Joint Cannabis Task Force to Begin Inspections of Unlicensed Cannabis Businesses in September

August 5, 2022, Washington, DC – After a 30-day grace period, a “Joint Cannabis Task Force” consisting of various District government agencies will be visiting operating businesses to verify compliance with District of Columbia legal requirements. District law requires businesses to abide by the regulatory requirements of DC Health, the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA), the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (FEMS), and the Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR). 

District law requires the following: 

  • DC Health—Edibles and other manufactured products being offered by businesses to customers must be approved by DC Health; businesses also must be in compliance with DC food safety and hygiene laws

  • DCRA—Businesses operating in the District must be registered with DCRA; businesses also must be in compliance with the District’s general business requirements such as having the proper business license and Certificate of Occupancy

  • FEMS—Businesses must be in compliance with DC fire code regulations such as having a clear path of egress for customers and having properly working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

  • OTR—Businesses must register with OTR and pay taxes in DC

In addition to the requirements above, only dispensaries licensed by the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) may sell cannabis in DC. Seven cannabis dispensaries are currently licensed to operate in DC.

Joint agency inspections will take place unannounced after the 30-day grace period to verify the compliance of operating businesses with legal requirements. Businesses in violation may be subject to a fine or other enforcement action permitted by the statutory authority of each respective enforcement agency.

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