D.C. medical cannabis market slumps as February sales hit four-year low

The District of Columbia’s medical cannabis market is facing a period of decline, with February dispensary sales reaching their lowest point in four years. This trend comes alongside a drop in the number of patients served and an expiration of nearly 1,850 patient certifications in the next three months.

According to newly released data from the District of Columbia’s Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA), dispensary sales in February fell significantly compared to both last year and the year before. This decline comes despite the cultivation and manufacturing sectors maintaining relatively steady sales figures.

The report reveals that a little under 9,500 patients were served in February, a 500-patient decrease from last month. The upcoming expiration of nearly 1,850 patient certifications within the next quarter could further erode the 25,228 currently registered patients in D.C.

While overall sales are down, the D.C. market is witnessing a shift in product preferences. Sales of flower bud have steadily dropped for the past five months, with February sales reaching a new low of only 346 pounds. But vape cartridge sales have seen a significant increase, more than doubling in volume since January.

Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina remain the top states for out-of-state patient registrations. But Out-of-state patient registrations continue to decline. Sales have not recovered in the D.C. market since Maryland’s adult-use market launch last summer.