultivator rushed to harvest immature plants to meet regulatory deadlines following licensing delays.
From the swamp
Newly confirmed DEA Administrator Terrance Cole omitted cannabis rescheduling from his strategic priorities, despite prior campaign promises.
The Congressional Cannabis Caucus still hasn’t convened due to political and organizational delays, raising concerns about Capitol Hill’s reform momentum, according to Ask a Pol Drugs. Listen to the full interview here.
A key Republican senator successfully blocked an effort to ban hemp-derived THC in the federal spending bill.
