August D.C. licenses trickle in as enforcement continues
D.C. medical licensees are hoping for more efficient enforcement this month as sales continue to slow and I-71 shop competition continues. ABCA’s board takes a three week break from meetings after this week. There are 19 items on this week’s board meeting agenda. The meeting is Wednesday, Aug. 14 at 10:30 AM. You can watch it here.
Maryland smokes 44 tons of cannabis bud in six months
Maryland’s cannabis market is ablaze, with consumers demonstrating an insatiable appetite for the newly legalized adult-use plant. A staggering 44 tons of cannabis flower, equivalent to approximately 88,000 pounds, has been consumed by Maryland residents in just the first six months of 2024.
This voracious consumption has fueled a booming industry, generating a substantial $377 million in adult-use sales alone during this period. An additional $180.2 million was generated in medical sales, but the medical market continues to be dwarfed by the new adult-use market.
Richmond activists link cannabis justice to reparations
Maryland Governor Wes Moore has pardoned over 175,000 people with low-level marijuana convictions. This is a major step toward addressing the disproportionate impact of the War on Drugs on Black and Brown communities. The state is also considering reparations funded by marijuana taxes. Advocates are calling for more comprehensive support to heal communities harmed by past drug policies.
East Coast Roundup
New York reported almost $30 million worth of illicit product and 231 stores padlocked across the state. THere are over 156 stores operating.
A survey by the Cannabis Association of New York found that a majority of dispensaries are receiving less product, while cultivators are struggling to meet demand.
New York is considering reducing the required distance between legal cannabis dispensaries, but the move faces opposition from existing legal dispensaries who fear increased competition and potential harm to their businesses.
Maine utility wants to report suspected illegal cannabis grow houses to police based on high energy usage, but critics worry about privacy concerns.
Delaware’s Office of Marijuana Commissioner (OMC) will start accepting online applications for cannabis licenses through Salesforce from August 19th to September 30th, 2024.
Culture & More
A new study suggests that medical cannabis could be a potential treatment option for patients whose fibromyalgia symptoms aren’t controlled by traditional medications.
Around the Country
The same Chinese brokers involved in fentanyl are also deeply involved in cannabis money laundering.
A Colorado ballot initiative that allowed cannabis consumers to have concealed handgun permits failed to get on the ballot.
From the swamp
Former president Donald Trump and current candidate said that he agrees people should not face criminal charges over cannabis as legalization grows in a wild press conference last week.
A House bill to decriminalize cannabis received another cosponsor from Colorado for a total of 94.
