D.C. medical cannabis market sees new patient growth and market expansion
Washington D.C.’s medical cannabis market experienced notable growth in February 2025, with 17 dispensaries operational, including five new openings. Patient numbers grew, with total patients served increasing by over a thousand to 14,980, and overall registrations rising by more than 2,000 to 33,540, according to ABCA’s monthly metric report. (Which is incorrectly titled for January 2025 despite being for February). However, the market faces potential challenges, including 2,348 patient certifications expiring within the next three months and plateauing revenue for dispensaries despite an increase in open businesses.
- ABC Board Meeting Mar. 26 at 10:30 A.M., watch, agenda.
- Unlicensed Adams Morgan cannabis store shut down a third time
- Read the Medical Cannabis Notice of Seventh Emergency Rulemaking
Virginia’s cannabis market generates modest revenue
Virginia’s legal cannabis retail market brought in about $6 million in 2024, significantly lower than neighboring Maryland’s revenue. Officials cite the state’s limited access and lack of licensed dispensaries as barriers to broader market growth.
Maryland cannabis lab agrees to restrictions after conflict of interest concerns
Quales, LLC, an independent cannabis testing laboratory in Frederick, Maryland, has entered into a consent order with the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) following an investigation that revealed potential conflicts of interest with a nearby cannabis processing facility, Ceres Naturals LLC.
Maryland cannabis grower fined $17,500 for theft and reporting violations
PharmCann, Inc., operating as PC Cultivator LLC, a licensed cannabis grower in Lothian, Maryland, has agreed to pay a $17,500 fine to the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) for violations related to employee theft and reporting procedures, according to documents.
- Maryland earns $72 million in 2024 cannabis tax revenue
- Student charged after cannabis found in backpack at Maryland high school
East Coast Roundup
New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation to allow more cannabis farmers markets and pop-up events, aiming to support small growers and increase access to legal cannabis.
- The state’s cannabis program continues to expand, now with more than 330 operational dispensaries and over 100 new licenses approved.
- Boutique cannabis brand Silly Nice is making waves in New York dispensaries with its focus on small-batch, high-quality flowers.
Police in Connecticut arrested a man after discovering 30 pounds of cannabis in his car during a traffic stop. He now faces multiple drug-related charges.
Culture & More
Cannabis cultivation indoors now accounts for about 1% of U.S. electricity use and emits more pollution than cryptocurrency mining, prompting calls for greener growing methods.
Authorities in Hong Kong arrested a man arriving from Thailand after finding over 22 lbs of cannabis in his luggage, reinforcing strict drug enforcement in the region.
A new study finds that cannabis users may face a higher risk of heart-related issues, especially among those with preexisting conditions.
Physicians express concern over the continued shortage of federal cannabis research, especially as more patients ask about cannabis use for medical conditions.
- Scientists found toxic fungal contamination in cannabis.
A new report finds that more than 80% of cannabis consumers have driven within hours of using cannabis. Experts warn of increased risks of impaired driving and call for stronger public education on cannabis and traffic safety.
Around the Country
A judge has ruled against hemp companies challenging the legality of Indiana’s restrictions on delta-8 THC, reaffirming state control over cannabis policy.
A legal ruling on tribal land jurisdiction has revived conversations about disproportionate cannabis-related charges among Black residents in Minnesota.
A new proposal in Tennessee would use tax revenue from legalized cannabis to fund road repairs, reflecting a creative push to link cannabis policy with infrastructure needs.
From the swamp
A lawsuit argues that the DEA’s stated support for cannabis reform contradicts its ongoing enforcement actions, potentially undermining federal credibility.
Legal cannabis businesses continue to struggle with limited access to traditional banking, forcing many to operate in cash and increasing security risks.
Rep. Lou Correa (D-CA) told Ask a Pol last week that the momentum for reform is behind psychedelics not cannabis this session.
