The Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) \shut down three more unlicensed cannabis retailers in the District last week.
On January 22, 2025, enforcement teams executed Closure Orders on Friends Smoke Shop (1223 Pennsylvania Avenue SE), The Garden DC (1541 New Jersey Avenue NW) and Hidden Gym (1508 14th Street NW). ABCA found that the businesses were operating illegally, posing a significant risk to public health and safety, according to the agency press release.
During the closures, which included padlocking the doors, authorities observed and seized a substantial amount of illegal cannabis products, including flower, THC-infused edibles, vape cartridges and other prohibited substances. The following was confiscated from each shop:
- Friends Smoke Shop: 1.4 lbs. of marijuana, 42 grams of THC vape cartridges, and 92 grams of mushroom-infused products were recovered.
- The Garden DC: Over 13 lbs. of marijuana, 256 grams of THC-laced edibles, 17 grams of THC capsules, 194 grams of THC vape cartridges, and 79 grams of entheogenic mushrooms were found.
- Hidden Gym: Authorities discovered 20 lbs. of marijuana, 1.5 lbs. of THC-laced edibles, and nearly 240 grams of THC vape cartridges.
The business owners have the right to request a hearing before the ABC Board. However, before regaining access to their properties, the property owners may be required to submit a remediation plan to the Board, outlining how they will prevent future illegal cannabis sales on the premises. The ABC Board also has the authority to issue a $10,000 fine to each property owner.
These closures are part of ongoing efforts to combat the illegal sale of cannabis in the District. Since July 15, 2024, when new civil enforcement powers were granted to ABCA, authorities have padlocked 22 unlicensed cannabis businesses. ABCA has also issued 43 Cease and Desist Orders and 98 written warning letters to unlicensed cannabis businesses.
The agency tracker reported 48 total shops have closed as of last week.
