Popular local dispensary Happy Camper recently expanded to Echo Hills.

Why it matters: This marks the fourth location for owner Michael Angelicola, who is pushing forward despite the looming THC ban that's threatening the industry.

State of play: A federal ban is expected to take effect in November that would ban the sale of products containing more than 0.4 milligrams of THC per container.

• Angelicola notes that there has been some version of hemp threats for years, so uncertainty has come with the territory.
• "This is the closest we've ever been to ... something signed on paper. But every year this is a conversation," he said.

Yes, but: New dispensaries are still popping up in North Carolina, and entrepreneurs like Angelicola are now getting involved to lobby against the bill.

• Happy Camper is working with nonprofit organization Cultivating Breakthrough in Healthy Development (CBHD) to advocate for regulation rather than eliminating the industry entirely.

Where to toke up

💼 See who's hiring around the city.

1. Learning Support Specialist (Grades 5-8) at Charlotte Preparatory School.
2. Bridal Boutique Manager (Full-time) at Savvy Bride Boutique.
3. Administrative Assistant, Office of Academic Affairs at Queens University of Charlotte.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring? Post a job.

Thrift Pony is expanding to LoSo tomorrow to a massive pink building that's hard to miss.

Why it matters: The popular Charlotte resale shop is growing its footprint with a standalone building twice the size of its Camp North End store.

What to expect: Colorful racks of vintage and secondhand pieces, with everything from denim and cowboy boots to streetwear and vintage tees.

• The second floor will be used as an event space for comedy shows, yoga classes and markets.

If you go: The first 50 people in line at the grand opening will get a free blueberry hand pie in honor of Pi Day.

• Local businesses will pop up during the grand opening, including Pertinacious Coffee and live doodle portraits by a local artist.

How consignment appointments work

Today, coffee creamer company Too Good & Co. will serve free coffee at Romare Bearden Park in Uptown from 8am-2pm.

Charlotte immigration raids cost Manolo's Bakery more than $50,000 in lost business, according to a lawsuit alleging federal agents detained or assaulted U.S. citizens and a visa holder without warrants. (Observer 🔐)

A proposed data center in east Charlotte is prompting residents and leaders to debate which rules and restrictions should apply to future facilities. (WCNC)

Homebuilder M/I Homes is planning two Charlotte-region projects totaling more than 280 residences, including developments in Concord and Hickory. (CBJ 🔐)

Two oak trees at Freedom Park are slated for removal as part of a pond restoration project. (WSOC)

This week's hot homes range from a cozy starter with a big backyard to a walkable Chantilly home near the restaurants and bars of Elizabeth and Plaza Midwood.

Zoom in: The house pictured above, for example, is 919 square feet on a .32 acre lot.

• It has two bedrooms, one bathroom, an open floor plan, a fireplace, wood floors and a large fenced-in yard.
• It's listed for $299,000 in Hickory Ridge.

More hot homes

📅See what's going on around the city.

• Charlotte Checkers St. Patrick's Day Game at Bojangles Coliseum tomorrow: Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with the Checkers. A package including a ticket and themed t-shirt is available now. $29+.
• Charlotte FC vs. Inter Miami CF at Bank of America Stadium tomorrow: Charlotte FC defends The Fortress against Inter Miami on March 14. Arrive early to score a limited-edition crown hat, presented by Atrium Health. $82+.
• ReStore Sunday Scavenger Hunt at All Charlotte Region ReStore Locations Sun: To celebrate St. Patrick's Day, they are hiding three leprechaun hats in all seven Charlotte Region ReStore locations. Find a leprechaun hat, bring it to checkout and win a gift card.
• Queen City Performing Arts Presents: Mamma Mia! at Galilee Center March 19-21: The Gay Men's Chorus of Charlotte and the Women's Chorus of Charlotte are joining forces for the ultimate feel-good event of the season. Use code BGS7AX to save $5 off every ticket purchased.
• Shameless Improv Comedy at The Comedy Club at Duckworth's March 18: Charlotte's best comedy show. An unscripted comedy experience where the audience drives the chaos. Sharp riffs, wild surprises, and the kind of laughs that turn a random Wednesday into a core memory. $10.
• Dive in: Charlotte's Real Estate Market at Room Service March 19: Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or looking to find your next investment, grab a drink with the Axios Charlotte team and dive into the latest real estate market updates.
• South Charlotte-Pineville Business Expo at Carolina Place Mall March 19: The Expo is an opportunity to explore the best local businesses. Meet local professionals, discover new services, health, technology, retail, and more. Enjoy giveaways and make meaningful connections.
• QC Unleashed March Madness Watch Party with The Carolina Ascent at HopFly Brewing Co. March 20: Watch the Men's and Women's Tournaments with the Ascent Soccer Team. There will be free drinks for the first 100 people, free raffles, and food. Bring a friend for a great time.
• Encanto in Concert at Belk Theater March 20-21: See Disney's Academy Award®-winning movie on the big screen as the Charlotte Symphony performs the vibrant, Latin-infused score live, bringing the film's heart, humor, and unforgettable songs to life. $30+.
• Enterprise Leadership - One Day Workshop at The Pearl, March 27: Ideal for experienced professionals to refine their leadership skills and to deepen awareness of the department's functions, strategies, and actions for collective organizational purpose. $995.

Want more things to do? Check out our Event Board.

Hosting? Purchase an Event Listing.

Charlotte singles will be featured on two new reality dating shows premiering this month on Netflix and Hulu.

Why it matters: Dating in Charlotte appears to really be that bad. It's no surprise singles here keep outsourcing their matchmaking to the national spotlight.

Driving the news: Netflix's "Age of Attraction" and Hulu's "Love Overboard" both feature Charlotte contestants searching for love on camera.

• "Age of Attraction" explores whether relationships can work across major age gaps. Tiffany, a Charlotte-based life coach, is among the 20 singles.
• "Love Overboard" unfolds on a luxury yacht where contestants compete for access to amenities while forming romantic connections. Charlotte contestant Lo, 29, joins singles from the U.S. and abroad.

What's next: "Age of Attraction" episodes 1-5 are available on Netflix.

• "Love Overboard" premieres Sunday, March 22, at 10pm on ABC.

It’s finally warming up' and we're ready to be outside. We just refreshed our patio guide to include the 40 best in the city. Here's a taste:

🍽️ Artisan's Palate: The woman-owned NoDa restaurant and art gallery has two patios: one out front that stays connected to the main dining room energy, and a quieter one tucked in back.

🍷 Dilworth Tasting Room: This popular wine bar's original location in Dilworth has an enchanting back patio that feels like an escape from the city — except it's less than two miles from Uptown.

• Its Plaza Midwood and SouthPark locations have patios, too.

🍻 Monday Night Brewing Garden Co.: In line with its nickname, the outside of Garden Co. has a beer garden feel, complete with numerous picnic tables and fire pits. The South End brewery is dog- and kid-friendly, too.

Full patio guide