DC Cannabis News

A medical dispensary was rejected for DEA registration, and the agency says no medical marijuana operator in Washington, D.C. can be registered.

District regulators and police shut down DC Tobacco and Gifts Palace on Connecticut Avenue NW, seizing dozens of pounds of cannabis and arresting one employee.

Americans for Safe Access announced 21 recipients of its 2026 cannabis safety awards as federal rescheduling renews debate over cannabis's medical value.

Capitol Hill sources expect a post-midterm plan to save hemp cannabinoid products, though some items now on shelves likely won't qualify.

A federal indictment targets Virginia's Senate leader, D.C. medical cannabis revenue reached $10.2M, and regulators acted against an H Street Festival vendor.

D.C.'s medical cannabis market brought in $10.24 million in September 2026, helped by gains in wholesale cultivation and processing.

Americans for Safe Access announced 66 recognitions in its 2026 Cannabis Safety Awards as federal rescheduling intensifies debate over safety and patient protec

D.C. regulators acted against a cannabis vendor at the H Street Festival, EasyDay debuted an inhaler, and Metrc announced a Maryland webinar.

SIVA Capital's report breaks down the competing interests in Congress's hemp debate and proposes a targeted framework for CBD, THC beverages and licensed cannab

D.C. alcohol and cannabis regulators issued an emergency cease-and-desist order against Kosmic Treats and its owner after an undercover sting at the H Street Fe

Tea Pad Foundation will hold a fundraising event Oct. 29, 2026, at Higher Ground, a licensed D.C. consumption lounge, to fully fund a Tea Pad Fellow.

EasyDay Edibles has launched the CoolMST Inhaler in D.C., a new cannabis delivery method developed with R2 Innovations and licensed through Paradigm Partners an

A regional roundup covers D.C.'s medical cannabis lounge guide, Henrico County's 2027 zoning draft, a Maryland inventory pilot, and DEA Schedule III updates.

Four Republican senators sent a letter to Attorney General Todd Blanche urging an investigation of Chinese criminal networks and calling to close an intoxicatin

This article reports on the U.S. Senate passing a funding bill that temporarily delays proposed federal restrictions on hemp-derived THC products by one month, giving the industry short-term relief to push for long-term regulation.

This article discusses the House's passage of bipartisan amendments attached to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2027. The amendments aim to extend a Department of Defense psychedelics research initiative for an additional six years and codify elements of a presidential executive order regarding emerging therapeutic interventions.

This summary highlights a D.C. cannabis licensing setback for DC Dank due to its proximity to Miner Elementary School. It also covers Virginia's efforts to gather industry feedback on retail rules, Maryland's hemp lawsuit developments, and other Mid-Atlantic cannabis policy changes.

This Drug Policy Alliance press release summarizes the Supreme Court's decision in United States v. Hemani, which ruled it unconstitutional to prosecute individuals for firearm possession solely based on marijuana use. It outlines the federal statute in question, historical impacts of the War on Drugs, and the potential broader implications of the ruling on civil liberties and cannabis criminalization.

This Americans for Safe Access press release announces a new state guidance memorandum to help state officials navigate federal medical cannabis rescheduling and prepare for the June 26, 2026, DEA registration deadline. The document outlines urgent actions states can take to preserve patient access and assist eligible cannabis businesses with compliance under the new federal framework.

A national coalition of 41 advocacy groups organized the Cannabis Week of Unity to lobby Congress for federal legalization, the release of cannabis prisoners, and record expungement. The mobilization focused on passing the MORE Act and other reform bills while highlighting the disproportionate impact of prohibition on minority communities and the need for economic equity.

The House Appropriations Committee voted to block the federal rescheduling of marijuana by approving a funding bill that prohibits using funds for such purposes. Despite the Trump administration moving forward with rescheduling medical cannabis to Schedule III, this legislative provision could prevent broader rescheduling and related administrative hearings if signed into law.

The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America criticized the U.S. House for passing a Farm Bill that fails to address an upcoming federal ban on hemp THC products, advocating instead for a regulatory framework similar to the alcohol industry. The group and other stakeholders are urging the Senate to intervene before the November 2026 deadline to prevent pushing consumers toward unregulated markets.

