D.C. board affirms closure of “Temple of Golden Teacher” over psilocybin sales
The D.C. Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board upheld the closure of GTDC Church, also known as the Temple of Golden Teacher, after investigators documented unauthorized psilocybin sales and seized over 5,800 grams of products. The Board rejected the church’s defenses under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and Initiative 81, finding the operation functioned as a retail business rather than a religious practice. Declaring the establishment an imminent danger, the Board ordered it to remain closed unless all parties agree to permanently end illegal activity at the site.
D.C. cannabis shop wins in Court of Appeals against ANC
The D.C. Court of Appeals dismissed petitions from ANC 2C and Commissioner Thomas Lee challenging the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board’s approval of a medical cannabis license for UND Necessities LLC, operating as DC Smoke at 717 D Street NW in Chinatown. The ruling leaves intact the Board’s May 1, 2024, approval, which followed the Medical Cannabis Amendment Act of 2022, allowing certain transitioning operators to locate within 300 feet of schools—a waiver not available to other applicants.
- Don’t miss the ABC Board meeting, Oct. 1, 2025: watch, agenda.
- D.C. cannabis retailer agrees to $10,000 fine and closure terms in settlement
- Chocolate City Wellness is asking for people to email ABCA letting them know about the good they have done in light of their ABC Board hearing tomorrow for closure due to illegal sales.
- Sept. 24, 2025 disposition.
- ABCA shuts down two more retailers, three arrested.
Maryland court clears way for full enforcement against unlicensed THC s ales
The Maryland Appellate Court overturned a 2023 injunction that had limited enforcement against certain hemp retailers, allowing the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission (ATCC) to resume action against unlicensed sales of intoxicating THC products statewide. Businesses selling such products without a license now face product seizures, citations, and fines up to $5,000 for exceeding THC limits or $10,000 for synthetic THC violations, with potential risks to other state-held licenses. Offenses include packaging, labeling, and potency violations, false or illegal THC advertising, unlicensed sales above legal THC limits, and sales of synthetic cannabinoids.
CCA Board of Directors to hold October meeting with public comment opportunity
The CCA Board of Directors will hold its October 2025 meeting on Wednesday, October 1, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Members of the public can participate by signing up for public comment, and the meeting can also be accessed online via this link. Relevant documents, including the agenda, meeting minutes, slides, and written public comments, are available for review.
- The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA) is launching a new safe driving campaign this fall to raise awareness about the dangers and legal consequences of driving under the influence of cannabis.
East Coast Roundup
New York‘s $1.5 billion cannabis market will implement seed-to-sale track-and-trace in December 2025, enhancing product oversight and compliance.
The launch of cannabis consumption lounges in Massachusetts is delayed due to leadership changes at the state cannabis authority.
A New Jersey survey seeks local input on how municipalities plan to manage legalized cannabis, highlighting varying town approaches.
Culture & More
A large study shows a cannabis-derived drug significantly reduces back pain, offering potential new treatment options
The Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Marijuana Enforcement Team raided six illegal cannabis grow sites on public lands in California, removing thousands of plants and enforcing environmental protections.
Around the Country
Michigan cannabis industry advocates and lawmakers are voicing strong opposition to a proposed 24% wholesale tax on cannabis products, which is part of the state’s budget plan to fund road repairs.
A recent analysis by Colorado Public Radio reveals that 2025 has seen a significant increase in cannabis product recalls across the state, with 465 stores affected so far, surpassing the 333 stores impacted in 2023.
San Francisco’s first “equity” cannabis store, Berner’s on Haight, closed within four years. However, the founding group profited from an $8.4 million payout from the Cookies brand and leveraged their permit for real estate ventures, highlighting concerns about the misuse of equity programs and the persistence of insiders benefiting from the system.
From the swamp
Congressional Cannabis Caucus Co-chair Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) praised Minnesota’s rollout of its first non-tribal recreational cannabis program, emphasizing inclusion of underserved communities and hoping the state’s approach serves as a model for other regions. She also noted that recent signals from former President Trump supporting cannabis rescheduling could positively influence federal cannabis policy discussions. Listen to the whole interview on Ask a Pol.
Cannabis stocks experienced a significant surge following a video posted by former President Donald Trump on Truth Social, advocating for the use of CBD products among seniors and promoting Medicaid coverage for such treatments
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and Panacea Plant Sciences (PPS) jointly requested a federal court to extend the stay on a lawsuit challenging the cannabis rescheduling process until January 27, 2026. This decision reflects the ongoing lack of progress in the broader rescheduling issue and aims to prevent conflicts during the holiday season.
