D.C. medical cannabis program hits record numbers in May
D.C.’s medical cannabis program set new highs in May, with registered patients climbing to 123,826 (up more than 7,000 from April) and industry-wide sales reaching $10 million, up nearly 12% year-over-year; the city also shut down three more unlicensed facilities during the month.
- The next ABC Board meeting is July 8: watch, agenda.
- Catch up on the June 24th disposition or subscribe to a paying membership to receive exclusive summaries of Board meetings and see our map of pending cannabis businesses in D.C.
Virginia clears the way for recreational cannabis sales starting in 2027
Virginia has enacted budget legislation allowing up to 350 recreational cannabis shops to open statewide starting July 1, 2027, five years after first legalizing possession. State regulators will begin accepting retail license applications February 1, and the law raises the possession limit from 1 ounce to 2 ounces while keeping home cultivation legal; the new excise and sales tax mix is projected to generate about $51 million in state revenue in the program’s first year. Gov. Abigail Spanberger negotiated the final compromise after vetoing an earlier version of the bill, and while advocates have generally welcomed the law, some have criticized a provision raising civil fines for public consumption over concerns it could lead to disproportionate enforcement.
- Virginia hemp farmers and shop owners say they’re being squeezed out by a November federal hemp crackdown and the state’s 2027 cannabis rollout, with no transition plan to bridge the gap.
- Virginia’s beer, wine and spirits industry is pushing back on budget language that would temporarily reassign ABC enforcement agents to the new Cannabis Control Authority, warning the move could strain an already overburdened force responsible for regulating more than 31,000 alcohol licensees.
- The next CCA meeting is July 22, 2026. Catch up on the June 2nd CCA meeting here.
MCA says it’s not aware of any DEA inspections happening in Maryland
The Maryland Cannabis Administration confirmed it’s learned of unannounced DEA inspections at cannabis businesses tied to their federal registration applications, but says it has no knowledge of any occurring in Maryland; the agency reiterated that state licensing and enforcement remain unchanged regardless of federal developments
ICYMI: Five tons of weed, one shipping container and a one-way ticket to England
East Coast Roundup
A multi-agency drug enforcement operation across upstate New York resulted in 83 arrests and the seizure of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, firearms, and millions of dollars in illicit assets.
States are weighing new THC potency limits and public health policies as concerns grow over links between high-potency cannabis products, psychosis, and cannabis use disorder.
Maine legalization opponents say they remain on track to place a ballot initiative before voters that would repeal the state’s adult-use cannabis market.
Culture & More
New research found that rats exposed to THC displayed increased appetite, offering scientists additional insight into the biological mechanisms behind cannabis-induced hunger.
Researchers identified new evidence explaining how cannabinoids influence brain signaling, advancing understanding of cannabis’ effects on cognition and behavior.
A new study found that medical cannabis legalization is associated with a roughly 7% reduction in employee sick days, suggesting potential workplace productivity benefits.
Around the Country
The DEA’s marijuana rescheduling hearing could significantly impact Arizona’s cannabis industry by reshaping federal tax, banking, and research policies.
California cannabis operator Glass House Brands is positioning itself for long-term growth despite industry challenges after surpassing a $1 billion market valuation.
MMJ International Holdings filed legal arguments urging the federal government to reject marijuana rescheduling and instead remove cannabis entirely from the Controlled Substances Act.
From the Swamp
DEA’s historic cannabis rescheduling hearing kicks off in Arlington
Formal hearing proceedings began June 29 at DEA Headquarters in Arlington, weighing whether to move adult-use marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act, with the process running through July 15. Only parties opposed to rescheduling were certified to testify, drawing criticism from NORML and NCIA, who say their exclusion leaves out the perspective of state-licensed cannabis businesses.
