Key Questions
Why is the D.C. Cannabis Board seeking to deny Aloha’s license?
The Board alleges that Aloha owner Saleh Salim was involved in unlicensed cannabis operations in Washington, D.C., and does not meet the character and fitness requirements necessary to hold a medical cannabis retailer license.
Who owns Aloha?
According to the application reviewed by regulators, Aloha’s license application was submitted by TK 539, LLC, and is associated with owner Saleh Salim.
What is Aloha applying for?
Aloha is seeking a medical cannabis retailer license for a location at 539 8th Street SE in Washington, D.C.
What allegations are outlined in the proposed order?
The Board cites alleged involvement in unlicensed cannabis businesses, previous enforcement actions involving businesses associated with Salim, and pending criminal charges in Virginia related to cannabis distribution and money laundering. Salim has previously denied involvement in illegal cannabis activity.
Has the D.C. Cannabis Board made a final decision?
No. The Board issued a proposed order and scheduled a qualifications hearing, giving Salim and Aloha an opportunity to present evidence before a final decision is made.
What previous cannabis enforcement actions are connected to the case?
The proposed order references enforcement actions involving Budz and Roses Dispensary and Tobacco King, both of which regulators alleged sold untested or improperly labeled cannabis products.
What could happen if the license is denied?
If the Board ultimately denies the application, Aloha would not receive a medical cannabis retailer license. The denial could also affect future cannabis license applications submitted by the applicant.
What standards must cannabis license applicants meet in Washington, D.C.?
District regulations require cannabis license applicants to demonstrate good character, honesty, and fitness to operate within the regulated medical cannabis market.
The District of Columbia Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board (ABC Board) has proposed denying a medical cannabis retailer license application filed by TK 539, LLC, doing business as Aloha, after concluding that owner Saleh Salim is unfit for licensure due to his alleged involvement in illegal cannabis operations.
In a May 6 proposed order, the Board directed Salim and the company to appear at a qualifications hearing and provide evidence demonstrating that the application should not be disqualified. The application seeks a medical cannabis retailer license for a storefront located at 539 8th Street SE in Capitol Hill.
According to the Board, Salim has a history of involvement with unlicensed cannabis businesses in the District and is currently facing criminal charges in Virginia related to cannabis distribution and money laundering. The Board stated that these allegations raise significant concerns about his character and fitness to operate a licensed cannabis business.
The proposed order references two previous enforcement actions involving businesses associated with Salim. In March 2025, District regulators issued a summary action closure against Budz and Roses Dispensary, alleging the business operated as an unlicensed cannabis retailer and sold untested and improperly labeled cannabis products. A separate enforcement action later targeted Tobacco King over allegations involving untested and improperly labeled cannabis products. Both matters were resolved through settlement agreements requiring the cessation of illegal cannabis sales and other compliance measures.
The Board also cited a February 2026 fact-finding hearing regarding the Aloha application, during which Salim denied involvement in illegal cannabis activity and attributed previous violations to former owners or employees. Board investigators subsequently obtained information from the Fairfax County Police Department concerning an ongoing criminal investigation in Virginia.
According to the proposed order, Fairfax County authorities executed search warrants in March at multiple vape shops, storage units, residences, and other locations as part of an alleged cannabis trafficking investigation. Law enforcement officials reported seizing cannabis products, mushroom-infused gummies, suspected prescription medications, more than $500,000 in cash, and freezing dozens of bank accounts. Salim was among three individuals arrested during the operation, according to the Board’s findings.
The Board said investigators were informed that charges remain pending against Salim related to the distribution of controlled substances and distribution of more than five pounds of cannabis. The proposed order also alleges that Salim was not truthful during his appearance before the Board when he denied involvement in illegal cannabis activity.
Under District cannabis regulations, applicants must demonstrate that they are of good character and fit to hold a cannabis license. The Board concluded that the evidence before it indicates Salim is not qualified for licensure and that approving the application could undermine the District’s efforts to maintain a regulated and compliant medical cannabis market.
The proposed order is not a final decision. Salim and Aloha were given an opportunity to present evidence and arguments at a qualifications hearing before the Board makes a final determination. If the Board ultimately denies the application, future applications submitted by the applicant could face additional scrutiny or summary denial under District regulations. Salim is currently appealing the decision.
