Women Grow continues to elevate and unite women in the cannabis industry

Dr. Chanda Macias, CEO of Women Grow, discusses her journey from cellular biology research to leading efforts to empower women in the cannabis industry. Women Grow’s mission focuses on providing resources and opportunities for women to thrive as leaders, particularly in the face of current challenges to women’s rights and access to capital. Macias highlights the revitalized Women Grow Leadership Summit as a platform for strategizing and community support, emphasizing the importance of unity and collective action.

• Legacy DC, Hotbox, District Smoke and Cigar Lounge padlocked. 
• MPD investigations lead to recovery of synthetic cannabis and three weapons.
• ABC Board Meeting Apr. 9 at 10:30 A.M., watch, agenda.

The District of Columbia’s Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board has finalized a series of regulatory amendments for the medical cannabis industry, making several key decisions regarding licensing, testing, and patient access.

Virginia Lawmakers Reject Governor’s Attempt to Limit Medical Cannabis Delivery

The Virginia General Assembly voted to override Governor Glenn Youngkin’s amendment that sought to restrict medical cannabis delivery services. However, lawmakers upheld several of his other vetoes on cannabis-related bills.

Maryland Senate Advances Bill to Exempt Cannabis Nurseries from Sales Tax

The Maryland Senate has advanced legislation that would exempt cannabis nurseries from state sales tax. Supporters say the move would lower entry barriers for small growers and bolster the local supply chain. 

• Hagerstown considers zoning regulations for cannabis businesses

• Caroline county plans to open first cannabis dispensary this summer
• Maryland bill allowing adults To Make cannabis edibles and concentrates at home 

ICYMI:41 unlicensed stores enter legal market, doubling D.C.’s medical dispensaries

Jonathan Brau, a New York man whose sentence was commuted by former President Trump for cannabis-related offenses has been charged with violating terms of his supervised release.

The rollout of Delaware’s recreational cannabis program is being pushed back due to complications with FBI background check requirements for license applicants. Officials expect months of delays.x

A Massachusetts cannabis company is suing the city of Holyoke, demanding a refund for $290,000 in host community payments. The suit claims the city failed to justify the fees, raising broader questions about local oversight.

A new bipartisan bill in Pennsylvania aims to establish an adult-use cannabis farmer-grower license, offering small farmers and entrepreneurs a chance to participate in the industry. 

A new poll shows most Pennsylvania voters support adult-use cannabis legalization, and they’d rather buy it from private retailers than through a state-run system.

In a bold 4/20 campaign, Puff Cannabis Co. and Jeeter are offering three winners free cannabis for life. The sweepstakes coincides with promotional events and dispensary giveaways. 

Multi-state cannabis operator Standard Wellness announced it has closed a $14 million financing deal with AFC Gamma, retiring previous debt and positioning the company for expansion.

A Democratic lawmaker introduced a bill requiring drug testing for special government employees and advisors, referencing Elon Musk and raising questions about cannabis use among politically connected figures.

Oklahoma lawmakers and regulators are calling for stricter rules on cannabis cultivation, including capping grow licenses and increasing inspections, as the state grapples with overproduction and illicit market concerns.

Oregon spent millions cracking down on illicit cannabis operations, yet state officials admit they can’t definitively say whether enforcement efforts are working.

Police in Rhode Island are investigating the death of a 27-year-old woman who reportedly overdosed after smoking cannabis laced with fentanyl. The incident renews safety concerns around unregulated products.

Law enforcement in California seized over 500 pounds of cannabis and psychedelic mushrooms in a large-scale raid, underscoring continued federal and local enforcement actions.

Over 60 workers at a Washington cannabis company voted to unionize and secured a contract through the United Food and Commercial Workers. The agreement includes higher wages, job security provisions, and cannabis-specific safety policies.

A House committee invited a hemp industry expert to testify about the FDA’s failure to regulate hemp-derived products. Lawmakers are increasingly concerned about unregulated cannabinoids like delta-8 THC. 

Records from the New Jersey Bar show that Aarathi D. Haig — a DEA attorney involved in the agency’s disputed handling of MMJ Biopharma Cultivation’s cannabis research application — is currently not in good standing with the state bar.

The Department of Veterans Affairs will establish new “Centers of Excellence” focused on psychedelic-assisted and cannabis-based treatments for veterans with PTSD and other mental health conditions. The centers aim to expand clinical access and research into medical cannabis as part of a broader shift in veteran care. 

A senior White House official confirmed that there are currently no plans for executive-level action on cannabis reform, including rescheduling or broader legalization, despite ongoing public and industry pressure.Congressman Ruben Gallegosays he’s ready to push forward cannabis reform efforts in Congress, noting that voters in his home state of Arizona and nationwide want clear federal cannabis policy changes.