The Washington D.C. Council has passed the Medical Cannabis Clarification Amendment Act (Council Bill 25-581), a notable update to the District’s medical cannabis framework.
The bill, approved by the full council earlier this month, was officially presented to Mayor Muriel Bowser’s today. Mayor Bowser now faces a deadline of October 31 to either sign it into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without a signature.
The proposed law would enhance enforcement measures against unlicensed cannabis businesses. Beginning in 2024, unlicensed establishments could face escalating fines starting at $10,000 for a first violation and increasing to $30,000 for subsequent offenses. The first $100,000 in collected fines will be deposited into the Litigation Support Fund, with additional revenue directed to the Medical Cannabis Social Equity Fund. The Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) is also granted new authority to issue cease-and-desist orders and close businesses that pose a threat to public safety.
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