DC Cannabis News

This newsletter covers DMV cannabis news.

Congressional Subcommittee Votes To Keep Blocking Marijuana Sales In D.C. As Trump Requested In Budget

D.C. has shut down Bouquet Labs, an unlicensed cannabis grower, imposing a $10K fine and ordering a license sale after a raid found 999 illegal plants.

DMV cannabis news. Source Newsletter.

D.C. has shut down Bouquet Labs, an unlicensed cannabis grower, after a raid found 999 illegal plants. The company faces a $10,000 fine and must sell its license.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has ended its partnership with the University of Mississippi for cannabis production, though the university's federal contract for cannabis research continues until 2028. This comes after the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) also ended a contract with Ole Miss for monitoring cannabinoid content. Despite these cancellations, the University of Mississippi will continue its marijuana research through various centers and partnerships, including a new NIH-hosted resource center. The article also notes the expansion of DEA-approved cannabis growers for research and ongoing challenges in studying marijuana due to its Schedule I classification.

Cap & Stem, a D.C. mushroom dispensary, was closed by ABCA and MPD, making it the second such closure in the past year as officials target unlicensed psychedelic businesses.

9 In 10 Americans Support Legalizing Marijuana In Some Form, Including Bipartisan Majorities, Pew Poll Shows

Medical marijuana sales in Washington, D.C., have almost doubled since January, but many dispensaries that converted from "gifting" shops are facing significant struggles.

Cookies, a globally recognized cannabis brand, will open its East Coast flagship store in Washington D.C. on July 11 at 4:20 PM, located at 1115 U Street NW. This marks a significant development for D.C.'s cannabis market as it is the first national brand to collaborate with local businesses to release products legally.

Researchers involved in a federally funded clinical trial on marijuana highlight the critical importance of further study into the substance, given its widespread use. They argue that classifying cannabis as a Schedule I substance creates a paradox, as it heavily restricts the very studies needed to prove its medical value. The researchers advocate for moving marijuana to Schedule III to ease restrictions, increase NIH funding, and improve access to government-approved cannabis supplies. They also point out obstacles such as systemic underfunding, institutional hesitancy due to stigma, navigating multiple federal agencies, and limited supply of NIDA-approved marijuana. The article emphasizes that reform is crucial to close the evidence gap and address public health concerns.

A U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) contractor is suing the federal government, alleging that questions about his past marijuana use during a security clearance process violated his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. The lawsuit, filed by Robert Filipiuk, an aerospace engineer, claims that he was forced to choose between self-incrimination and losing his security clearance and employment. The case highlights broader legal questions about federal workers and marijuana use, especially as more states legalize the drug. The article also touches on issues in the trucking industry regarding marijuana testing and the lack of technology to detect impaired driving.

Summary: D.C., Virginia and Maryland cannabis news from June 25 to July 1, 2025.

DC Xtracts, founded by Rob Vasquez, has gained a loyal following in Washington D.C.'s medical cannabis program by producing clean and honest extracts that reflect the quality of the flower, setting them apart from other companies in the market.

A CRM system is crucial for businesses to track customer interactions, streamline communication, and enhance customer engagement to drive sales and revenue. For the cannabis industry, finding a CRM that meets its unique compliance needs has historically been a challenge, but by 2025, more tailored solutions are available. While mainstream CRMs like Salesforce and HubSpot are options for larger companies, many cannabis-specific solutions offer deep integrations with POS systems, compliance tools, and loyalty programs. Key CRM features for dispensaries include POS integration, centralized customer data, built-in loyalty programs, marketing automation, compliance tools, and analytics. The article lists 12 CRM providers, including IndicaOnline, Distru, Outfield, Springbig, AIQ Ecommerce, Zoho, 365 Cannabis, Meadow, Apex Trading, HubSpot, Salesforce, and Pipedrive, highlighting their target markets (B2B/B2C), cost information, and integration capabilities. The article concludes by answering common questions about cannabis-friendly CRMs, their importance for dispensaries, key features, and whether mainstream CRMs are suitable for the industry.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen has approved emergency rules for licensing medical cannabis establishments, with licensing to begin by October 1. The regulations were imposed by voters last November, legalizing medical cannabis with a healthcare practitioner's recommendation. The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission will regulate the new medicine. The rules set criteria for licenses (cultivator, manufacturer, dispensary, transporter), including ownership, fingerprinting, location restrictions, and prohibited persons. Dispensaries are limited to one per judicial district and can sell specific products like oral tablets, tinctures, gels, and patches, but not raw plant, edibles, or products for smoking/vaping. Public feedback on the emergency regulations is open until July 15. Advocates have expressed concerns about the ban on whole-plant cannabis and restrictions on usage methods. Formal regulations are expected to follow the emergency guidelines.

Anacostia Organics, established in 2019, was the first medical dispensary to open east of the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C.

