Inside DC Xtracts: Rob Vasquez on Craft Cannabis Extraction and Brand Integrity
Driven by a desire for clean, high-quality cannabis extracts after experiencing disappointing early vape products, Rob Vasquez founded DC Xtracts to offer consumers pure, plant-true concentrates. The company, which built its reputation in Washington D.C.’s medical cannabis program, prioritizes quality, honesty, and integrity, using a CO2 supercritical extraction process with Apeks systems to ensure purity and potency. Read our full interview with Rob.
D.C. cannabis market sees delivery sales soar amidst retail competition
Washington D.C.’s medical cannabis market saw overall sales rise to $5.78 million in May, yet individual dispensaries experienced a revenue decrease as new stores increased competition. The most significant trend observed, according to the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration’s report, is the surging growth of delivery services, indicating a strong consumer preference for convenience. Read our full breakdown.
- Next ABC Board meeting July 9 at 10:30 A.M., agenda, watch.
- ABCA, MPD Padlock Apple Dream Shop
Cannabis workers in Maryland allege union-busting by TerrAscend
Cannabis workers at The Apothecarium dispensaries in Cumberland and Salisbury, Maryland, are stepping up their fight for a fair contract, alleging union-busting tactics by parent company TerrAscend. On June 28, employees, joined by community supporters, held all-day informational pickets, demanding TerrAscend negotiate in good faith.
- Maryland’s sales tax on adult-use cannabis and cannabis products increased from 9% to 12% starting Tuesday, July 1, with the additional revenue going to the state’s general fund.
Virginia Cannabis Commission to Shape Future of Recreational Sales Under Next Governor
A new meeting of the Virginia Cannabis Commission next week will be instrumental in defining the rules for recreational marijuana sales, a decision poised to be made by the state’s next governor. Formed to gather public input and recommend policies for Virginia’s adult-use market, the commission will address critical issues like licensing, taxation, and employment protections.
East Coast Roundup
New York regulators expanded a recall of numerous cannabis products, primarily from IndoGro LLC, due to unsafe pesticide levels and the use of unlicensed cannabis, urging consumers to discontinue use and return affected items.
Connecticut’s recreational and medical cannabis markets continued their upward trend in May, with combined sales reaching $28.2 million, a slight increase from April’s $27.9 million.
Delaware is set to launch legal adult-use cannabis sales on August 1, 2025, with licensed medical marijuana dispensaries being the first to convert and serve recreational consumers.
Culture & More
Thailand is moving to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic and ban recreational use, a decision that will disrupt its estimated $1 billion industry, three years after it became one of Asia’s first countries to decriminalize it.
Americans spent $3.1 billion on over 316 million pre-rolled cannabis joints in 2024, representing over 15% of the legal cannabis market, with infused pre-rolls driving significant growth.
Around the Country
California’s cannabis excise tax is set to increase from 15% to 19% on July 1, 2025, a change mandated by a 2022 law intended to offset the elimination of the cultivation tax, despite strong industry opposition and warnings that it will further harm the struggling legal market and push consumers towards illicit sales.
A proposal by the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission is drawing strong criticism from advocates who warn it will severely restrict patient access to medical cannabis, citing concerns over a lack of transparency and potential undue influence from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in the rulemaking process despite voter approval for legalization.
Texas lawmakers are preparing to debate the future of currently unregulated hemp-derived THC products, with proposals ranging from bans to comprehensive regulation and taxation, as concerns over consumer safety and market competition with the medical marijuana program drive the discussion.
From the swamp
A coalition of athletes and entertainers, including Mike Tyson, wrote to President Donald Trump, urging him to expand cannabis clemency, reschedule cannabis to Schedule III, and facilitate banking for licensed cannabis businesses, arguing that such actions would go further than the Biden administration’s reforms and address what they see as outdated and economically detrimental policies. research the therapeutic potential of psychedelics.
