Yutong Jiang contributed to this newsletter.
Over 35 unlicensed cannabis shops face Mar. 31 deadline for legal open
According to the emergency legislation passed, any unlicensed operator who applied and is not open by the last day of March will face loss of license and closure on April 1, 2025. There are 19 businesses who are licensed but not yet open, but an additional 15 applicants have yet to receive a license. Those 15 are unlikely to complete the additional opening requirements in time to meet the March deadline. There are only two more ABC Board meetings left this month that could result in licenses for these businesses. See our full list of businesses facing closure.
- Six months after orders to close, two unlicensed D.C. cannabis stores padlocked
- Placarded, unlicensed D.C. cannabis shop shutdown
- Feb. metric report.
- ABC Board Meeting Mar. 19 at 10:30 A.M., watch, agenda.
Maryland Senate Approves Protections for Medical Cannabis-Using First Responders:
The Maryland Senate has passed a bill ensuring that firefighters and rescue workers cannot be penalized for off-duty medical cannabis use, provided it does not impair their job performance. This legislation seeks to protect first responders who utilize medical cannabis under state law from employment discrimination.
Maryland’s Caroline County Considers Emergency Cannabis Bill
Caroline County commissioners are considering an emergency bill to establish zoning regulations for cannabis businesses. The proposed ordinance would prohibit cannabis facilities within 500 feet of schools, parks, and residential areas, aiming to balance economic development with community safety and welfare.
Virginia Considers $500 Fine for Possession Over Four Ounces of Marijuana
Virginia lawmakers are debating a proposal to impose a $500 civil fine for individuals caught possessing more than four ounces of marijuana in public. This measure intends to address gaps in the state’s cannabis laws following recent decriminalization and legalization efforts.
- In 2024, The Cannabist Company reported that Virginia remained among its top five revenue-generating markets in the fourth quarter, with an additional location in the state currently under development.
East Coast Roundup
New York‘s Assembly and Senate have included significant funding allocations in their budget proposals to support the state’s legal cannabis industry. This includes $5 million for a revolving loan fund aimed at assisting cultivators and microbusinesses.
The Binghamton City Council in New York is set to vote on measures to intensify enforcement against unlicensed cannabis sales, aiming to protect the emerging legal market and ensure public safety. Damien Cornwell, a local cannabis shop owner, spoke about how this enforcement would help the legal cannabis industry’s ability to invest back into the community.
A smoke shop staff member was arrested for allegedly manufacturing and selling cannabis products illegally in Connecticut. Authorities seized various THC products during the investigation.
Delaware cannabis licensees urge the state to expedite market launch. Despite recreational marijuana legalization in Delaware nearly two years ago, licensed businesses remain unable to operate due to regulatory delays.
Culture & More
West Virginia University football coach Rich Rodriguez emphasized adherence to rules regarding cannabis use, stating that if it’s against the rules, players shouldn’t use it. He acknowledged differing opinions on its benefits but underscored the importance of following regulations.
Joanne Wilson, owner of Gotham dispensary in Manhattan, is contemplating an unconventional 4/20 event: allowing customers to smash her Tesla with sledgehammers. This idea stems from her dissatisfaction with Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, and her recent experience of receiving only $2,000 in trade-in credit for another Tesla.
A study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reveals that nearly half of regular cannabis users don’t believe their consumption impairs driving, with over half admitting to driving shortly after use, highlighting the need for targeted education on the risks of impaired driving.
Around the Country
California‘s Department of Public Health has extended its prohibition on products containing detectable levels of hemp-derived THC until at least June, citing concerns over youth access and product safety.
Georgia lawmakers are considering significant changes to the state’s medical marijuana and hemp regulations, aiming to address industry challenges and align with evolving federal guidelines.
- New Study Links Atlanta’s 2017 Marijuana Decriminalization to Decline in Violent Crime
Pueblo, Colorado Initially hailed as a potential “Napa Valley” for cannabis, has experienced economic downturns in its cannabis sector. Factors such as high taxes, stringent regulations, and market saturation have led to numerous business closures, serving as a cautionary example for regions relying on cannabis legalization for economic growth.
New Mexico‘s House Bill 527 proposes requiring health insurance providers to cover medical cannabis costs. The bill aims to amend state laws to include medical cannabis in coverage plans.
From the swamp
Two months into the new congressional session, the bipartisan Cannabis Caucus has not held a meeting, raising questions about the direction of federal cannabis policy. Meanwhile, legislative efforts on psychedelic reform are gaining traction at the state and federal level.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued warnings regarding the use of injectable CBD products being marketed in California. The agency emphasizes that these products have not been approved for safety and efficacy, cautioning consumers against their use.
Newly uncovered documents suggest potential bias within the DEA’s cannabis rescheduling process, raising questions about the agency’s objectivity and the future of federal cannabis policy.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, announced the cancellation of a $699,000 National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant about the cannabis use risks among LGBTQ+ individuals and heterosexual women .This raised concerns about the future of cannabis research funding.
