420 with CNW — On-Tap Drinks Containing THC are Transforming the Bar Experience

A new type of drink is making its way into U.S. bars. Beverages infused with hemp-derived THC, which were once only sold in bottles and cans, are now being served straight from taps in several states, including Wisconsin, Minnesota, and South Carolina.

While some states have drawn firm lines around hemp-derived THC products, others permit them not only in liquor stores but also in restaurants and bars. The result is a new drinking experience that feels familiar—grabbing a pint at a bar—while skipping alcohol altogether.

Pharos Brands is one of the companies leading the charge. Each pour contains about 5 milligrams of THC, offering a light, approachable effect. For bar owners, this helps make use of empty taps while pulling in new customers who are curious about marijuana.

Currently, Pharos sells its kegs only in Wisconsin. Co-founder Mary Bernuth says the state made sense because of its deep beer culture and reputation as the nation’s brewing hub. The kegs are produced in partnership with Upstate Beverage Consultants, a South Carolina company also behind the Rebel Rabbit brand, another THC drink brand.

The partnership comes as alcohol consumption trends downward. Gallup recently reported that 54% of American adults say they drink alcohol, down from 58% in 2024.

Industry research also highlights the potential growth of this sector. The global marijuana beverage market, valued at $1.3 billion in 2024, is projected to more than double by 2030. Wisconsin bars like The Phoenix Taproom in Eau Claire and Orsetta in De Pere are already on board, bringing in customers interested in trying the new trend.

Rebel Rabbit is only available in keg form in a few Carolina bars due to distribution hurdles, though canned versions are sold in more than a dozen states. Its founder, Pierce Wylie, has launched a program allowing customers to suggest flavors and offer feedback. Popular creations can become permanent products, such as Blackberry Lemon, which blends THC with caffeine for a more energized effect. New versions, like a tea-based THC drink, are already in the pipeline.

Despite the enthusiasm, challenges remain. THC doesn’t dissolve in water, which means drinks rely on emulsions to keep the cannabinoids evenly spread. Over time, these can separate, a problem that’s harder to solve with kegs than with bottles. Packaging also creates issues, since some can liners may strip away potency or affect flavor.

Experts are pushing for national guidelines that cover stability, packaging, and even clearer labeling so consumers know exactly what they’re drinking.

Will leading marijuana industries like Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF) get in on the act? Many factors are likely to come into play, such as regulatory uncertainty around THC drinks made from hemp, so this is a trend that one should keep an eye on.

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CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.

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420 with CNW — LA Council Approves Higher License Fees for Marijuana Businesses

Cannabis operators in Los Angeles will face steeper renewal fees after the City Council unanimously approved a hike recently, putting added pressure on an industry already dealing with thin margins and increasing competition.

City officials explained that the fee hike is necessary due to declining tax income from the sector, combined with a growing budget shortfall.

However, many cannabis entrepreneurs say this added cost could push them out of business. Luis Rivera, who once ran three cannabis delivery services, has already closed two. He’s now unsure if his last business can survive. “There’s just no more money to pull from,” he said. “These fees could be the final blow.”

The updated fees are projected to raise about $6 million for the cannabis department, which is required to fund itself entirely through fees. Revenue from cannabis taxes, once over $100 million annually, fell to around $90 million in 2024, according to city data.

Multiple factors have led to the drop, including steep local and state taxes, the high cost of running a cannabis business without access to standard banking, and ongoing competition with unlicensed sellers. The illegal dispensaries frequently offer cheaper products since they don’t pay taxes and often operate without oversight, making them hotspots for crime.

The marijuana department’s operating budget for this year is $8.6 million. On top of that, it’s expected to pay out another $19 million to other city departments, including the LA Attorney’s office, for cannabis-related work.

LA has the largest city-run commercial cannabis program in the country, with over 1,000 active cannabis business licenses, including storefronts, delivery services, and cultivation sites.

Officials said the last time fees were adjusted was in 2020. Since then, the department has grown from 37 employees to 63, and wages have gone up by 19% under collective bargaining agreements. According to officials, the current fees no longer cover operational costs.

The most significant increase will impact annual license renewals. A standard renewal will be $12,617 up from $8,486. Temporary approval renewals are set to increase to $6,294 from $4,233. Renewing records will be $2,719 up from $1,829.

