Late last week, the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) Enforcement Division, in collaboration with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), executed Closure Orders on two unlicensed cannabis retailers in Northwest D.C.
The businesses, District Tobacco Shop located at 2626 Georgia Avenue NW and Green Department at 2720 Georgia Avenue NW, were ordered closed due to their continued operation as unlicensed cannabis retailers. This action was taken in response to the businesses posing a credible and imminent danger to public health and safety, according to ABCA’s press release.
During the closures, which included padlocking the doors, MPD officers and ABCA investigators observed illegal products. Subsequent searches at both establishments yielded significant amounts of cannabis, THC-infused products and other illegal substances.
- District Tobacco Shop: Investigators recovered over 5 lbs of cannabis, 105 grams of THC hookah filing, almost 2 lbs of THC-laced edibles and 2 grams of THC oil.
- Green Department: Investigators recovered 8.9 lbs. of cannabis.
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.
Increased Enforcement Efforts
These closures are part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal cannabis activity in the District. Since the passage of Bill 25-872, which granted the agency with new civil enforcement powers on July 15, 2024, ABCA has padlocked nineteen (19) illegal cannabis businesses.
To date, ABCA has issued 41 Cease and Desist Orders and 97 written warning letters to unlicensed cannabis businesses that did not apply for medical licenses.
Businesses that applied for a medical cannabis business license during the designated open application period were exempt from ABCA enforcement actions until September 30, 2024, or within 180 days of Board approval, whichever is later.
The unlicensed cannabis tracker generated by ABCA has not been updated since Dec. 19, 2024, according to their website.
