Welcome to The Outlaw Report’s Q&A series, focused on the cannabis landscape of the Mid-Atlantic. Our series aims to shine a spotlight on the trailblazers and experts who are shaping the local cannabis industry. Through their first-hand experience and insights, we explore the successes, challenges and stories of businesses and individuals at the forefront of cannabis policy, business and innovation in the region.
In a market crowded with gimmicks and questionable concentrates, DC Xtracts has carved out a loyal following by doing the exact opposite: keeping it clean, honest, and rooted in the craft. Founded by Rob Vasquez, the company built its reputation in Washington D.C.’s medical cannabis program through extracts that reflect the quality of the flower they came from.
In this interview, Rob opens up about the moment that turned him from a skeptical consumer into an extraction nerd, why he’s selective about flower inputs and brand partnerships, and what it really takes to build a business in a tightly regulated, still-evolving market.
TOR: What inspired the founding of DC Xtracts, and what was the initial vision for the brand?
Rob Vasquez: Honestly, I got into this because the early vapes I tried tasted like burnt plastic, residual butane, and regret. Then one day a great friend handed me something that actually tasted good and it hit smooth. I needed to know why. That kicked off the deep dive extraction methods, equipment, terpene science, you name it. Then I came across CO2 extraction. Eventually I worked with the original owner of DCX whom had the Apeks gear I researched and decided on. I learned from the original DC Xtracts owner, and made the process my own changing everything. The vision was simple — make clean, fire extracts that actually taste and feel like the plant they came from. No junk. No hype. Just good weed in vape form.
What core values drive DC Xtracts’ operations and decision-making processes?
We care about three things quality, honesty, and doing it right even when no one’s watching. Every decision starts with “is this something we’d smoke ourselves?” If it’s not, it’s a no. We don’t chase trends or cut corners. We’re here to build something real, something that lasts. Also, we’re not afraid to say “no thanks” to bad flower or shady deals — even if it costs us short-term. Integrity over everything.
Could you walk us through your extraction process and the technologies you employ to ensure product purity and potency?
We run CO2 supercritical extraction because it’s clean and selective — no hydrocarbons, no mystery solvents. We decarb our biomass first, then extract using two Apeks systems: the Bambino for small runs and the Transformer 20L x 5L for terpene extraction and cannabinoid runs. That gives us efficiency without sacrificing quality. After the runs, we winterize, filter, and reintroduce handpicked terpenes to dial in each strain’s flavor and effect. For distillate, we use a short-path setup and keep everything batch-tested and METRC compliant. It’s nerdy work, but we love it.
How do you source your cannabis flower, and what criteria do you use to select your processing inputs?
We only work with licensed cultivators in DC who care as much about the plant as we do. No trim, no trash. It’s gotta smell right, test clean, and be something we’d smoke on a Sunday. We’re picky because bad inputs equal bad oil — and we’ve got a reputation to keep.
What are your most popular products right now?
Our 1g all-in-one vape is the rockstar right now. People love the smooth hit, strong effects, and the fact that it doesn’t look like a lightsaber. Our 510 carts are a close second simple, clean, and potent. And for the purists? Our glass syringes of full-spectrum oil with no added terps are gaining a cult following. We run five to 7 strains at a time to keep testing costs reasonable, and all five usually move fast.
How does DC Xtracts engage with the local cannabis community and contribute to its growth?
We’re DC through and through. We’re not some out-of-town brand trying to plant a flag. We visit shops, listen to budtenders, and collaborate with people who are really doing the work. We offer white-label services to help other local businesses get their ideas off the ground, and we’re always happy to talk shop with anyone who’s passionate about the plant. We’re also building out our website to help educate consumers on what’s actually in their carts.
What are your thoughts on the current state of cannabis policy at the local and national level?
DC’s medical scene is growing, but we’re still boxed in by outdated federal laws and slow-moving policies. It’s like trying to run a modern business with a rotary phone. Full legalization, banking access, and sensible small-business protections need to happen, or we’re just setting people up to fail. Locally, there’s momentum, but the system needs to be fine tuned some more..
What advice would you give to entrepreneurs looking to enter the cannabis industry?
Know your reason for getting in — and “getting rich” isn’t good enough. This is a grind. It’s early mornings, late nights, compliance headaches, and constant pivoting. If you’re not obsessed with the product and the people, you won’t last. But if you care, if you’re willing to learn and do it right, there’s room for you. Start small. Stay focused. And don’t let the hype fool you — it’s the boring, consistent stuff that wins in the long run.