Other fee changes include adjustments to fees for reviewing business diagram updates and ownership structure modifications.

While the new ordinance raises costs for legal businesses, it also lowers penalties for some rule violations. For instance, the fine for delivering cannabis outside permitted hours drops from $42,000 to $23,000.

Meanwhile, a new violation category has been added, with penalties of $34,000 for serious offenses like selling products to unlicensed vendors. The goal, officials said, is to strike a balance between deterrence and fairness.

There is some financial relief for operators in the city’s social equity initiative, which supports individuals from communities most impacted by drug-related criminalization. Thanks to a state-funded grant, about $3.1 million in new fees will be covered on behalf of these operators.

The timing of the fee hike coincides with broader financial issues across the city. LA faces a nearly $1 billion budget gap this year. To help close it, the city is implementing layoffs, cutting services, raising trash collection rates for over 700,000 households, and increasing ticket prices at the LA Zoo. Officials are also considering changes to parking fees and meter hours.

Conditions seem to be getting tougher for licensed cannabis firms in Los Angeles with these higher fees. Other firms like Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CNX: GTI) (OTCQX: GTBIF) operating in other markets can sympathize given their experience with similar or other challenges in the markets where they are based.

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420 with CNW — Questions Arise on Why Feds Raided a Licensed Cannabis Farm in California

There are thousands of unauthorized cannabis operations across the US. Yet, when federal agents carried out one of their biggest enforcement actions this year, they didn’t target a black-market grower. Instead, they set their sights on California’s largest licensed cannabis producer.

The federal operation, which happened at two locations operated by Glass House Farms, situated in Los Angeles, remains surrounded by questions. The exact motive hasn’t been officially explained, sparking a range of speculation. Some believe the raid was politically motivated, aimed at intimidating undocumented immigrants. Others suspect it was meant to shake up the regulated marijuana industry.

Tensions between the Trump administration and California have been high, especially around funding disputes involving infrastructure and disaster recovery. That ongoing conflict has led some to speculate that Glass House may have become collateral damage in a broader standoff between state and federal governments.

Federal documents show that on July 10, agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol carried out a warrant at Glass House’s facilities in Camarillo and Carpinteria. During the chaos, a worker trying to flee fell from a greenhouse roof and later died from his injuries.

Outside the property, tensions flared as demonstrators clashed with law enforcement, prompting officers to use tear gas. One protester reportedly threw a gas canister back toward authorities. Another, now wanted by the FBI, allegedly discharged a firearm. Over 360 people were arrested during the sweep, most believed to be in the U.S. without legal immigration status.

No marijuana was confiscated during the operation. The criminal warrants authorizing the raids are still sealed. Authorities have said the investigation involves serious allegations, including human trafficking and child labor. At least 14 minors were found at one site, but officials have released no further details.

No charges have been filed against Glass House. In a short statement on X, Glass House stated it follows legal hiring procedures, has never employed minors knowingly, and has cooperated fully with immigration authorities.

Following the incident, the United Farm Workers urged non-citizen laborers to avoid cannabis-related jobs, warning that federal law still classifies marijuana as illegal.

In 2023, Glass House was hit with a lawsuit from competitor Catalyst Cannabis Co., accusing it of being a major player in the unregulated cannabis trade. Although the case was thrown out, the publicity could have put the company on the federal radar, according to observers.

Glass House Farms, a subsidiary of Glass House Brands, remains California’s largest legal cannabis grower by a wide margin.

Marijuana companies around the country, including Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CNSX: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF) will be hoping that what happened at Glass House is an isolated incident and isn’t indicative of any future such operations targeting licensed operators.

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420 with CNW — Anxiety Tops Qualifying Conditions in Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana Program

Pennsylvania’s move to allow medical cannabis for treating anxiety has significantly influenced how the state’s marijuana program functions, according to a recent University of Pittsburgh study.

Researchers found that anxiety is now the most frequently reported reason patients receive medical cannabis certifications, surpassing chronic pain. Pennsylvania became the third state to officially include anxiety as a valid condition for medical cannabis in 2019.

While more people are turning to cannabis to manage anxiety, the researchers warn that scientific support for its effectiveness in treating anxiety remains limited. Dr. Coleman Drake, a public health expert at Pitt, expressed concern that allowing anxiety as a qualifying condition may lead patients to believe that cannabis is a proven treatment for it, even though evidence is still lacking.