Bipartisan U.S. senators and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are reacting to the Trump administration's move to federally reschedule cannabis to Schedule III. Democrats argue the reform is insufficient and should mirror alcohol regulation, while some Republicans express concerns about research or practicality, though Sen. Cynthia Lummis noted her stance is softening due to its medical benefits for friends.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez expressed support for the Trump administration’s move to reschedule marijuana while advocating for additional social equity and justice measures. She highlighted concerns that incremental reforms without provisions like conviction expungement and industry equity programs fail to address the harms caused by the war on drugs.

The Department of Justice's rescheduling of cannabis to Schedule III recognizes it as a legitimate medicine, providing a legal basis to end federal discrimination against patients in housing, employment, and healthcare. Advocates urge federal agencies to immediately update outdated policies to ensure these restored rights are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Act.

Federal certification rules offer tax and business benefits but could conflict with Washington, D.C.'s established medical cannabis patient access model.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Senator John Fetterman welcomed the federal reclassification of medical marijuana to Schedule III, viewing it as a critical step toward state-level recreational legalization. While public polls show strong support for legalization, Republican leaders and local advocacy groups expressed opposition or caution regarding the potential public health and economic impacts.

The House Appropriations Committee has directed federal agencies to assess the adequacy of state marijuana regulatory frameworks and develop strategies to prevent product diversion into jurisdictions where cannabis remains prohibited. The committee's spending legislation also maintains a long-standing rider blocking Washington, D.C. from legalizing recreational marijuana sales, despite local opposition and broader bipartisan calls for federal reform.

Americans for Safe Access celebrated the federal government's decision to reschedule cannabis to Schedule III, viewing it as a historic validation of medical cannabis as legitimate medicine. The organization plans to host a briefing and congressional lobbying days in May to advocate for patient rights and the integration of medical cannabis into the U.S. healthcare system.

The Trump administration's Justice Department argued in a Supreme Court filing that the federal rescheduling of marijuana does not affect the pending case regarding cannabis users' gun rights, as criminal liability is based on the law at the time of the offense. The case, U.S. vs. Hemani, challenges the constitutionality of federal statutes barring illegal drug users from possessing firearms, even as some officials and organizations argue current policies infringe on Second Amendment rights.

The federal government officially reclassified medical marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, recognizing its medical value for the first time in over 50 years and providing significant tax relief for legal operators. While the move sparked market growth and expands research opportunities, it stops short of full federal legalization and does not impact the illegal status of adult-use cannabis.

The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) will host its 14th Annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days from May 12–14 in Washington, D.C., to advocate for federal policy reforms. Key priorities include ending federal prohibition, protecting state-legal markets, advancing rescheduling to Schedule III, and ensuring fair tax treatment and banking access for cannabis businesses.

The Trump administration is reportedly preparing to advance the rescheduling of marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III following a December executive order. While the move would ease research barriers and provide tax benefits to state-licensed businesses, implementation has been slowed by administrative delays and uncertainty within the Justice Department and DEA.

Green Grow has filed a lawsuit over a failed $1.6M buildout, while Maryland reported $27.6M in cannabis tax revenue. Additionally, D.C. regulators are scheduled to meet on April 22, and Virginia officials face mounting pressure regarding their market rollout.

The American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp released a report detailing the impact of P.L. 119-37, which closes the 2018 Farm Bill loophole by redefining hemp to exclude intoxicating and synthetic cannabinoids. The report analyzes the transition toward a total THC framework and a 0.4mg-per-container cap ahead of the new federal definition taking effect on November 12, 2026.

The House Appropriations Committee is directing federal agencies to evaluate the adequacy of state marijuana regulatory frameworks and develop strategies to prevent the diversion of legal cannabis into states where it remains prohibited. Included in a fiscal year 2027 spending bill, the directive also maintains a federal block on recreational marijuana sales in Washington, D.C.

Green Grow LLC has filed a federal lawsuit against The Indoor Farmer and its principals alleging breach of contract and fraud regarding a failed cannabis cultivation project in Washington, D.C. The complaint claims the defendants abandoned the project after failing to deliver a promised turnkey system, resulting in significant financial losses and unusable inventory.

The District of Columbia is using a Ninth Circuit ruling to argue that the dormant Commerce Clause does not apply to cannabis markets, supporting its residency-based licensing rules.

