Cannabis Retail Blog / Compliance & Regulations

THCA Ban 2026: Is THCA Flower Still Legal to Sell?

By Dayna Van Buskirk on October 16, 2026

THCA flower is still considered legal hemp under federal law today, as long as its delta-9 THC concentration is 0.3 percent or less. However, on December 11, 2026, the federal THCA ban changes things. That’s when the law begins counting THCA toward total THC, and most THCA flower will …

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Are THC Drinks Legal? Federal Rules for Retailers in the US

By Dayna Van Buskirk on October 9, 2026

As of October 2026, hemp-derived THC drinks can still be sold legally under United States federal law, but two cutoff dates are coming. November 12, 2026 applies to lab-made cannabinoids such as HHC and THC-O that never occur in the cannabis plant. December 11, 2026 brings a limit of …

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Virginia Cannabis License: How to Apply, Lottery & Fees

By Jesse Wexler on October 8, 2026

Five years after the initial "legalization", Virginia lawmakers finally negotiated the retail framework directly into the 2026–2028 state budget bill (HB 30), which became law on June 29, 2026. This means cannabis businesses can now have clarity into the Virginia cannabis license rule …

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How to Catch Dispensary Theft With POS and Video

By Faai Steuer on September 8, 2026

Your monthly count comes up short again. By the time the number lands on your desk, the shift that caused it happened weeks ago, and nobody remembers who was on register during a slow Tuesday afternoon. The trail is cold. But it wasn't always. You catch dispensary theft, especially em …

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End-of-Day Compliance Close Checklist for Cannabis Dispensaries

By Faai Steuer on June 1, 2026

Clock

When you run a cannabis dispensary, having a reliable end of day compliance close checklist is as essential as having your front doors locked at night. Compliance never really clocks out - especially as laws get tweaked and regulators eye every detail. Making your nightly close proces …

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Cannabis Rescheduling to Schedule III: What Operators Must Know

By Jeff Cohen on May 29, 2026

In the cannabis industry, federal movement can feel slow — until it suddenly matters. The recent legal shift toward cannabis rescheduling to Schedule III status is one of those moments.

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Minnesota Social Equity Dispensary Operations: Policies for a Stronger Application

By Faai Steuer on May 22, 2026

Cannabis buds in black container

Curious about Minnesota social equity dispensary operations? You’re in the right place. With the industry evolving fast, understanding key policies - and the steps you need to take for a standout license application - can set your dispensary up for real, lasting success. Let’s walk th …

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Minnesota Dispensary Incident Reporting: Templates for Security and Compliance Events

By Faai Steuer on May 17, 2026

Minnesota lake

If you run a cannabis retail business in the North Star State, Minnesota dispensary incident reporting isn’t just a box to check for the Office of Cannabis Management. It’s how you keep your store’s operations strong, reliable, and prepared for whatever comes your way. With regulation …

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Product Holds and Quarantines SOP: Ensure Cannabis Compliance

By Faai Steuer on May 11, 2026

Cannabis plant in indoor grow room

If you manage a dispensary or hemp store, you already know a well-defined product holds and quarantines SOP is a must-have for your operation. It’s not just about ticking compliance boxes – it’s about keeping your team accountable, maintaining your license, and making sure your custom …

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Dispensary Cash Room Design: A Security-First Layout Checklist

By Faai Steuer on May 6, 2026

counting cash

Dispensary cash room design isn’t just another box to check - it’s a major element influencing whether your cannabis retail operation runs smoothy, stays compliant, and shrugs off audit stress. With so much business still done in cash across cannabis stores, the details around your ca …

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Dispensary Product Substitution Policy: Reduce Refunds Now

By Faai Steuer on May 3, 2026

cash being handed over

If you’re managing a cannabis dispensary, shaping a dispensary product substitution policy for online orders has moved from a nice-to-have to a must-have. Here’s the reality: as a cannabis retailer, you wrestle with unique compliance rules, especially concerning returns and refunds. U …

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Virginia Recreational Dispensaries: July 2027 Opening

By Dayna Van Buskirk on April 22, 2026

Virginia is one of the largest untapped cannabis markets in the eastern United States. With nearly 8.9 million residents, legal possession since 2021, and a pre-existing illicit market estimated at $3 billion annually, the demand is there. What has been missing is the legal retail inf …

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