Jones Soda Co. has sold its marijuana-derived THC business but will continue to focus on its fast-growing hemp-derived THC product line, which includes Mary Jones sodas, shooters, and gummies. The company aims to accelerate investment in its core soda, functional beverage, and adult beverage categories, including the hemp-infused THC segment. Jones Soda Co. is a craft beverage company headquartered in Seattle, Washington, known for its premium sodas and adult beverages.

D.C. resident patients are the primary contributors to delivery sales, but self-certified temporary non-D.C. resident patients are showing significant growth in this area. All patient categories saw an increase in delivery sales.

The cannabis market in Washington, D.C. is changing, with more out-of-state patients, particularly due to the city's self-certification. Although D.C. residents still make up most of the buyers in May 2025, out-of-state shoppers are increasing.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) announced pardons for nearly 7,000 people convicted of cannabis crimes. This follows a previous pardoning of over 175,000 past cannabis convictions. Moore also announced investments for underserved neighborhoods, historically Black universities and colleges, and procurement contracts for Black-owned businesses. The governor's pardons forgive past convictions but do not expunge them. A bill was signed into law to automatically shield low-level cannabis convictions from public view. Maryland's adult-use cannabis market launched in 2023.

Texas veterans with chronic pain are concerned that a potential ban on hemp-derived THC products could force them to return to opioids or the illicit marijuana market. The ban is part of a bill that would prohibit the possession of consumable hemp products containing any synthetic cannabinoid. Some veterans are concerned about the high cost, dosing inflexibility, and civil rights issues raised by the legal alternative.

A powerful GOP-led congressional committee amended a report for a spending
bill containing provisions that hemp stakeholders say would upend the
industry, clarifying that the panel does not intend to prohibit
non-intoxicating cannabinoid products with “trace or insignificant amounts
of THC” that were federally legalized during the first Trump administration...

Capitol Hemp filed two lawsuits challenging hemp regulations and the Harris Amendment.

Washington D.C. is moving to expand options for medical cannabis patients with proposed legislation, the "Medical Cannabis Retailer Craft Preparation Endorsement Amendment Act of 2025." This act aims to create a new "craft preparation endorsement" allowing licensed medical cannabis retailers to prepare certain products on-site. Source

We chatted with Alan Manstof about his path to launching Easyday Edibles. What began with a stove-top gummy experiment evolved into a brand defined by clean ingredients and a laid-back ethos. In this interview, Manstof reflects on building a cannabis edibles brand, why every gummy deserves to be beautiful, and how his “analog place” became a guiding philosophy for the business. Source

Older Americans are using cannabis at record levels. Cannabis use among those 65+ jumped over 40% from 2021 to 2023. Increased cannabis use was most prevalent among women, white people, people with a degree, people making $75,000+ per year, married people, and people who live in a state with legal medical cannabis access. Cannabis use was also more prevalent among those with serious and chronic health conditions.

D.C. medical cannabis sales surged to $5.46 million in April 2025, generating a 90% increase in tax revenue compared to the previous year, yet cannabis remains one of the city's lowest-taxed goods at 6%.

The Washington Cannabis Social Equity Program will begin accepting applications for 52 new retail social equity licenses this June. The licensing period will be open from June 2 to July 1. Qualifying applicants must meet at least two of the social equity program’s four licensing criteria.

The former owner of the Washington, D.C.-based cannabis retailer admitted to not paying federal income and employment taxes for five tax years.

The founder of a medical cannabis dispensary in Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty to charges of failing to pay more than $1.2 million in federal income and employment taxes for five years.

