DC Cannabis News

* FDA wants hemp on health incident form; CA marijuana tax hike; OR cannabis lounge initiative; MI psychedelics; WI legalization poll.
* Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD) is not worried about the Senate rejecting his legislation to federally ban many hemp products.
* Oregon activists are preparing to submit signatures for an initiative to legalize cannabis social lounges.
* Michigan lawmakers filed a bill to legalize psilocybin for people with PTSD.
* A California tax hike on marijuana will take effect next week.
* New York lawmakers sent Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) a bill to extend the deadline for some marijuana businesses to submit electronic tax returns.
* A new poll shows that two in three Wisconsin voters now support legalizing marijuana.
* Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) questioned Attorney General Pam Bondi about Chinese-run illegal marijuana growing operations in her state.
* A study of Oklahoma home values found that "high-grower (but not high-dispensary) counties saw housing value increases of roughly 20% post-legalization when compared to neighboring states where marijuana remains illegal."

A GOP congressman is pushing for a federal hemp THC ban in a spending bill. He is not concerned about potential opposition in the Senate and is disputing reports about the scope of the legislation. The bill would ban consumable hemp products with any quantifiable amount of THC. The alcohol industry association has called on Congress to dial back the language in the bill. Key GOP congressional lawmakers don’t seem especially concerned about provisions in the bill despite stakeholder concerns.

The U.S. House of Representatives approved amendments to a spending bill that would authorize U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) doctors to issue medical marijuana...

Montana's Governor vetoed a bill that would have allowed tribal nations to negotiate cannabis regulations individually. The bill, HB 952, aimed to remove restrictions on tribal cannabis operations, but the governor cited concerns about tribal sovereignty and the negotiation process. The article also notes the divided cannabis industry in Montana and the governor's other vetoes.

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.

The provided text is a newsletter from Marijuana Moment. Key topics include: a clash between Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick over hemp regulation; a poll showing support for marijuana reform among US voters; a DEA judge's decision on psychedelic compounds; and a Supreme Court case regarding marijuana users' gun rights. The newsletter also covers state and local news, international developments, and scientific studies related to cannabis.

7 In 10 US Voters Support Federal Marijuana Reform, And Nearly Half Would View Trump More Favorably If He Took Action, Poll Shows

* Texas expands medical cannabis law, but vetoes hemp product ban.
* Bernie Moreno delays cannabis banking bill discussions.
* New Jersey offers cannabis training.
* Study: LSD may help with depression.
* Massachusetts and Missouri are reviewing cannabis regulations.

The GOP senator sponsoring a marijuana banking bill is not prioritizing its advancement currently, with a tentative timeline for conversations in the fall due to other legislative priorities. This has caused frustration among advocates. The SAFER Banking Act aims to prevent federal regulators from penalizing banks working with state-legal cannabis businesses. Despite past House approval, its passage is uncertain due to Republican control and opposition to legalization. The industry faces challenges with banking access, which were addressed in congressional hearings. A CBO analysis highlighted the economic impact, and JPMorgan Chase's CEO suggested they would offer banking services if federal law changed.

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.

The Congressional Research Service said a bill advancing through the House would “effectively” ban hemp-derived cannabinoid products. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) marked Juneteenth with a new round of pardons for marijuana possession convictions. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) is continuing to push for marijuana legalization. An agreement between Ohio House and Senate lawmakers on how to amend the voter-approved marijuana legalization law fell apart. A New Hampshire House-Senate conference committee agreed to lower penalties for first-time possession of psilocybin. The New York Office of Cannabis Management awarded the first 52 grants. California regulators are using marijuana revenue to support research projects. FundCanna CEO Adam Stettner argues it’s “hypocritical” and “illogical” for Texas lawmakers to spend $50 million to support research on the psychedelic ibogaine while continuing to criminalize cannabis. Former Department of Government Efficiency head Elon Musk posted a report from a second drug test showing negative results for various substances. A study found that “medical cannabis pharmacies can provide an effective adjuvant intervention for pediatric cancer symptoms.” Law enforcement and anti-drug groups sent a letter urging Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) to sign a bill banning consumable hemp products with any amount of THC.

