Washington DC’s crackdown on illegal cannabis businesses continues, as the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA), in conjunction with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), shut down two more unlicensed shops on October 10, 2024. The closure of Dreams Smoke Shop at 2335 18th Street NW and In the Cut at 1460 Park Road NW marks a significant moment in the city’s efforts to clean up unregulated cannabis sales.
These closures are part of a broader enforcement action, targeting businesses that operate without proper licenses and ignore Cease and Desist Orders issued by the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis (ABC) Board. This ongoing initiative aims to protect public health and safety by ensuring that cannabis retailers adhere to DC’s strict licensing requirements.
ABCA’s Enforcement Action and MPD Collaboration
On October 10, ABCA’s Enforcement Division and MPD’s Violent Crime Suppression Division padlocked both businesses, citing imminent threats to public safety. During the closures, investigators uncovered illegal cannabis products at both locations.
At Dreams Smoke and Gifts, investigators recovered:
- 3.6 lbs. of marijuana
- 5.7 lbs. of THC-laced edibles
- 4.6 lbs. of THC vape cartridges
- Entheogenic plants (mushrooms)
Although no arrests were made at Dreams Smoke and Gifts, the investigation is ongoing.
At In the Cut, investigators seized:
- 4.4 lbs. of marijuana
- 4 grams of THC-laced edibles
- 2.5 ml of liquid THC
- 30 grams of entheogenic plants (mushrooms)
- A Glock 42 handgun and ammunition
The owner was arrested at the scene and charged with multiple offenses, including Possession with Intent to Distribute while Armed, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Contempt of Court.
Power Night Club Faces Alcohol License Suspension
In a separate action on October 8, the ABC Board issued a summary closure and suspension of the alcohol license for Power Night Club at 2335 Bladensburg Road NE. This followed a prior 96-hour closure ordered by MPD Chief of Police Pamela A. Smith after MPD recovered a substantial cache of illegal cannabis products and firearms during a raid on October 3.
The seizure included:
- 62 lbs. of cannabis
- 111 jars of THC waxes
- 308 THC edibles
- Three firearms
The owners of Power Night Club have the right to request a hearing before the ABC Board. If the Board allows the reopening of the establishment, they may require a remediation plan to prevent future illegal cannabis sales on the premises. Additionally, the property owners face potential fines of up to $10,000 per violation.
The Larger Impact of Bill 25-872
The recent closures are part of a larger initiative following the passage of Bill 25-872, the Medical Cannabis Conditional License and Unlicensed Establishment Closure Clarification Emergency Amendment Act of 2024, which took effect on July 15, 2024. The new law provides ABCA with enhanced civil enforcement powers, enabling the agency to padlock illegal cannabis businesses operating without licenses.
To date, ABCA has:
- Issued 26 Cease and Desist Orders
- Delivered 84 written warnings to businesses that failed to apply for a medical cannabis license during the open application period for unlicensed operators
These enforcement actions highlight the city’s efforts to bring the unregulated cannabis market under control, promoting safe access to medical cannabis while protecting public health.
Legal Cannabis Operators Stay Vigilant
The closure of these illegal businesses sends a strong message to unlicensed cannabis retailers across Washington, DC. With the support of local law enforcement, ABCA is actively working to ensure that only licensed operators are allowed to sell cannabis products, making the market safer for consumers.
While ABCA continues its enforcement efforts, licensed medical cannabis dispensaries, like Miel Wellness, offer safe, lab-tested products for customers. The crackdown on illegal operations underscores the importance of choosing licensed businesses, ensuring quality control, and complying with local laws.
For questions about medical cannabis licensing and enforcement, you can contact ABCA at ABCA.media@dc.gov. For details about illegal product seizures and arrests, reach out to MPD at mpd.press@dc.gov.