GOP operative Roger Stone claims an unnamed individual in the Trump administration is delaying a presidential order to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. While the DOJ and White House maintain that they are working to implement the order, Stone emphasizes the political importance of completing the process before the next election to appeal to younger and libertarian voters.

This weekly cannabis policy roundup covers the closure of unlicensed businesses and beverage proposals in D.C., medical market updates in Virginia, worker protections in Maryland, and national updates on federal policy and industry bankruptcies.

Mayor Muriel Bowser introduced a bill allowing D.C. breweries and distilleries to partner with medical cannabis manufacturers to produce alcohol-free, cannabis-infused beverages for registered patients.

Mayor Muriel Bowser has introduced legislation enabling local breweries and distilleries to partner with licensed medical cannabis companies.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has proposed the Medical Cannabis Beverage Product Amendment Act of 2026, which would allow local breweries and distilleries to partner with medical marijuana companies to produce alcohol-free, THC-infused drinks. These beverages would be manufactured using existing bottling infrastructure, taxed at six percent, and sold exclusively to registered medical cannabis patients through licensed dispensaries.

The D.C. Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board finalized a settlement with Flowerz, LLC, resulting in a $3,000 fine and the permanent closure of its Massachusetts Ave NE location.

The Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board fined Flowerz, LLC $3,000 and ordered the permanent vacating of its D.C. premises following an approved Offer-in-Compromise.

A coalition of anti-marijuana groups has sued the Trump administration to block a new initiative allowing federal health insurance programs to cover hemp-derived CBD and THC products. The lawsuit alleges the program violates administrative and federal laws by bypassing public comment and providing coverage for substances that lack FDA approval.

The Congressional Research Service updated its report on marijuana rescheduling, while several states advanced legislation regarding synthetic psilocybin and hemp THC regulations. The newsletter also highlights scientific studies on cognitive health and quarterly financial results for cannabis businesses.

D.C. courts have consolidated briefing for eight lawsuits against unlicensed cannabis retailers and their landlords to streamline legal proceedings through a single motion to dismiss.

A D.C. court consolidated eight lawsuits against unlicensed cannabis dispensaries to streamline the litigation process via a single briefing schedule.

D.C. cannabis board extends temporary medical patient cards to 90 days and removes photo requirements to address application backlogs.

*OK gov slams medical marijuana; VA cannabis user parental rights; TN momentum from rescheduling; TX hemp rules; Study: CBD as medication substitute*

Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), currently running for governor, admitted to being arrested for selling small amounts of marijuana as a young adult. Despite benefiting from a pre-trial diversion program that wiped his record clean, Donalds has consistently opposed marijuana legalization and supported federal legislation to overturn similar sentencing reforms in Washington, D.C. His legislative record on cannabis is mixed, having supported marijuana banking and research bills while voting against legalization and security clearance protections for prior users.

When one of the fresh faces—Blossomz, one of just a half-dozen licensed cultivation facilities—gets raided and shut down by the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration and MPD on February 27th, our first reaction was… damn, that was fast.

A Maryland Senate panel approved SB 439, a bill that would protect firefighters and rescue workers from being penalized for off-duty medical marijuana use. If enacted, the legislation would prohibit employers from discriminating against these workers based on positive THC tests, though zero-tolerance policies for on-duty impairment would remain.

U.S. Supreme Court justices expressed skepticism toward a federal law banning marijuana users from possessing firearms during oral arguments for U.S. vs. Hemani. The court questioned whether cannabis consumers are inherently dangerous enough to justify disarmament, particularly as the federal government considers rescheduling the drug to a less restrictive category.

The Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board in Washington, D.C., suspended Doobie District for 30 days due to unlawful sales and falsified record-keeping. This action highlights an increase in regulatory oversight and a strict focus on compliance with patient verification and seed-to-sale tracking in the Mid-Atlantic region.

CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz warned of consequences from shifting alcohol use to marijuana, while Florida officials reset signature counts for a legalization initiative to zero. Other updates include Maryland and Hawaii advancing psychedelics legislation, Connecticut considering medical cannabis for hospital patients, and Canopy Growth's acquisition of MTL Cannabis Corp.

The District of Columbia Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board issued a 30-day suspension to Doobie District for selling medical cannabis to non-qualified individuals and falsifying records. The retailer's ownership must also complete mandatory training within 60 days to avoid further enforcement.

