Washington D.C. Cannabis ‘Gifting’ Businesses May Obtain Medical Cannabis License

Washington, D.C. businesses with a history of “gifting” cannabis will be allowed to obtain a medical cannabis license under a law that took effect in the District late last month, WTOP News reports. There are currently over 100 shops in D.C. that sell items at inflated prices and include cannabis equal to the purchase price, the report says.

The law also expands the types of licenses that retailers may apply for, including internet retailer and a courier license for cannabis deliveries, as well as “safe-use facility endorsement” to allow events, such as tasting or sampling events, cannabis-based cooking classes, and summer garden events that allow sales in private outdoor spaces.

The law sets aside at least 50% of the new cannabis licenses for social equity applicants. Retailers have 90 days to apply for a license and civil enforcement of the new licensing program won’t begin for 315 days, the report says.

In August, the city council approved a law to allow DC residents 21-and-older to self-certify for medical cannabis, providing them immediate access to medical cannabis. Adult-use cannabis is legal in D.C.; however, adult-use sales have been blocked by a rider in the congressional budget prohibiting local officials from spending funds on setting up the industry. D.C.’s budget is set forth by Congress.

The bill also changed the name of the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration to the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA).