D.C. licensed medical cannabis grower closed by law enforcement
Blossomz, a licensed medical cannabis cultivator in D.C., was closed Feb. 27 by ABCA and MPD. Police reports detail the seizure of large quantities of cannabis flower and prerolls, though the total amount remains unreported as the investigation is pending. It is the first operational licensed cultivator closed since the District’s medical market expansion began in 2023. No public explanation for the shutdown has been issued. Updates to follow.
Virginia legislature moves Closer to Launching Legal Cannabis Retail Market with Key Bills Advancing
Virginia lawmakers are advancing two bills that, having passed one chamber each, would establish the framework for a statewide legal cannabis retail market, potentially allowing adult-use sales as early as November. The legislation outlines regulatory structures and timelines for licensing and sales after years of delay following legalization of possession and cultivation. If enacted, the measures could finally bring a regulated commercial marijuana market to Virginia, giving residents legal access to cannabis products through retail outlets.
- An Chelsea Higgs Wise argues that merging the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) with the Cannabis Control Authority would repeat the public-health failures of alcohol regulation, warning it would prioritize revenue over equity and well-being.
- The next CCA meeting is April 8, 2026. up on the Feb. 17th CCA meeting here.
Maryland Senate panel advances bill to shield off-duty firefighters, rescue workers who use medical cannabis from job penalties
Maryland legislators in the Senate Finance Committee advanced a bill that would protect firefighters and rescue workers from being disciplined, fired, or otherwise penalized for legally using medical cannabis while off duty. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Carl Jackson, would amend state law to prohibit employment discrimination solely based on medical cannabis participation or a positive drug test for THC metabolites. Employers could still enforce zero-tolerance policies for impairment on the job even if the bill becomes law.
- The Maryland Senate unanimously approved a bill to extend the Maryland Task Force on Responsible Use of Natural Psychedelic Substances through the end of 2027 to continue studying and make recommendations on therapeutic access and potential regulatory frameworks for psychedelics like psilocybin.
ICYMI: D.C. Suspends Doobie District and Maryland Fines Rise Joppa
East Coast Roundup
Federal and state authorities raided a large cannabis farm in rural Oklahoma, seizing over 1,200 pounds of processed cannabis and arresting owner Sin Tung Chan, a New York City heritage club member with ties to China, on charges of trafficking cannabis. Authorities said the cannabis was being illegally trafficked out of state—likely to New York—and indicated that Chan’s operation is part of a broader network of Oklahoma-grown cannabis farms linked to members of hometown associations from China.
New York licensed cannabis processors are facing financial and logistical strain ahead of a mandate requiring them to implement a “seed‑to‑sale” tracking system that tags every individual product to curb illicit market influx.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul appointed John Kagia as the acting executive director of the state’s Office of Cannabis Management to lead the regulatory agency overseeing the rapidly growing legal cannabis market until he is confirmed by the State Senate.
The University of New England in Maine is launching new online certificate programs aimed at preparing students for careers in the growing cannabis industry.
Culture & More
Ghana has formally launched its national medicinal cannabis cultivation program, aiming to expand economic opportunities and develop its pharmaceutical and export sectors.
A Rolling Stone analysis argues that complacency within the legal cannabis industry—fueled by consolidation, regulatory complexity, and lack of strategic advocacy—is now the sector’s greatest threat amid ongoing market and political challenges.
Health experts report that cannabis hyperemesis syndrome—characterized by severe nausea and vomiting from chronic marijuana use—is increasing, and they outline key symptoms consumers should watch for.
Around the Country
A new poll shows a plurality of Texas voters disapprove of how state leaders and lawmakers have handled marijuana and THC policy, reflecting broader dissatisfaction amid stalled reform efforts.
Indiana’s latest legislative efforts to ban or regulate intoxicating hemp and similar marijuana‑like products collapsed again due to disagreement between the House and Senate, leaving the state without new controls on those products.
Louisiana is advancing a pilot program proposal under House Bill 373 to test adult‑use cannabis legalization beginning next year through 2030 under oversight of the Louisiana Department of Health.
A Washington State Senate committee approved a bill to allow terminally ill patients to use medical cannabis in hospitals, nursing homes and hospices starting January 1, 2027, with specific usage rules.
From the swampThe U.S. Supreme Court signaled skepticism during oral arguments about a federal law that bars firearm possession by “habitual” users of illegal drugs—like cannabis —raising constitutional questions under the Second Amendment as justices consider whether such a restriction can stand.