Drake pointed out that although marijuana might help certain individuals depending on their situations, the overall understanding of its medical benefits is still incomplete. He attributed this gap in knowledge to longstanding federal restrictions on cannabis research and limited access to detailed data from both medical and recreational marijuana programs.

The study’s authors reviewed data from the state’s Department of Health covering over 1.7 million certifications for medical marijuana issued between late 2017 and the end of 2023. To obtain these certifications, patients must receive a licensed physician’s recommendation and renew their approval each year.

Before anxiety was added as an approved condition, most patients were using the program for chronic pain (about 67%), followed by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at 16%. But after 2019, anxiety jumped ahead, becoming the most cited reason at 60%, while chronic pain dropped to 41% and PTSD to 11%. During this time, the number of certifications issued each month nearly tripled. Many of these certifications listed more than one qualifying condition.

The study, conducted in partnership with Johns Hopkins University and published in Annals of Internal Medicine, noted that it is unclear how many patients already using cannabis added anxiety to their diagnoses versus how many new patients joined the program specifically for anxiety treatment. Because of this, the exact impact of including anxiety on the overall size and growth of the program remains uncertain.

The researchers emphasized the need for more detailed research, especially as cannabis use continues to grow and regulations evolve. “There is an urgent need to better understand how cannabis is being used and what effects it is having,” Drake stated.

The broader marijuana industry, including firms like Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CNX: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF), hopes that federal restrictions impeding marijuana research are quickly reformed so that extensive studies can be conducted to document the exact effects that marijuana has on its medical users.

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420 with CNW — Marijuana Advocates Express Concerns About the Purchase Rules for Missouri Patients

Medical marijuana advocates are raising concerns about new state guidelines in Missouri that restrict how much cannabis patients can legally buy from dispensaries. Under existing rules, dispensaries must monitor patient purchases to make sure they don’t go over their monthly limits.

Earlier this year, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services updated its website with new guidance. It states that once patients hit their allowed amount, they can’t legally switch to recreational purchases to get more marijuana. The department’s cannabis regulation division emphasized that this rule is meant to keep everyone within their legal possession limits.

Currently, patients enrolled in Missouri’s medical cannabis program are limited to 6 ounces of unprocessed cannabis over a 30-day period. Meanwhile, recreational users can buy up to 3 ounces per day, although they’re not allowed to hold more than that at any one time. The law also prohibits tracking purchases of recreational users unless they give consent.

Andrew Mullins, who leads the Missouri Marijuana Trade Association, argued in an April letter that the state’s interpretation of the law isn’t constitutional. He wrote that forcing residents to choose between being medical patients or recreational consumers goes against sound policy and legal principles.

Mullins pointed out that the approach conflicts with what the division told cannabis businesses in 2023, shortly after recreational sales began. At that time, the division had said patients over 21 would also be allowed to make purchases as recreational consumers.

However, department spokesperson Lisa Cox later clarified that the response had been sent in error and did not reflect the finalized rules, which didn’t take effect until August 2023. Cox noted that the department has reviewed Mullins’ concerns and is now reassessing the current policy.

Brennan England, who heads the Missouri chapter of Minorities for Medical Marijuana, says the restrictions hurt communities of color, which were among the earliest to rely on legal medical cannabis for safe and affordable care. England, an advocate and patient himself, launched major reform efforts beginning in 2014 and opened Missouri’s first private cannabis lounge in 2019.

He argues that the current rule not only limits access but also erodes trust in the system. England is calling for a full repeal of the policy, followed by a public dialogue involving patients, business operators, and state regulators. “You can hand out memos,” he said, “but when you sit across from someone whose treatment has been interrupted because of these limits, that’s when real change begins.”

The entire marijuana industry around the country, including leading firms like Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CNX: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF), will be watching how the concerns of patients in Missouri will be addressed by the regulators there.

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420 with CNW — Are the Days of THCA Now Numbered?

Steven Brown, the CEO of Nothing But Hemp, believes that THCA flower is legal under federal law due to Farm Bill 2018. But even though his company runs 11 stores across two states and offers a wide range of hemp-derived products, you won’t find THCA flower on his shelves—or his website.