William Bermudez and Sam Friedman’s *Grassland* is a gripping social justice drama that transports viewers back to 2008, a year marked by the financial crisis and the height of America’s punitive War On Drugs. The film tells the story of how a Latina single mom, Sofia (Mía Maestro) grows cannabis in the basement of her rented apartment to make ends meet for her and her young son, Leo (Ravi Cabot-Conyers). Their lives take a dramatic turn when their new neighbor, John (Jeff Kober), a retired cop, moves into the building and his grandson befriends Leo. Tension escalates as John’s suspicions about Sofia’s activities grow, threatening to unravel her precarious world.
Cabot-Conyers delivers an endearing performance as Leo, whose wide-eyed innocence provides a stark contrast to the harsh realities of his life. Meanwhile, Kober plays John with depth; his character is shaped by his own biases and regrets, making him both antagonist and victim of systemic failure while raising his grandson Tom alone.
Sofia’s story feels real and raw. She’s not portrayed as a criminal, but as a mother doing what she must to care for her child during rough times. Maestro’s performance captures Sofia’s struggles perfectly, showing her strength and vulnerability. Her basement grow operation isn’t glamorous—it’s a lifeline—and yet it puts her at risk in a society that punished people harshly for even small amounts of cannabis.
The film also highlights how unfairly cannabis laws were enforced almost two decades ago. In 2008, Black and Latino communities were disproportionately targeted the most, facing much higher arrest rates than white people for marijuana possession. These disparities are embodied in Brandon (Quincy Isaiah), Sofia’s friend who helps care for Leo but avoids deeper involvement in her operation due to his own criminal record—a chilling reminder of how even minor offenses can derail lives. *Grassland* is more than a film about cannabis; it’s about survival, injustice and the real painful human cost of systemic racial profiling.
What makes *Grassland* hit home today is how much has changed—and how far we still must go. Cannabis legalization has spread across the US, with 24 states and Washington, DC, legalizing adult use. Main Street dispensaries sell products legally that once sent people to prison (and still do in some states). Yet, thousands are still locked up for non-violent cannabis-related convictions, some serving long sentences for small amounts of weed. Groups such as Freedom Grow, 40 Tons and the Last Prisoner Project are working to free these individuals, but progress is slow.
Society’s view of cannabis has changed dramatically since 2008. Back then, only about 30 percent of Americans supported legalization; now, according to a 2024 Pew research poll, 88 percent of US adults say cannabis should be legal for medical or adult use. It’s a booming industry, with the US market size estimated at $38.50 billion in 2024. Yet despite this cultural change, systemic barriers persist, particularly for those whose lives were upended by prohibition-era policies. *Grassland* reminds us that justice means more than changing laws. It means clearing records, freeing prisoners and helping those hurt by the War On Drugs rebuild their lives.
Quincy Isaiah’s character Brandon, highlights the injustices and painful human cost of racial profiling by the police and others.
*Grassland* never loses focus on its principal message: Cannabis prohibition ruined lives. Sofia’s story represents that of countless others who were punished for doing things that are now legal—even profitable. By revisiting the dark days of 2008 through Sofia’s eyes, the film challenges us to not only reflect on how far we’ve come, but also to acknowledge how much further we must go to right the wrongs of the past.
With its thoughtful storytelling and nuanced performances, *Grassland* serves as both a time capsule of a broken system and a call to action for justice in the present day. For anyone interested in cannabis advocacy or social justice, this film is a must. It challenges us to think about what justice means, and how it remains elusive for so, so many.
The post Film Review: Grassland Is A Stunner appeared first on Cannabis Now.

PreRoll Press Inc. offers pre-roll manufacturing solutions to address challenges in the booming cannabis market, such as labor-intensive processes and inconsistent quality. Their systems optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure high-quality pre-rolls, including the Fill N' Fold system with a Dutch Crown finish. They offer scalable systems for various production capacities and stand out with innovative solutions for infused pre-rolls, cost-effective equipment, and user-friendly design. Early adopters have reported significant improvements in labor and product consistency. PreRoll Press aims to empower producers and shape the future of cannabis production.

*Editor’s note: this article was originally published by The Outlaw Report
and has been republished with permission.*

U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Edward R. Martin Jr. has issued
a letter to Green Theory, a licensed cannabis dispensary located at 4828
MacArthur Blvd., NW, expressing concern that its operation violates federal
law due to its proximity to several area schools...

The Cannabis industry stands at a pivotal crossroads in 2025. With federal rescheduling proceedings facing unexpected delays and a new administration settling into office, Cannabis businesses and their accountants face significant uncertainty about the regulatory landscape ahead. Understanding these complex policy developments is essential for Cannabis businesses to navigate compliance requirements and prepare for potential changes that could dramatically impact their operations and tax obligations.

In this comprehensive analysis, we explore the current state of Cannabis rescheduling efforts, examine the political dynamics at play in Washington, and provide strategic guidance for Cannabis businesses and their financial advisors during this transitional period.
The Long Road to Rescheduling: How We Got Here

Since the passage of the Controlled Substances Act in 1970, Cannabis has been classified as a Schedule I substance—a category reserved for drugs with "no accepted medical use" and "high potential for abuse." This classification has placed Cannabis in the same category as heroin and LSD, despite mounting scientific evidence of its medicinal benefits and moderate risk profile.

The 11th annual MJBizCon welcomed cannabis industry professionals. There was a lot to see with 1400 exhibitors. The energy on the show floor was palpable, with deals being made and connections solidified. A spirit of collaboration was also in the air. Events included The Vegas Classic, Blunt Brunch Nationals, and The Emjays. Several brands caught the eye, including Zamnesia, Royal Queen Seeds, FOHSE, Advanced Nutrients, CCELL, and My Bud Vase.

In an article, Jessamyn Stanley discusses her use of cannabis, and how she has incorporated it into her yoga practice. Stanley, who identifies as fat, black, and queer, discusses the stigma surrounding marijuana, and how the forces of white, corporate control are especially insidious in the cannabis industry.