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.

Washington, D.C. is cracking down on unlicensed cannabis businesses. Maryland collected over $17.5 million in cannabis taxes in Q1 2025. The owner of Zarati shops in Virginia reached a plea deal in a drug and money laundering case.

GOP senators filed a bill to increase penalties for marijuana edibles; Wisconsin may legalize marijuana; Capitol Hemp is suing the federal government; a Colorado healing center administered the first psilocybin session; Snoop Dogg launched a new cannabis platform.

Snoop Dogg's cannabis enterprise is expanding with a new direct-to-consumer hemp lifestyle platform under his Death Row Records label, TryDeathRow.com. The site offers THCA flower and pre-rolls, and because they contain under 0.3 percent delta-9 THC, the company can market its inventory even in states where marijuana hasn’t been legalized. Snoop is leveraging his legacy platform to create an intersection between the culture and the plant. The site will also offer beverages, edibles, and other Death Row quality offerings. This marks the latest extension of the artist’s evolving cannabis empire.

A hemp retailer in Washington, D.C. is suing the federal government over a budget restriction that prevents local officials from establishing and regulating a retail marijuana market. Capitol Hemp filed the suit in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on Thursday, seeking a declaration from a federal judge that the congressional budget rider doesn’t stand in the way of D.C. adopting legislation to regulate hemp. At the center of the lawsuit is the so-called Harris rider, a ban blocking Washington, D.C. from creating a system of regulated adult-use marijuana sales. The suit comes as federal and state lawmakers increasingly move to crack down on markets for intoxicating hemp products.

Ongoing closures of illegal cannabis dispensaries in Washington D.C. by ABCA and MPD continue, including recent raids on U Street, H Street NE, and Adams Morgan. Source

Current and former state officials, advocates and business representatives met last week to discuss the legal landscape around hemp-derived cannabinoid products. The discussion covered the explosion of intoxicating products, potential harms, and how policymakers are moving forward amid the uncertainty. The presentation, “Illicit Hemp-Derived Intoxicants: State Enforcement Mechanisms and Challenges,” was part of a project that seeks to provide dialogue on how cannabis legalization might preserve public health and safety. Since Congress passed the 2018 Farm Bill, unregulated products containing THC have proliferated. At the state level, policymakers are taking steps to rein in the products. Multiple states have moved to ban intoxicating cannabinoids. As federal lawmakers consider changes, attorneys general can take other steps to limit possible harms. Speakers acknowledged that vagueness in the Farm Bill may have unintentionally created the intoxicating hemp market. The hemp market is in its infancy, and law enforcement is having a difficult time discerning who’s the good actor and who’s the bad actor. Michelle Minton explained model legislation she’d developed for possible use by state officials. Many state-licensed cannabis companies have complained that intoxicating hemp products unfairly compete with marijuana. During a Q\&A portion of the webinar, an audience member asked whether only retailers with liquor licenses should be able to sell intoxicating hemp products. Speakers said they expected Congress to attempt to close the hemp loophole. The latest legislation that would ban intoxicating cannabinoids now proceeds to a full House committee for consideration. The 138-page bill covers a wide range of issues, but for the hemp industry, there’s a section of particular concern that would redefine hemp. Hemp industry stakeholders rallied against that proposal. Alcohol industry representatives urged members of Congress to create a federal regulatory framework. A report called cannabis a “significant threat” to the alcohol industry.

*NC gov talks marijuana; LA psychedelics reso passes; ME psilocybin bill dies; PA medical cannabis workplace bill; Study: Marijuana genetic bottleneck*

\*PHOENIX\* – 4Front Ventures Corp., a vertically integrated cannabis operator, has made an assignment into bankruptcy pursuant to the Canadian Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act. The company filed for receivership in aid of liquidation in the United States in May and hopes to generate value for stakeholders through the sale of assets. B. Riley Farber has been appointed as the trustee in the Canadian Bankruptcy Proceedings. 4Front is a national, vertically integrated multi-state cannabis operator. To date, 4Front has brought to market more than 20 different cannabis brands and over 1,800 products.