Why? The legal environment is changing fast. More states without legal recreational cannabis are updating their laws to treat THCA flower the same as traditional marijuana, making it illegal under state law.

Some legal experts maintain that THCA is still permitted under current federal law. But as states give law enforcement the green light to treat THCA like cannabis and seize it, business owners like Brown are backing off.

A notable incident happened in Tennessee in 2024 when police confiscated a large batch of what they believed to be cannabis. However, since THCA wasn’t specifically addressed in the state’s laws at the time, the authorities ended up paying $735,000 in damages to two hemp companies after the seized products went bad. That situation is unlikely to repeat after January 1, 2026 when a new law will go into effect redefining THCA as a form of THC.

Texas is following a similar path. In May, legislators passed a measure tightening the definition of THC. Though the bill is awaiting the governor’s signature, hemp industry supporters have submitted over 118,000 signatures urging a veto.

Neither Texas nor Tennessee has legalized medical cannabis, making them key markets for hemp-derived alternatives. Critics of the new bans argue they will only drive consumers toward the unregulated market and jeopardize thousands of compliant businesses.

Much of the confusion stems from a loophole created by the Farm Bill 2018, which set a THC limit of 0.3% by dry weight but didn’t account for THCA, which converts into THC when heated. Although federal guidelines require that THCA be included in THC testing through a heating process, enforcement has been spotty. According to cannabis attorney Rachel Gillette, this has led to widespread mislabeling and inconsistent regulation.

Federal lawmakers know this issue exists and may address it in the next Farm Bill. But that legislation is already long overdue, leaving regulation to the states for now.

Tennessee will still permit hemp-derived THC drinks, which are distributed by businesses like Brown’s and even major cannabis companies. Observers say this highlights a strange inconsistency: while smokable flower is banned, edibles and beverages remain okay.

Some companies are pushing boundaries regardless. Some businesses in Oregon, where cannabis is cheap due to oversupply, continue to ship THCA flower to states where it’s prohibited. One Maryland-based firm, SuperGreens Hemp Co., recently announced the purchase of 36 THCA farms nationwide, including in states with restrictive cannabis laws.

There’s barely any oversight beyond the point of cultivation, which Gillette calls a “huge gap in enforcement.” With thousands of shops and online sellers, it’s nearly impossible to crack down on them all. Instead, states might go after a few big names to send a warning.

Many agree that the demand for hemp-based THC is driven by federal cannabis prohibition and strict state laws. Hemp is cheaper to produce, faces fewer rules, and attracts entrepreneurs wary of heavy regulation. That’s why some push for crackdowns—to level the playing field with licensed cannabis businesses.

But Brown isn’t switching lanes. “I’ve built a company that’s nearly eight figures,” he said. “There’s no way I’m touching state-regulated cannabis. Too many headaches. Too much risk.”

The marijuana industry, including leading firms like Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CNX: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF), will be following how the THCA regulatory landscape unfolds across the country as it could impact the trajectory of the marijuana industry.

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420 with CNW — Studies Suggest Medical Cannabis Could Help Lupus Sufferers

Lupus is a long-term autoimmune condition that affects over 1.5 million people across Canada and the United States. It can lead to widespread inflammation and discomfort, often causing exhaustion, aching joints, rashes, and in more severe cases, damage to internal organs. There’s currently no cure, and the available treatments don’t work for everyone. This has led many people with lupus to seek alternative approaches to managing their symptoms, including medical cannabis.

Research in recent years has begun to highlight the potential of cannabis to offer relief for individuals dealing with autoimmune diseases like lupus. Some findings suggest it might help reduce pain, improve sleep, and lower inflammation—three key challenges for lupus sufferers.

The compounds found in marijuana, especially THC and CBD, interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system helps regulate immune activity and inflammation. Since lupus involves the immune system becoming overactive and attacking healthy cells, adjusting this system’s function could be useful in keeping symptoms in check. By influencing immune response, cannabinoids may help reduce the intensity and frequency of lupus flares.

One study featured in Frontiers in Pharmacology looked at how cannabinoids affect inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. The findings suggested that cannabis compounds may lower the production of molecules that drive inflammation. At the same time, they may encourage the activity of cells that help maintain immune balance. This makes cannabis a potentially helpful tool in managing an overactive immune response like the one seen in lupus.

