D.C.’s medical cannabis market sales still stuck in limbo
D.C.’s medical cannabis program continues to struggle along despite warnings of enforcement against competing illicit operators known as “gifting” stores. A monthly metrics report from the D.C. government reported that program sales for this year in July were the lowest of the last four years.
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Over 70 retail stores could open in the next four months, according to The Outlaw Report’s analysis. Registered patients have barely climbed since four new medical dispensaries opened this spring and summer. However, the opening of D.C.’s first testing lab could add more legitimacy to the program and attract more patients in the coming months.
D.C. Medical Cannabis Testing Laboratory Opens, New Enforcement Regulations Take Effect
A significant milestone has been reached in the District of Columbia’s medical cannabis program with the opening of the first licensed testing laboratory. ClearSight Labs, the inaugural recipient of a medical cannabis testing laboratory license, has begun operations, marking the official implementation of the District’s testing requirements.
As per the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA), cultivation centers and manufacturers are now obligated to have their medical cannabis and products tested by the licensed laboratory before they can be transferred for sale. This ensures the quality and safety of the products available to registered medical cannabis patients.
Maryland cannabis director to step down by the end of 2024
Maryland’s Cannabis Administration Director, Will Tilburg, is set to depart his position in December after leading the state through a transition to an adult-use cannabis market. Governor Wes Moore announced the news, praising Tilburg’s leadership and dedication to the state.
Tilburg, who has served as the agency’s director since its establishment last year, oversaw a smooth transition from a medical-only market to one open to adults. Under his guidance, Maryland achieved a remarkable milestone of exceeding $1.1 billion in cannabis sales in its first full year.
LJ Dawson: Reporting on the Evolution of Cannabis Policy in the DMV. Listen.
ICYMI: Small but much needed funding headed to D.C. cultivators in the city’s first grant round
East Coast Roundup
A task force in New York closed over 500 unlicensed cannabis shops and seized millions of dollars worth of illegal product.
The Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund in Massachusetts has a balance of over $27 million, primarily due to a recent transfer from the Marijuana Regulation Fund.
New York regulators delayed the review of adult-use cannabis business license applications submitted last year to early 2025.
Culture & More
The average THC content in cannabis seized by the DEA has tripled in the past 25 years. This is due in part to consumer demand for stronger products.
Around the Country
Nebraska could have medical cannabis legalization on the November ballot.
From the swamp
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced plans to delay a public hearing to gather expert opinions on the Justice Department’s proposal to federally reschedule cannabis until after the election.
The Congressional Research Service released a report stating that rescheduling cannabis is unlikely to significantly improve access to banking for cannabis businesses.
Attend this week
The 5th Annual PBC Conference is a two-day event starting today for cannabis banking and compliance professionals taking place in Washington, D.C. This conference brings together industry leaders, regulators, and experts to discuss key topics like seed-to-sale tracking, tax compliance, and HR services. Attendees will also hear from cannabis operators about the industry’s future. Register.
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