Washington, D.C.’s medical cannabis market delivered a strong rebound in October, posting some of the highest sales and patient activity the program has ever recorded. The recovery comes after a sluggish September and four straight months of declining dispensary revenue, according to the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis administration’s monthly data report.
According to program data, overall market sales in October rose 98% compared to the same month in 2024, with all three major sales categories—cultivation/manufacturing, retail dispensaries and patient registrations—showing month-over-month growth. Manufacturing sales were especially strong, hitting a three-month high of $2,462,572, while dispensary revenue climbed to $5,778,550, narrowly missing May’s all-time program record.
For dispensaries, the turnaround was significant. After months of contraction, October’s dispensary revenue became the second-highest in program history and represented a 112% year-over-year increase from October 2024. Patient activity also reached new heights: 34,695 patients were served, a program record and even higher than in May, when D.C. reached the highest monthly sales in its history.
Reciprocity trends continued to shift. While Maryland, Virginia and Florida remain the top sources of out-of-state reciprocal patients, all three states experienced slight declines in patient numbers. In contrast, temporary patient registrations increased across all major states of origin, including Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina, signaling stronger short-term participation in the program.
Product trends also reflected rising demand. Flower sales increased nearly 8%, growing from 572g to 617g, and sales across all other major product categories experienced modest gains.
Despite these achievements, the business environment remains challenging. Outlaw’s review of ABCA’s retailer listings indicates approximately 60 licensed storefronts were operating in October. With so many new shops entering the market since spring, competition remains intense: the average storefront brought in roughly $95,000 for the month, significantly lower than historical averages prior to the surge in openings. The figure suggests that while consumer demand is rising, many retailers are still feeling financial pressure.
October’s performance points to renewed strength in patient engagement and regulated cannabis sales in the District—though operators continue to navigate the realities of a rapidly expanding marketplace.
October in Short
- Manufacturing sales: $2,462,572 (three-month high).
- Dispensary sales: $5,778,550 (second-highest month ever).
- Dispensary sales year-over-year increase: 112% compared to October 2024.
- Overall market sales year-over-year increase: 98% compared to October 2024.
- Patients served: 34,695 (new program record).
- Average retail storefront sales: $95,000 for the month.
- Flower sales: increased from 572g to 617g (nearly 8% rise).
- Open stores: approximately 60 operating in October.