Washington, D.C. finalized new advertising and signage rules for medical cannabis, while Virginia launched a data dashboard and advanced a retail framework for 2026. Additionally, Maryland regulators lifted enhanced reporting requirements for Seven Points Agro Therapeutics following compliance success.

Maryland senators are considering SB 439, a bill to prevent firefighters and rescue workers who are registered medical cannabis patients from being penalized or fired for off-duty marijuana use or positive THC metabolite tests. Supporters argue it provides a safer alternative to opioids for chronic pain and PTSD, while opponents cite the current lack of reliable real-time impairment testing.

The Justice Department is asking the Supreme Court to uphold the federal ban on gun ownership for marijuana users, arguing that cannabis consumers are uniquely dangerous regardless of the drug's potential rescheduling to Schedule III. The case, U.S. v. Hemani, faces opposition from gun rights groups and the ACLU, who argue the ban lacks historical precedent and violates the Second Amendment.

Maryland lawmakers approved a bill to extend the state’s psychedelics task force through 2027. The task force is charged with developing recommendations for a multi-phase regulatory framework to provide therapeutic and supervised adult-use access to substances like psilocybin.

Maryland senators are considering a bill to extend the state’s psychedelics task force through 2027 to further develop a regulatory framework for therapeutic access and potential legalization of natural substances like psilocybin. The task force’s proposed multi-phase plan includes establishing safety parameters, implementing deprioritization measures, and eventually creating a commercial sales program for licensed adults.

GOP Congressman Isn’t Sure Marijuana Rescheduling Is A DOJ ‘Priority,’ But Remains Optimistic About Progress Under Trump

The National Hispanic Cannabis Council (NHCC) expanded its leadership by appointing Susie Plascencia as co-executive director alongside Aaron Lopez. NHCC also unveiled the National Latina Cannabis Leadership Council, an initiative dedicated to advancing Latina leadership, representation, and influence within the cannabis ecosystem, with Plascencia serving as its executive director.

Tax experts and D.C. cannabis operators believe Section 280E may no longer apply as written, citing new inventory accounting rules, HHS’s rescheduling recommendation, and pending tax court cases. Ahead of rescheduling, cannabis businesses are using forward-looking tax strategies, strong bookkeeping, and formal disclosures to reshape compliance, even as refunds face growing IRS scrutiny.

Trump Was ‘Poorly Advised’ On Marijuana Rescheduling, GOP Senator Says After Directly Raising Concerns With President

DEA is promoting an anti-marijuana PSA contest, while Colorado's governor criticized his state's attorney general for supporting the federal gun ban for cannabis consumers. Kentucky introduced medical cannabis gummies, and bills were approved in Wisconsin, Mississippi, and Florida regarding medical cannabis. Studies show no negative difference in well child care for cannabis-exposed infants and promising results for psilocybin therapy in cancer patients with anxiety and depression.

The prohibitionist group Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) is facing criticism for denying entry to drug policy reform experts from the pro-reform group Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) to its summit, leading SSDP to accuse SAM of insulating the event from evidence-based scrutiny. This controversy occurs as SAM actively prepares to fight federal proposals to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III.

Maryland lawmakers are debating House Bill 365, which seeks to prevent authorized medical cannabis patients from being denied the right to purchase, own, possess, or carry a firearm solely based on their patient status, addressing a current loophole in state law. This state-level reform would not affect the similar federal prohibition, which is currently facing scrutiny by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Trump Signs Bill Continuing To Block D.C. From Legalizing Recreational Marijuana Sales As Advocates Await Rescheduling Action

The author followed the former Benzinga Cannabis event organizers, who formed IgniteIt Cannabis, to their November 17 Washington, D.C. event, which featured discussions on the "hemp ban" and a speech by Cory Booker on cannabis policy reform. The author enjoyed the timely programming and networking and is now looking forward to the upcoming IgniteIt event in New Jersey on February 10.

Republican Rep. Andy Harris, a strong opponent of marijuana reform and the author of the "Harris rider" that blocks D.C. from regulating recreational cannabis sales, is vulnerable to losing his congressional seat due to a new Maryland redistricting plan approved by the state's House of Delegates that favors Democrats. Political observers believe that if he is unseated, it could be a significant step forward for cannabis reform advocates, particularly concerning D.C.'s ability to legalize sales.

