On Dec. 17, 2024, the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) executed closure orders on two unlicensed cannabis businesses operating in the District.
Nomad Smoke Shop at 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE and Promoco DC at 1813 18th Street NW were both shuttered due to their continued illegal operations, despite previous cease and desist orders, according to an ABCA press release.
Authorities seized 36 lbs of cannabis, over two pounds of cocaine, more than two pounds of methamphetamine, over 22 lbs of THC wax, 860 grams of THC liquid and over six pounds of mushrooms from Nomad Smoke Shop.
A firearm was also recovered from Nomad Smoke Shop, leading to the arrest of 30-year-old Jordan Payne on charges of possession with intent to distribute and an unregistered firearm.
However Promoco’s padlocking resulted in a mere 1.9 grams of cannabis recovered. Nomad Smoke Shop is the first padlocking operation in 2024 resulting in the discovery of more serious drugs like meth and cocaine.
ABCA’s increased enforcement efforts, empowered by the Medical Cannabis Conditional License and Unlicensed Establishment Closure Clarification Emergency Amendment Act of 2024, have resulted in the closure of sixteen illegal cannabis businesses since July 15, 2024.
The agency has issued 40 cease and desist orders and 96 warning letters to unlicensed cannabis businesses that did not apply for a medical cannabis business license during the designated application period.
Property owners of locations housing illegal cannabis businesses may face civil and criminal penalties if they fail to take immediate action to cease such activities.
