Over 270 medical cannabis dispensaries could open in D.C. in the next year
Our analysis found that 276 businesses are at some point in the process of being approved or opening. There are currently only 11 medical dispensaries operating in The District, four of these are new licensees that were formerly unlicensed operators doing business in the D.C. “I-71 gifting” market. There are over 80 applications with locations secured who are now going through the licensing process. Over 35 of these already have a license and must be open in 120 days. If just 40 businesses successfully open this year, the market would see a 400% increase in retail locations. If all the current applications open, retail locations would increase by over 2,500%. Though the increase will likely fall on the lower end, the D.C. cannabis market will face major new supply and demand changes in 2025.
- ABCA expanded its reciprocity of medical patients to Kentucky, increasing the number of states or jurisdictions whose medical cards or state documents the District recognizes to 40.
- ABC Board meeting is Wednesday, Jan. 8 at 10:30 A.M., agenda.
Maryland official says police recruiting laws too strict on past cannabis use
Officials in Montgomery County, Maryland say that overly strict hiring rules regarding past cannabis use have made the recruitment process for local law enforcement positions too difficult, FOX5DC reports. Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich said in a recent press conference that while the county saw a 7% decrease in overall crime in 2024, officials are concerned about police staffing levels.
Virginia lawmakers to revive cannabis legalization bill
Virginia lawmakers will reintroduce legislation to legalize recreational cannabis, despite Governor Youngkin’s previous veto. The bipartisan bill aims to establish a regulated market for adult use, including taxation. Lawmakers are hopeful for increased Republican support in the upcoming session.
East Coast Roundup
New York Office of Cannabis Management policy director John Kagia expects around 350 cannabis dispensaries to open in the state with the office approving approximately 30 licenses each month. The gradual increase in approved licenses would bring new licensed pot stores numbers from 275 to more than 625 moving into the year.
The New Jersey minority-and-women-owned cannabis dispensary, Flower and Flame is the most recent group of workers to unionize withUnited Food and Commercial Workers Local 360. UFCW Local 360 represents hundreds of cannabis businesses, workers and labs; Flower and Flame’s team is looking to cultivate an informed and enriched community around cannabis in South Jersey.
Pennsylvania doctors were called out for their weak direction when it came to the state’s medical cannabis program as a result of several Spotlight PA investigations. The results have brought up questions regarding care quality for patients seeking medical cannabis cards.
Culture & More
iAnthus Capital Holdings, a multistate cannabis operator bought Chicago-based vape brand Cheetah Enterprises in a $1.5 million deal. The ownership turnover is expected to bring iAnthus increased revenue and better distribution and resources for Cheetah in the future.
A Scientific Reports published study concluded cross pollination in cannabis crops will become a challenge for growers in the near future. The study’s results showed pollen dispersal rates rapidly increase from summer to fall.
California has launched a new law allowing for recreational cannabis consumption sites modeled after Amsterdam’s cannabis cafes. The law is an attempt at countering the illegal cannabis market and even odds alongside California’s heavily taxed cannabis industry.
Around the Country
A Davidson County Tennessee judge has temporarily paused a new rule to outlaw hemp products that have more than 0.3 % THCa when burned. This pause comes as a relief to hemp industry advocates and professionals in the state that claim the rule would effectively ban all hemp products.
Texas Democratic State Rep. Jessica González introduced a new cannabis legalization bill for the state including a 10 ounce cannabis possession limit for individuals in their residencies.
Wisconsin officials will debate new ideas regarding the state’s medical cannabis policies this year leading up to the approaching legislative session.
From the swamp
The National Highway and Traffic Administration’s “If you feel different, you drive different” campaign is slated to go into this year with ads discouraging driving while intoxicated using cannabis. Ads are scheduled to release for cannabis holiday, 4/20, Independence Day and Halloween.
The U.S. Department of State has designated Marc Fogel, a U.S. citizen, as wrongfully detained in a Russian prison for a drug smuggling charge behind his medical cannabis use for pain management.
Former President Jimmy Carter supported low level cannabis decriminalization before his recent passing, notably during his administration.
