Plus Virginia Prices Top $10/Gram
D.C. authorities shut down three unlicensed cannabis businesses
D.C. regulators and police closed three unlicensed cannabis businesses in late March 2026, seizing cannabis, THC products, and firearms and making three arrests. There still has been no public statement on the closure of Blossomz.
Bowser proposes bill to allow cannabis-infused drinks through D.C. breweries
Mayor Bowser is proposing a bill that would open the door for cannabis-infused beverages in D.C.’s medical market by allowing breweries and distilleries to partner with licensed cannabis businesses to produce THC drinks, as operators say competition from nearby legal states is squeezing the market.
- The next ABC Board meeting is Jan. 7, 2026: watch, agenda.
- Catch up on the April 1 disposition.
Virginia medical cannabis prices rank among the highest in the U.S.
Medical cannabis patients in Virginia are paying some of the highest prices in the country, averaging over $10 per gram. Virginia Cannabis Control Authority data cited factors such as market structure, taxes, and participation rates as contributors to elevated costs. High prices have raised concerns about patients turning to illicit markets or out-of-state purchases.
- Virginia’s Cannabis Control Authority posted multiple job openings for licensing, compliance, and enforcement roles as the state prepares for a potential adult-use market.
- The next CCA meeting is April 8, 2026. up on the Feb. 17th CCA meeting here.
Maryland lawmakers approve protections for firefighters using medical cannabis off duty
Maryland lawmakers passed legislation to protect firefighters and rescue workers from employment penalties for legal, off-duty medical cannabis use. The bill maintains workplace safety rules by allowing discipline for on-duty impairment while preventing discrimination against registered patients. Supporters say the measure addresses treatment needs for conditions like chronic pain and PTSD among first responders.
East Coast Roundup
West Virginia officials are facing questions over how medical cannabis revenue is being allocated, with concerns about transparency and whether funds are reaching intended public programs.
The founder of Gotham Cannabis says the New York legal market has matured significantly over five years but remains challenged by regulation, competition, and evolving consumer demand.
A report highlights ongoing concerns about Chinese large-scale illegal cannabis grows in rural Maine, including allegations of organized operations and limited state response.
Massachusetts lawmakers agreed on legislation to double marijuana possession limits and restructure parts of the state’s cannabis regulatory framework.
In a Q&A with Politico, New York’s cannabis regulator John Kagia emphasized stabilizing the state’s rollout by addressing illicit market competition, improving regulatory execution, and supporting licensed operators as the legal market continues to mature.
Culture & More
Cannabis multistate operator The Cannabist Company filed for U.S. bankruptcy protection after divesting licenses in multiple states and exiting at least two markets as it attempts to restructure under mounting financial pressure.
A promotional trailer highlights an upcoming cannabis culture segment focusing on historical milestones, product releases and contemporary industry themes rather than policy or regulatory developments.
Around the Country
A state cannabis policy report recommends a regulated adult-use market in North Carolina built around strict safeguards designed to block youth access while allowing legal adult sales under a controlled framework.
Georgia lawmakers passed legislation to expand the state’s medical cannabis program while simultaneously advancing stricter rules on hemp-derived THC products, including tighter limits on intoxicating cannabinoids in beverages.
Missouri lawmakers moved a bill forward that would ban intoxicating hemp-derived products, closing regulatory gaps that currently allow delta-8 and similar THC analogs to be sold outside the state’s licensed cannabis system.
From the swamp
A new FDA enforcement memo allows certain federally legal hemp-derived CBD products to be covered under Medicare Advantage-style benefit structures, marking a potential step toward formalized insurance reimbursement pathways for cannabinoids.
The White House Office of Management and Budget met with stakeholders and FDA officials to discuss a forthcoming CBD enforcement policy that could establish clearer federal rules around cannabidiol compliance and legality across state and federal systems.
