Third legal cannabis dispensary in D.C. shutdown for illegal sales
Dreams Wellness, a D.C. medical cannabis dispensary that transitioned from the unlicensed market, was shut down for selling unlicensed cannabis and psychedelic mushrooms, marking the third such incident for a licensed medical dispensary. Despite prior allegations and a consent order to cease gifting, the ABC Board approved its license. However, Dreams Wellness continued to offer illegal products online, leading to its closure after an undercover purchase and search warrant.
New investigation reveals D.C. gifting enforcement inconsistency
An investigation into enforcement revealed a troubling aspect of D.C.’s cannabis market transition: at least 19 current medical cannabis dispensaries were able to obtain their licenses despite documented histories of illegal cannabis sales within ABCA enforcement records. This includes shops that continued to operate in the “gifting” market, and in some cases sold other illicit substances, even after the transition period began. This revelation underscores the inconsistent and delayed enforcement by ABCA, which has hindered the success of businesses that transitioned legally and allowed some operators with past infractions to gain a foothold in the regulated market, according to the reporting.
D.C.’s Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board has dismissed a cannabis license application for a Barracks Row location following community opposition and regulatory complications.
The next ABC Board Meeting is Apr. 23 at 10:30 A.M., watch, agenda.
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D.C. Cannabis Society owner Eric Henning told GW Hatchet that “he applied for a medical license in July 2024 but didn’t hear any response until November before the ABCA approved his application in February.”
Frontline employees at the gLeaf Cannabis dispensary in Frederick have filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to form a union with UFCW Local 27, following many of the states workers actions in the past year.
Anne Arundel County is preparing to distribute grants to individuals and communities disproportionately affected by past cannabis enforcement.
Workers at Story Cannabis in Mechanicsville, Maryland have voted to authorize a strike over wage concerns and union representation. Represented by UFCW Local 400, employees have been negotiating their first contract since unionizing in October 2023.
Virginia still on ice
While Virginians can legally possess cannabis, they still have no access to licensed retail sales—a disconnect drawing criticism from residents and advocacy groups this 4/20 season.
Richmond city officials are considering a proposal to ban new tobacco and possibly cannabis retailers in most areas, citing overconcentration and public health concerns.
ICYMI: More padlocks in DC, MD approves tax hikes, and Q&A with Marc Shepard of NECANN
New York state regulators are investigating reports of out-of-state cannabis products being sold as New York-grown, a practice known as “product inveA Brooklyn dispensary is suing the New York state over its requirement that cannabis licensees enter into labor peace agreements with unions. This dispensary arguing the state policy violates the company’s right to oppose unionization and provide adequate information to its employees.
A proposed bill in New York would allow licensed dispensaries and nurseries to sell immature cannabis plants for home cultivation, supporting regulated choice for growing cannabis at home.
Authorities issued a notice of violation to a New York Halal restaurant after allegedly selling cannabis illegally without a license.
A bipartisan group of Pennsylvania legislators announced a new plan to legalize adult-use cannabis this year, focusing on economic development and social justice.
Analysts warn that renewed tariffs and supply chain disruptions may impact the price and accessibility of legal cannabis in Pennsylvania.
Rhode Island State regulators have finalized new rules for adult-use cannabis sales in Rhode Island, paving the way for broader market access and retail expansion.
Eight Pawtucket firefighters have been placed on leave as police investigate criminal allegations, including cannabis-related offenses in Rhode Island.
The Cannabis College of America has launched online programs designed to train the next generation of industry professionals in cultivation, compliance, and entrepreneurship.
A new poll by Abacus Data finds that a majority of Canadians view cannabis as an important part of the nation’s economic future. The findings support efforts to normalize and expand Canada’s legal industry.
Lighting solutions company Fluence will debutnew tech at the International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin, highlighting advances in grow efficiency and sustainability.
A Nebraska legislative committee declined to advance a medical cannabis bill on Thursday, prompting the sponsor and advocates to seek alternative paths forward.
A Michigan cannabis company paid $345,000 in fees to renew its retail license after a judge ruled in favor of the city in a dispute over local authority and business obligations.
Sacramento, California will receive millions in state funds to bolster its cannabis equity program, aimed at supporting entrepreneurs from communities disproportionately affected by prior cannabis enforcement.
The Kentucky Auditor of Public Accounts expressed concerns over the state’s ability to effectively implement its medical cannabis program before the 2025 launch deadline.
Nevada’s first state-licensed cannabis consumption lounge, has shut down less than a year after opening. Operators cited high costs, regulatory hurdles and limited foot traffic as key challenges.Missouri regulators have identified another 6,000 cannabis products that should have been recalled in 2023 but were missed due to a tracking error.
A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced legislation that would protect cannabis markets in states where cannabis is legal, aligning with Trump’s federalist stance on cannabis reform.
A new Republican-leaning poll found that every major demographic group now supports legalizing cannabis, with no clear outliers opposing reform.
