DC shuts five alleged unlicensed cannabis shops, four arrested
District officials shut down five unlicensed cannabis retailers and arrested four individuals during a coordinated enforcement operation conducted between Dec. 10 and Dec. 15. The Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration, working with the Metropolitan Police Department, seized large quantities of marijuana and THC-infused products while padlocking businesses deemed to pose a public health risk. The actions were carried out under expanded enforcement powers granted by a 2024 emergency law aimed at closing illegal cannabis establishments.
- November metric sales data
- Final fifth rulemaking for medical cannabis
- Final sign and advertising rulemaking
- Rulemaking allowing remediation of flagged product
- ABC Board meeting schedule for 2026.
- The next ABC Board meeting is Jan. 7, 2026: watch, agenda.
- Dec. 10, 2025 disposition.
- Dec. 17, 2025 disposition.
D.C. hemp businesses face sudden crackdown under controversial regulation
Local hemp-derived cannabis retailers in Washington, D.C. are facing aggressive enforcement actions under new regulatory authority, even when they sell products they say comply with federal hemp laws. Several shops that sold hemp-derived THC products were abruptly shut down by the city’s Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration, which treats certain hemp products as illegal cannabis due to D.C.’s stricter local rules. Business owners argue the enforcement is confusing and unfair, given federal legalization of hemp, and could threaten the viability of their operations. The disputes highlight broader tensions in D.C.’s efforts to regulate a complex cannabis market that includes a growing gray zone between legal hemp and regulated cannabis sales.
Virginia court grants partial injunction in challenge to state vape regulations
Virginia small vape businesses are challenging the 2024 “Vape Ban,” arguing it favors Big Tobacco and blocks smaller competitors. The federal court partially granted a preliminary injunction, stopping some enforcement while claims of federal preemption and constitutional violations proceed.
Virginia’s Retail Cannabis Market Nears Launch, Raising Questions About Equity and Worker Protections
Virginia is moving closer to launching a legal retail cannabis market, potentially by late 2026, but advocates are pushing for strong worker protections like labor peace agreements and policies that support small, local growers and businesses. There are concerns that a rushed rollout will benefit large out-of-state companies and established medical operators over smaller Virginia producers, and discussions continue around equitable licensing and market access.
Five Key Ways Virginia’s Emerging Cannabis Bill Could Shape the Retail Market
An evolving cannabis legalization bill in Virginia has several potential impacts: no local opt-out option for retail sales, controversial spacing rules between stores, increased power for the Cannabis Control Authority in licensing decisions, more visible cannabis use and odor in public areas, and pressure on law enforcement to address unlicensed cannabis sellers once the legal market is established.
Unresolved Questions Loom as Virginia Moves Toward a Legal Cannabis Market
With Virginia poised to implement an authorized retail cannabis market, key questions remain about how the rules will work and how stores will operate once the legislature finalizes the regulatory framework. The discussion reflects ongoing interest and uncertainty about market structure as retail sales move toward reality following years of policy development.
Maryland fines Green Leaf Medical $33k over sampling and recordkeeping violations
The Maryland Cannabis Administration fined Green Leaf Medical, LLC, d/b/a The Cannabist Company, $33,000 for cannabis sampling and recordkeeping violations tied to company-sponsored events in late 2024. Regulators found improper METRC tracking, distribution by unregistered individuals, and samples provided to at least two non-registered attendees, including products that were not properly packaged or labeled. While no cannabis diversion was found and the company cooperated with investigators, the consent order also mandates staff training, updated compliance procedures, and a one-year ban on hosting sampling events.
East Coast Roundup
The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission finalized regulations for social cannabis consumption and social use sites, creating a new license type that honors voters’ earlier approval of on-site use. The rules lay the groundwork for safe, legal spaces where adults can consume cannabis and include ongoing municipal outreach and public education as the industry prepares for this new segment.
Maine’s Secretary of State approved a ballot initiative petition that would repeal the state’s regulated adult-use cannabis marketplace, potentially undoing the system voters legalized in 2016. If the petition gains enough signatures, voters could decide whether to strip back adult-use cultivation, sales, and licensing.
Massachusetts regulators approved final rules allowing licensed “cannabis cafes,” enabling adults to consume marijuana on-site much like alcohol at a bar. The new social consumption framework includes several license types and aims to create economic opportunities while emphasizing public health and safety; local communities will need to opt in before venues can open.
Culture & More
YANA Wellness, a women–owned cannabis brand based in Washington, D.C., made history as the first women-owned THC beverage line available in all Total Wine retail locations across Virginia. The plant-based THC drinks expand consumer access to compliant hemp-derived alternatives and highlight increasing mainstream retail acceptance for women-led cannabis businesses.
Older Americans are increasingly using cannabis, with the over-65 age group showing some of the fastest growth in cannabis use nationwide. Seniors are turning to cannabis for reasons like insomnia and mental-health management, and shifting cultural attitudes and earlier life-long use patterns may be driving the trend, though health and risk considerations remain part of the discussion.
Wirecutter provided a comprehensive review of the best portable vaporizers available, helping readers choose devices that balance vapor quality, portability, battery life, and ease of use. The guide highlights top picks across categories for 2025-2026, offering practical recommendations for consumers seeking reliable cannabis or herb vaporizers.
Around the Country
Alabama’s Medical Cannabis Commission approved three medical marijuana dispensary licenses, marking a key step toward launching the state’s long-delayed medical cannabis program, with patient access expected by spring 2026. The program has faced years of legal hurdles, but licensing decisions now set the stage for physicians to be certified and a patient registry to be established.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine saidhe will sign a bill that bans the sale of intoxicating hemp products—such as delta-8 THC items—outside licensed marijuana dispensaries. The measure, passed by the Legislature, aims to address safety concerns and could take effect as early as March 2026. DeWine and advocates emphasize protecting children from unregulated products.
In Salinas, California, law enforcement arrested nine individuals (including a juvenile) in connection with a burglary at a commercial cannabis greenhouse. Deputies intercepted suspects loading stolen cannabis into vehicles and charged them with burglary, conspiracy, and weapons offenses after a multi-agency response.
From the swamp
President Trump Signs Executive Order on Cannabis Rescheduling
Reclassification happened. President Trump signed a reclassification of cannabis from Schedule I to III on Thursday. This is the largest reform in federal cannabis policy in decades and was done much to his own party’s chagrin. The order aims to expand medical research, allow doctors to prescribe CBD products eligible for Medicare coverage, and provide support for the hemp industry. While recreational cannabis remains federally illegal, the move signals major changes for cannabis businesses, researchers, and patients nationwide.