Pain is one of the most common and difficult symptoms for lupus patients. According to research in the Journal of Pain Research, people with chronic pain—including those with autoimmune disorders—often report meaningful relief when using medical cannabis. Many also said they were able to lower their use of opioid medications, which carry significant risks of addiction and other side effects.

Beyond physical symptoms, many individuals with lupus struggle with sleep problems and emotional stress. CBD, the non-intoxicating part of cannabis, has shown some promise in helping people sleep better and feel less anxious. According to a review in Current Neuropharmacology, CBD might help those who suffer from sleep disruptions related to pain, mood instability, and stress.

While more focused studies are necessary, early signs show that medical cannabis might offer lupus patients a supplemental tool for managing their condition. However, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider before trying any new treatment, especially one like cannabis that can affect people differently and is subject to legal restrictions depending on where you live.

The medical marijuana products from licensed enterprises like Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CNX: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF) could just be what patients diagnosed with different diseases need to address their symptoms either in conjunction with their conventional medications or, hopefully, as a standalone treatment.

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420 with CNW — How Firms Can Manage the Challenges Arising from Marijuana Ad Restrictions

Running advertisements in the cannabis industry isn’t as straightforward as it is for other sectors. Business owners face a maze of regulations that make promoting their products difficult. These rules are often seen as restrictions on free speech because they limit what companies can say about their products, even when the information is accurate and meant for adults.

Many states with legal cannabis have strict advertising rules based on public health concerns. Authorities worry that ads could mislead or confuse people. To minimize this risk, they place limits on the language and visuals used in marketing. Any claims made—whether by the business or through testimonials—often need solid proof. There’s also heightened sensitivity about ads being attractive to kids, which can lead to outright bans on certain images or styles.

Time and location are other factors regulators watch closely. Ads can’t appear in places where minors are likely to see them, and businesses are often required to include disclaimers or health warnings in their messaging.

Understanding the difference between commercial and noncommercial speech is thus crucial for marijuana businesses. Noncommercial speech, like expressing an opinion about legalization, is generally more protected under both state and federal law. However, when it comes to promoting a product or service, governments have more leeway to regulate or even ban certain types of speech. Because of this, cannabis businesses need to be cautious and may want to consult legal experts before launching a campaign.

Enforcing these rules is another challenge for state agencies. They have to balance constitutional free speech protections with their responsibility to monitor the market. Often, state regulators are short on staff and expertise, making it tough to track ads across platforms like TV, print, social media, and more. To keep up, some states are hiring specialists or bringing in outside help to review marketing content.

Even though some states allow cannabis sales, marijuana is still illegal at the federal level. That means national agencies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can step in if a company makes unproven health claims. Both agencies have acted in the past against cannabis brands exaggerating the benefits of their products.

Legal challenges to these rules are ongoing. In Mississippi, a dispensary owner named Clarence Cocroft argued that his First Amendment rights were violated when he was blocked from advertising. After a federal court ruled against him, he appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, hoping for a broader recognition of speech rights for cannabis businesses. A win could reshape how these cases are handled in the future.

In Washington, courts have looked at similar issues. In one case, a marijuana retailer challenged the state’s limits on window displays, arguing that their rights under the state constitution were being violated. The court agreed, pointing out inconsistencies in how different types of advertising were treated.

As cannabis laws continue to evolve, so too will the rules around advertising. Businesses in this space need to be strategic, balancing creative marketing with a clear understanding of legal boundaries. Staying informed, compliant, and ready to defend their rights in court might be necessary for long-term success.

The onus is now on firms like Green Thumb Industries Inc. (Cboe CA: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF) to find innovative ways to get their messaging to the target audience in light of the stifling restrictions imposed on marijuana advertising.

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420 with CNW — Delaware Lawmakers Consider Bills to Address Gaps in Marijuana Law

Two measures designed to speed up Delaware’s launch of its recreational cannabis market are currently under review in the state legislature. These legislative efforts come after delays have stalled the rollout of cannabis retail operations, despite business licenses being awarded last year.

Originally, the state had planned to open its recreational cannabis market this month. However, that timeline has been thrown off due to legal issues with the Marijuana Control Act—the law outlining the industry’s regulatory process. One of the main roadblocks is a delay in obtaining approval from the FBI to implement a fingerprint-based background check system, a requirement before the state can officially issue licenses.