*SC gov: medical marijuana “compelling”; TX gov signs psychedelics bill; FL medical cannabis patient penalty; OH legalization amendments limited*. Members of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians approved a cannabis referendum. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill to create an ibogaine therapy research consortium. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said the case for legalizing medical cannabis is “very compelling.” A Florida legislative committee is poised to approve a bill to revoke medical cannabis patient and caregiver registrations. Ohio’s Constitution allows lawmakers to enact only limited changes to the marijuana legalization law. A poll found that a majority of Texas Republican primary voters believe that legislation to ban consumable hemp products with any amount of THC will “create opportunities for drug cartels”.

Easyday Edibles’ Vision, Proposed Craft Endorsements, and the Harris Rider lives...

Cannabis use is rapidly increasing among older adults, raising concerns among geriatricians and researchers about potential harms, despite perceived benefits for conditions like insomnia and chronic pain. Source

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

In yet another wrinkle stemming from the ongoing federal prohibition on marijuana, a U.S. district court has ruled that an IRS tax rule prevents state-legal cannabis companies from being eligible for refunds of employee retention credits (ERCs). The court ruled that “nothing in the plain text of \[IRS code\] Section 280E limits its application to income tax credits,” rejecting arguments from plaintiffs. Section 280E disallows standard tax deductions and tax credits for businesses that traffic in Schedule I or II substances, even in cases where businesses are operating in compliance with state law.

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

Congressional Cannabis Caucus co-chair Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) and House
Agriculture Committee Chairman Glen Thompson (R-PA) defended legislation to
ban most consumable hemp products, saying that companies are exploiting
current law to sell intoxicants.

Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) spoke about how using medical cannabis helped her
aunt treat cancer symptoms and “allowed her to be able to eat and stay...

Key GOP congressional lawmakers are considering a bill that would ban most consumable hemp products. The bill would redefine hemp to prohibit products with any amount of THC or similar cannabinoids. Rep. Dave Joyce supports regulating the industry and wants to ensure only adults have access. The bill could ban even non-intoxicating CBD products with trace amounts of THC. The long-term solution may come through the next Farm Bill. The alcohol industry is pushing for federal regulation of intoxicating hemp-derived products.

Attorneys for a doctor seeking to reschedule psilocybin for terminally ill patients are requesting an update from the DEA after the agency agreed to initiate a federal review. The doctor, Sunil Aggarwal, wants to move psilocybin from Schedule I to Schedule II to enable access under Right to Try laws. Despite previous legal challenges, Aggarwal and AIMS continue efforts to legally obtain psilocybin for palliative care.

Marijuana puts “pressure” on alcohol sales; CO gov signs cannabis & psychedelics bills; OH legalization amendments; Legal cannabis & hotel profits. The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture approved a bill to ban most consumable hemp-derived cannabinoid products. Colorado Gov. Polis signed bills to streamline marijuana regulations. The Ohio House Judiciary Committee heard public testimony against a bill to revise the state’s marijuana legalization law. The Nevada legislature passed a resolution calling on the federal government to “reschedule” certain substances. A federal judge denied a motion regarding the state’s psilocybin services program. The CEO of Jack Daniel’s maker said growing use of cannabis is putting “pressure” on the spirits industry. A new study shows hotel revenue increases after cannabis legalization.

A GOP-led House committee approved a spending bill that could devastate the hemp industry by prohibiting most consumable cannabinoid products. The bill redefines hemp, potentially banning products with any "quantifiable" THC. Industry stakeholders and the alcohol industry have expressed concerns, and the bill is scheduled for further review.

A new study indicates that hotel revenue increases by 25.2% (or $63,671 monthly) due to dispensary legalization, with the effect continuing to grow. The study found that hotels closer to dispensaries and in resort areas benefit the most.