The National Rifle Association (NRA) joined drug policy reform groups like NORML and the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) to urge the U.S. Supreme Court to declare the federal ban on gun ownership by marijuana consumers (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3)) unconstitutional in the case of *U.S. vs. Hemani*.

Gun rights advocacy groups are urging the Supreme Court to strike down the federal ban on firearm ownership for marijuana users (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3)) in the *U.S. vs. Hemani* case, arguing that historical precedent only restricted actively intoxicated individuals, not sober users of socially accepted substances like cannabis. While the Justice Department and gun control groups advocate for upholding the ban, a growing number of federal courts have recently ruled against the prohibition, which is scheduled for oral arguments before the Supreme Court on March 2.

ABCA and MPD closed an unlicensed cannabis retailer in Northwest D.C., seizing products and arresting one individual. This action marks the 101st illegal cannabis business shut down since the District expanded enforcement authority under a 2024 emergency law.

ACLU attorneys are challenging the constitutionality of the federal ban on gun ownership for marijuana consumers (18 U.S.C. §922(g)(3)) in the Supreme Court case *U.S. v. Hemani*, arguing the statute is vague, lacks historical precedent, and is outdated given state legalization trends and the federal government's move to reschedule cannabis. This case, which is set for oral arguments on March 2, comes amid a growing conflict among federal circuit courts over the Second Amendment rights of cannabis users.

Americans for Safe Access (ASA) warns that new federal "total THC" standards in H.R. 5371, taking effect on November 11, 2026, will close hemp loopholes but inadvertently strip millions of vulnerable patients (including veterans and seniors) of access to non-intoxicating, full-spectrum cannabinoid medicines. The organization urges state governors to develop "transition strategies" now, as federal executive action and rescheduling alone cannot override the statutory limits and fix these access gaps.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is implementing a new interim rule that loosens the federal ban on gun purchases for people who use controlled substances. The updated rule requires evidence of a "pattern of unlawful use" to deny a firearm purchase, replacing the previous interpretation that allowed denial based on evidence of a single instance of use within the past year. This measure is intended to address constitutional concerns and aligns the rule with prevailing federal court opinions ahead of the Supreme Court case *U.S. v. Hemani*.

Congressional leaders released a large funding bill and related reports containing several cannabis provisions, including a requirement for Customs and Border Protection to brief Congress on seizures from state-legal businesses and a directive for the CDC to publish a report on cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome in youth. Additionally, the bill blocks transportation officials from encouraging illegal drug or alcohol use in impaired driving PSAs and maintains a rider prohibiting the use of funds to promote the legalization of Schedule I drugs.

Federal news includes Republican senators filing an amendment to block the Department of Justice from rescheduling marijuana, and the House voting to continue blocking D.C. recreational cannabis sales. A key House committee chairman is supporting a bill to delay the recriminalization of hemp-derived THC products. On the state level, a Virginia delegate filed a bill to legalize and regulate recreational sales, Kentucky opened new medical cannabis businesses, and numerous states like Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Oklahoma are moving forward with regulatory and enforcement actions related to licensing, taxes, and program oversight. International updates note British Columbia will not seek to extend its drug decriminalization trial.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a spending bill that includes a provision continuing to block Washington, D.C. from legalizing recreational marijuana sales while also warning local officials about cannabis dispensaries near schools. A report attached to the legislation directs federal officials to submit a report on Chinese-linked drug syndicates operating illicit cannabis grows in the United States. The block on D.C. sales could be nullified if the administration reschedules cannabis to Schedule III, though a complication remains due to the rider's use of the undefined term "tetrahydrocannabinols derivative."

D.C. regulators achieved a major enforcement milestone while Maryland’s Storehouse dispensary received penalties for inventory violations; Virginia is considering bills for adult-use and terminally ill patient access, and federal rescheduling could allow D.C. recreational sales.

Congress is continuing to block recreational marijuana sales in Washington, D.C., while several new states are considering legalization in 2026. In other news, an anti-marijuana campaign in Maine is facing accusations of lying to voters, and a study found that over a third of popular U.S. rap music videos depict cannabis use. State-level updates include Texas seeing a 32 percent growth in medical cannabis patients and Missouri recording $132.6 million in legal marijuana sales in December.