Delaware’s regulators have already submitted two requests to the FBI, both of which were rejected. The problem lies in how the state’s law outlines applicant background checks—it needed to be adjusted to meet federal standards. Changes to address that were introduced earlier this month and passed the House. The goal is to get the legislation through both chambers quickly so the state can try again with the FBI.

The proposal is now before the Senate Executive Committee and will head to the full Senate for a vote. If approved and signed into law, the Marijuana Commissioner’s Office will be able to restart the process of conducting background checks and issuing conditional licenses to the 125 approved operators.

Even with licenses in hand, many businesses are struggling to find store locations. Strict zoning laws in the state’s three counties have created major obstacles. Around one-third of the state’s municipalities have completely banned cannabis retailers, and many others have made it very difficult to find compliant locations due to zoning buffers.

To address this, a second measure, SB 75, proposes loosening those zoning restrictions. The bill aims to standardize the minimum distance between cannabis stores and places like schools, treatment centers, and daycares to 500 feet. It also removes worship places from the list of protected areas.

Sussex County currently enforces a three-mile buffer, while New Castle sets a 1,000-foot limit between dispensaries and certain locations.

The measure also supports existing medical dispensaries—known as compassion centers—by allowing them to convert to recreational use and make necessary building changes. It also guarantees that indoor grow facilities can operate in industrial and agricultural zones and sets standard hours of operation for cannabis businesses.

While there was pushback from some GOP senators, especially over removing churches from the protected category and concerns about undermining local control, the bill passed the Senate with a 13-8 vote. It now moves to a House committee before heading to the floor for a final decision.

The broader marijuana industry, including entities like Green Thumb Industries Inc. (Cboe CA: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF) will be hoping that these pieces of legislation finally get the market launch back on track in Delaware.

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420 with CNW — Cannabis Industry Gears Up for a Shake-Up as ‘Gifting’ Shops Transform in D.C.

Medical cannabis dispensaries are rapidly expanding in D.C. as authorities transition former “gifting” stores into licensed operations.

In 2014, D.C. voters passed Initiative 71, which legalized recreational cannabis possession, use, and sharing among adults but prohibited direct sales. However, a loophole allowed businesses to sell non-cannabis products while including marijuana as a complimentary gift. Many consumers preferred this method to avoid being listed in a registry as medical dispensaries required patient registration.

Now these gifting shops had until the end of March to obtain a medical cannabis license or face closure. Before this transition, only eight cultivation facilities and seven dispensaries were officially licensed in D.C. after medical cannabis was legalized in 2010. However, the actual number of shops selling marijuana far exceeded this count. Regulatory enforcement has already resulted in the shutdown of 42 stores.

One such shop, Monko, previously sold items like T-shirts and pens before converting into a licensed medical cannabis dispensary. Owner Terrence White, who has been navigating the licensing process for six months, is preparing to begin legal sales.

His long-term vision includes expanding into a vertically integrated cannabis business. With an estimated customer base of 26,000 in D.C., he believes the transition levels the playing field for legal operators.

Obtaining approval to buy medical cannabis in D.C. is relatively simple as registration is open to anyone over 21, regardless of residency. Visitors can opt for a three-day medical cannabis card for $10 or a year-long card for $100.

The local cannabis industry faced challenges when Maryland expanded access to recreational marijuana in 2023, allowing former medical-only businesses to serve all adults. Many consumers preferred Maryland’s system to avoid appearing in a registry while still purchasing legally.

Unlike other jurisdictions, Washington, D.C., operates under congressional oversight, which has historically prevented local authorities from fully regulating cannabis sales. Congress has also blocked D.C. from allocating tax funds toward legalizing recreational sales.

The presence of gifting shops and competition from Maryland initially made national cannabis brands hesitant to enter the Washington, D.C. market. However, recent regulatory changes have attracted major players.

Cookies has now partnered with Alternate Solutions to establish a presence in the district, while Khalifa Kush has been collaborating with District Cannabis for over a year.

With gifting shops disappearing, licensed dispensaries anticipate better business prospects. Although D.C. is a relatively small market, serving its nearly one million residents remains a priority for cannabis businesses.

Successful companies like Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF) operating in other markets will be hoping that the reforms being instituted in D.C. result in a more vibrant marijuana industry that is better able to serve its customers.

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