D.C.’s self-certified cannabis market outpaces Maryland in growth

D.C.’s cannabis market emerges from Maryland’s shadow

Though constrained by congressional limits, Washington, D.C.’s self-certified medical cannabis market is now the fastest-growing in the region, with sales doubling since mid-2023 and averaging $5 million monthly in early 2025. In contrast to neighboring Maryland’s full legalization, D.C.’s market shows unique trends like higher flower prices and outsized pre-roll popularity. Despite earlier dependence on Maryland visitors, D.C.’s local patient base is expanding — signaling sustained growth and rising regional influence.

• This week’s ABC Board meeting August 6  at 10:30 A.M., agenda, watch.
• Only four cannabis items this week, mainly concerning enforcement and closures. 
• Last week’s meeting disposition. 

Curio fined another $3k for METRC violations

Curio Cultivation, LLC was fined $3,000 by the Maryland Cannabis Administration for inventory tracking and METRC compliance violations discovered during a 2024 inspection, marking its second regulatory penalty within a year.

Maryland cannabis regulators deny cannabis license over post-lottery ownership shift

In a recent ruling, the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) successfully defended its decision to deny a conditional dispensary license to JG and ND, LLC (JGND), citing regulatory violations stemming from a post-lottery ownership change. The Summary Decision Order, issued in May 2025, ends months of legal dispute and reinforces the state’s position on maintaining fairness and integrity in the cannabis licensing process.

Virginia Jury convicts four in multi-State cannabis trafficking and money laundering scheme

A federal jury has convicted four men in a major marijuana trafficking operation run from a Newport News car dealership, finding they orchestrated a continuing criminal enterprise involving distribution of nearly a thousand pounds of cannabis and money laundering across multiple states.

ICYMI: D.C. cannabis sales drop $500K as local patient numbers shrink and out-of-state’s grow

East Coast Roundup

Amidst the chaos of New York’s most recent legal weed launch error, The New York Times talked to dispensary owners being forced to change their plans after years of hard work and investments. 

Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer toured a cannabis cultivation facility earlier this week to get a firsthand look at preparations ahead of the state’s inaugural adult‑use cannabis launch on August 1. 

Maine licensed an individual with a federal felony cannabis conviction despite state laws prohibiting applicants with disqualifying drug offenses, prompting outrage from the Somerset County Sheriff after a raid uncovered over 2,120 pounds of cannabis, 159 mature plants, infused edibles, and cash at his facility.

Culture & More

A director from the 1980s Green Movement previews growing commercial cannabis markets in this retro High Times feature detailing early projections of widespread weed acceptance.

A Wisconsin pizzeria made headlines after allegedly serving cannabis-infused pizza without proper authorization, sparking scrutiny over unregulated THC food offerings.

Around the Country 

Authorities charged operators of an illegal cannabis operation in California with murder after five workers died in a suspected workplace incident linked to the illicit business.

In parts of rural Texas, residents are increasingly viewing cannabis reform as a lifeline to boost local economies and expand access to therapeutic relief.

Kentucky’s governor confirmed that medical marijuana sales are expected to begin this fall as the state moves toward broader legalization.

A cannabis legalization campaign in Florida has now gathered approximately 75% of the required signatures to qualify for the 2026 ballot initiative.

Major cannabis chains in Michigan are exiting the market, citing oversupply and shrinking margins as primary drivers of their retreat.

From the swamp

U.S. senators approved legislation allowing Veterans Affairs physicians to recommend medical cannabis to veterans and paused a proposed hemp-THC prohibition, signaling shifting national policy.

On the 88th anniversary of the Marihuana Tax Act, NORML renewed its push to repeal federal cannabis prohibition and realign national policy with public sentiment.

According to a political CEO, Donald Trump privately acknowledged support for reclassifying cannabis at the federal level—though he has yet to make public statements to that effect.

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