D.C. medical cannabis cultivators apply for $300k in total grants
The Department of Small & Local Business Development (DSLBD) announced the opening of the FY2024 JustCannabusiness Medical Cultivators Grant program to support medical cannabis cultivation businesses in D.C. The grant program offers two types of grants: the SEED Grant ($2,000) and the GROWTH Grant ($5,000-$50,000). The application period closed last week, and successful applicants can expect to receive their grants before September 30.
- The ABC Board will meet this week but not publicly.
Maryland cannabis companies fined $8,000 for violating advertising rules
Maryland cannabis companies Curio Cultivation and Curio Manufacturing have been fined $8,000 for violating advertising regulations by targeting minors at events and failing to provide adequate audience data.
Maryland custodian sentenced to 8 years for stealing cannabis
A Maryland custodian stole nearly $100,000 worth of cannabis from his employer. Eric Dickerson, 51, was sentenced to eight years in prison for the theft. The state’s attorney criticized the crime as a betrayal of trust and a potential threat to public safety. Dickerson was ordered to pay restitution.
- Maryland police seize over a pound of cocaine, half a pound of cannabis, and $17,700.
Cannabis Stores Flourish in Southwest Virginia
Despite its illegality, cannabis stores are thriving in Southwest Virginia. The author argues that this suggests local residents have already voted for legalization through their consumer choices. Despite legal challenges and raids, these stores continue to operate openly. The author also notes the political implications of this trend, particularly in conservative areas.
- CCA Board of Directors meets on Tuesday to discuss the appeal of cannabis to youth, electronic meeting policies, procurement updates, and survey results.
Did you miss last week’s newsletter: Could D.C.’s medical market hit catastrophe before expansion launches?
East Coast Roundup
The Delaware Office of the Marijuana Commissioner opened applications for recreational marijuana business licenses, well ahead of the initial deadline and even a recently announced extension
The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission is facing a leadership crisis as members dispute who should fill the role of acting chair while the current chair is suspended and the interim chair is on maternity leave.
A Vermont medical cannabis user lost an appeal for unemployment benefits after being fired for a positive drug test.
New York’s legal cannabis industry reached a major milestone, surpassing $500 million in sales. This growth is largely attributed to increased efforts to eliminate unlicensed vendors.
The New York Times broke down why a jar of legal cannabis cost $60 in the state. It is expensive to go legal.
Culture & More
Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson expanded his entrepreneurial ventures with the launch of a new line of fruit-flavored boxing glove cannabis gummies in Colorado.
Around the Country
Governor Ron DeSantis is caught in the crossfire of Florida’s cannabis-hemp debate.
Ohio’s newly legalized recreational cannabis market generated over $11.5 million in revenue during its first four days of sales.
Shrooms
Monica Bertagnolli, director of the National Institutes of Health, expressed growing confidence in the potential of psilocybin to treat substance use disorders and mental illnesses. Researchers suggest that the drug’s long-term effects may indicate increased brain flexibility, potentially leading to healthier states.