*Fed hemp product ban; USDA marijuana & food stamps update; TX gov mum on hemp ban; ME psilocybin; OH ups cannabis purchase limits; Alcohol exec op-ed*

The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture unveiled a bill to ban most consumable hemp-derived cannabinoid products. The USDA issued updates on the use of federal welfare benefits to buy cannabis. North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein endorsed marijuana legalization. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott will not reveal if he will sign a bill to ban consumable hemp products with any amount of THC. The Maine Senate passed a bill to legalize possession of psilocybin. New Ohio rules more than double the amount of marijuana that recreational consumers can purchase. Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America President argues that the alcohol industry’s regulatory structure is a good model for intoxicating hemp beverages.

A GOP-led House committee proposed a spending bill that would ban most consumable cannabinoid products, which hemp stakeholders say would devastate the industry. The bill redefines hemp to prohibit cannabis products with any “quantifiable” amount of THC. The bill also specifies that hemp does not include FDA-approved drugs.

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.

*PA gov on legalization; ME psilocybin; CA marijuana tax bill passes; TX hemp petitions; Ukraine medical cannabis import*

D.C., Virginia and Maryland cannabis news May 28 to June 2, 2025. Source

President Donald Trump’s new Fiscal Year 2026 budget request proposes to
delete a longstanding provision that protects state medical cannabis laws
from federal interference while continuing a separate rider that has
blocked Washington, D.C. from legalizing recreational marijuana sales.

The Czech Republic Chamber of Deputies passed a bill to legalize possession
and home cultivation of marijuana, and to allow medical use of psilocybin.

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 U.S. 1st Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a challenge by Massachusetts cannabis businesses that argued cannabis prohibition could no longer be considered constitutional. The court cited the 2005 Supreme Court ruling in Gonzales v. Raich, which upheld Congress's authority to criminalize cannabis possession under the Commerce Clause. The court found that a 2010 appropriations bill rider allowing medical cannabis legalization in Washington, D.C., had "limited scope" and did not apply to non-medical purposes. Ruling in favor of the plaintiffs would have resulted in a broader exemption to the Controlled Substances Act than the Supreme Court rejected in 2005.

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.

D.C., Virginia and Maryland cannabis news May 20 to May 27, 2025.

Source

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...

This article profiles four leading cannabis photographers: Kristen Angelo, Justin Cannabis, Bruce Wolf, and Sean Moore (Dankshire). These photographers approach their craft differently but all aim to portray cannabis positively, reflecting the evolution of cannabis culture.

Ümi Farms, a new cannabis brand out of Chicago, focuses on social equity and respecting urban American subcultures. Founded by CEO Akele Parnell, it includes ÜMI retail dispensaries and a cultivation facility. Illinois legalized cannabis in 2020, and Ümi Farms aims to provide opportunities in communities affected by the War on Drugs. Lab 11, the first brand launched under Ümi Farms, is a social equity brand inspired by urban subcultures. Ümi Farms and Lab 11 will partner with brands that share their views on social equity and create a mentorship program in the Illinois industry.

Green Muse Dispensary, owned by Karanja Crews and Nicole Kennedy, faces competition in the oversaturated Oregon cannabis market. They differentiate themselves through community re-investment, offering a unique hip-hop-themed retail experience and workforce development programs like the Green Muse Academy, which provides training and job opportunities for Black youth in the cannabis industry.

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.

Over the past decade, the cannabis industry has grown massively. The legal market hit $33 billion in 2023, with 70% of Americans supporting federal legalization. Analysts are optimistic about significant growth, especially with federal regulatory changes. The guide analyzes 2023 trends and 2024 outlooks, including market growth, policy changes, and challenges.

With over 25 years of brand-building and consumer marketing experience
serving American Express, MasterCard, PepsiCo and Microsoft — and over
eight years in the legal cannabis industry as VP, Licensing & Brand
Partnerships at Dope Magazine; Chief Brand Officer at Evergreen Herbal and
Chief Brand Architect at The Matters Group — David Paleschuck has played a
part in creating many of today’s well-known cannabis brands. In his new
book, Branding Bud: The Commercialization of Cannabis he examines the
commercialization of cannabis and offers best practices in branding and
marketing. Here Paleschuck applies his expertise towards understanding
brand archetypes...