Carr Maloney's Cannabis Legal Blog Archive

President Trump’s executive order reclassifying cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III marks a major shift in federal policy. While cannabis remains federally illegal, rescheduling could bring significant tax relief, improved research opportunities, and potential banking access for cannabis businesses. For DMV operators, this change signals progress, but also ongoing regulatory complexity.

Virginia is preparing major legislative changes to launch a regulated adult-use cannabis market. The proposal focuses on transparency, equity, and expanding opportunities for small businesses through new license types and strict oversight. If adopted, the framework could reshape cultivation, processing, and retail operations, with retail sales potentially beginning in late 2026.

The D.C. Court of Appeals denied ANC 2C and Commissioner Thomas Lee’s challenge to the approval of DC Smoke’s medical cannabis retailer license, finding the ANC lacked standing and filed too late. The Court held that ANCs cannot initiate court actions under D.C. Code § 1-309.10(g), and individual residents—not ANCs—may seek judicial review of Board decisions.

The D.C. Council has approved an emergency resolution extending conditional medical cannabis licenses for another year, giving local businesses more time to meet compliance requirements and transition to full licensure. The move comes amid record legal sales and rapid market growth, providing operators with crucial breathing room to secure financing, finalize buildouts, and strengthen D.C.’s regulated cannabis industry.

Join us at the Maryland Cannabis Mixer 2025 on May 2 in Baltimore! Network with industry leaders, explore new opportunities, and stay up to date on cannabis regulations. Proudly sponsored by Carr Maloney, P.C. — save 10% on your ticket with code CARRMALONEY10. Grab your ticket HERE and be part of Maryland’s growing cannabis movement!

Over 120 businesses in both manufacturing and cultivation categories applied for licenses last year, but not one has opened in the...

On August 29, 2023, HHS urged the DEA to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III drug, sparking debate among lawmakers over its potential abu

The New Mexico federal court preliminarily approved a class action settlement for $525,000 in a wage claim.

Under the Maryland Cannabis Reform Act, resident social equity licensees may receive financial assistance with startup capital and...

UPCOMING APPLICATION PERIODS for Cannabis Licenses in DC.

Legal battle brews as Massachusetts cannabis businesses challenge federal law's grip on intrastate commerce.

The medical cannabis business license open application period for social equity applicants in the District of Columbia starts at 9:00...

District of Columbia Deadline is October 30, 2023 The application period for D.C.’s medical cannabis business license opened on August...

Maryland officials are now accepting applications for grants to help existing medical marijuana businesses change over to dual licensees,...

Last month, a Trump appointed judge from the U.S. District Court of the Western District of Oklahoma held that the statute banning...

The D.C. Cannabis Protections Amendment Act of 2022 became law in October 2022, after it was signed by Mayor Bowser on July 13, 2022. ...

Despite the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s failure to issue regulations specific to the cannabis industry, it appears,...

On January 25, 2023, the mayor of Washington, D.C. signed The Medical Cannabis Amendment Act, making fundamental changes to D.C.’s...

As the legalization of marijuana expands, so has the unionization of "budtenders" behind the counter and in all other areas of the...

The Washington, D.C. Council has unanimously passed a bill to make extensive changes to the medical marijuana program in the District. ...