The Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) closed more four cannabis retailers in Washington, D.C., citing illegal sales and violations that posed an imminent danger to public health and safety. The actions were taken under the Medical Cannabis Conditional License and Unlicensed Establishment Closure Clarification Emergency Amendment Act of 2024, which expanded ABCA’s civil enforcement authority last year.
On September 10, 2025, closure orders were executed at Chocolate City Wellness (1723 Connecticut Avenue NW) and a Citgo Gas Station (2300 Pennsylvania Avenue SE). At Chocolate City Wellness which is a legally licensed medical business, officials seized approximately 4.8 pounds of cannabis, 10.64 grams of mushroom edibles, 9,158.1 grams of THC concentrate, 16,329.33 grams of THC edibles and 122.5 grams of THC vapes, along with $4,748 in cash. Two individuals from Oxon Hill, Maryland were arrested. At the Citgo Gas Station, enforcement teams recovered 1.7 pounds of cannabis and $2,784.01 in cash.
Last week as well, enforcement actions were taken against Shiva Tobacco (2438 18th Street NW) and District Smoke and Cigar Lounge (3236 Prospect Street NW), both unlicensed establishments. At Shiva Tobacco, authorities seized 1.7 pounds of cannabis, 222.8 grams of mushroom edibles, 7.4 grams of THC edibles, 264 grams of THC vapes and $1,598 in cash. At District Smoke and Cigar Lounge, officials confiscated 0.5 ounces of cannabis, 3.5 grams of mushrooms, 5 grams of THC edibles, 4 grams of THC vapes, and $79 in cash. One individual from Brentwood, Maryland was arrested.
Since July 15, 2024, when the emergency legislation took effect, joint ABCA and MPD enforcement operations have resulted in the closure of more than 70 unlicensed cannabis businesses across the District.