Congressional leaders agreed on a spending bill that continues to block Washington D.C. from legalizing recreational marijuana sales and reminds local officials of enhanced federal penalties for marijuana distribution near schools. The legislation also directs federal officials to submit a report on PRC-linked criminal drug syndicates involved in illegal drug and money laundering operations in the U.S., which appears intended to target illicit Chinese cannabis growers in states including Maine, California, and Oregon.

GOP Congressman Dismisses Concerns About Marijuana Rescheduling Delay, Saying Trump Made It ‘Very Clear’ DOJ Must Act

The House of Representatives passed a spending bill to protect state medical cannabis laws, while federal rescheduling could allow Washington, D.C. to move forward with recreational cannabis sales. Key developments include a legal challenge to a Massachusetts anti-marijuana initiative, scientific findings that CBD exhibits anti-tumor effects, and Ohio reporting over $1 billion in legal sales in 2025.

Moving marijuana to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act could enable Washington, D.C. to finally legalize and regulate recreational cannabis sales, bypassing a congressional spending bill rider that currently prohibits the District from using its local funds to establish an adult-use market for Schedule I substances. The only remaining complication is the rider's unclear prohibition on legalizing "any tetrahydrocannabinols derivative."

GOP Senator Claims Marijuana Is A ‘Gateway Drug,’ Voicing Opposition To Trump’s Rescheduling Order

The U.S. Supreme Court has scheduled oral arguments for March 2 in the case *U.S. v. Hemani*, which challenges the constitutionality of the federal law banning people who use marijuana or other controlled substances from possessing firearms, a prohibition that numerous lower federal courts have recently found to violate the Second Amendment.

Congressional dispute over Biden’s cannabis pardons (Newsletter: January 2, 2026)

Federal cannabis legalization commission proposed under Senate bill (Newsletter: December 24, 2025)

Nineteen state attorneys general and Washington, D.C. filed an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to uphold the federal law that bans marijuana users from possessing firearms in the case *U.S. v. Hemani*, arguing that the combination of drug use and guns poses a public safety risk and is consistent with historical tradition. This stance counters a lower court ruling that the federal ban violates the Second Amendment, with the article noting a growing number of federal courts are finding constitutional problems with the prohibition.

District officials shut down five unlicensed cannabis retailers and arrested four people during a coordinated enforcement operation between Dec. 10 and Dec. 15, seizing large quantities of marijuana and THC products under powers granted by a 2024 emergency law.

Sen. Cory Booker and Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton introduced the “Marijuana in Federally Assisted Housing Parity Act” to protect tenants in public or Section 8 housing from eviction or denial of residency for using cannabis in compliance with state medical or recreational laws. This bill aims to change current federal policy, which currently prohibits controlled substance use regardless of state law, and would require HUD to regulate marijuana smoking similarly to tobacco use on these properties.

GOP Congressman Says Trump ‘Technically’ Can’t Reschedule Marijuana On His Own, But Reversing It In Congress Would Be A ‘Heavy Lift’

YANA Wellness, a women-owned and operated cannabis brand led by CEO Ariana Fleishman, made history as the first hemp-derived THC beverage line sold in all Total Wine retail locations across Virginia. Fleishman established the brand to advocate for plant-based wellness alternatives over normalized alcohol and prescription drugs, developing a variety of compliant blends to navigate federal prohibition and expand nationwide access. YANA emphasizes social responsibility, research (collaborating with universities on the psychological effects of cannabis and mushrooms), and stimulating the local economy through strategic partnerships with family-owned Virginia businesses for manufacturing and distribution.

D.C. lawmakers introduced a bill to clarify cannabis retailer buffer zones and tighten licensing, concurrently with Virginia's hemp sector reassessing models due to a federal ban on most hemp-derived THC products and regulators releasing rules for a 2026 adult-use retail market.

The D.C. Council introduced a bill refining the medical cannabis regime by clarifying retail distance requirements near child-development facilities, broadening protest rights for Advisory Neighborhood Commissions and eligible parties, and aligning licensing criteria with enforcement considerations. A firm is prepared to advise operators, property owners, and community stakeholders on compliance obligations and strategic impacts related to these regulatory adjustments.

Democratic Resolution Targets Industry Equity and UN Reform