Washington D.C. is moving to expand options for medical cannabis patients with proposed legislation, the “Medical Cannabis Retailer Craft Preparation Endorsement Amendment Act of 2025.” This act aims to create a new “craft preparation endorsement” allowing licensed medical cannabis retailers to prepare certain products on-site.
Under the proposed amendment, retailers with this endorsement could create baked goods, beverages, chocolates and other edibles, as well as topical products like lotions and soaps and pre-rolls. These products must be made from cannabis oil, butter or other materials sourced from licensed manufacturers or cultivation centers, and adhere to strict testing, packaging, and labeling requirements.
Notably, the legislation prohibits the extraction of cannabinoids, the use of butane or explosive gasses, and the preparation of transdermal patches. It also limits the amount of floor space and cannabis material retailers can dedicate to preparation, ensuring a focus on smaller-scale, craft production.
The “Craft Preparation Endorsement” is designed to enhance product variety and accessibility for qualifying patients and caregivers, allowing them to purchase directly from retailers or through delivery services. However, these specially prepared products cannot be wholesaled or distributed to other retailers, maintaining a patient-focused model for craft preparations. The bill requires a 30-day congressional review period after mayoral approval.
It is not clear when the council will vote on passing the bill. It was referred to the Committee on Business and Economic Development on June 3, 2025.
