The cannabis market in Washington, DC, is growing rapidly, but not all shops are operating legally. As a consumer, it’s critical to understand where your products are coming from and ensure that you’re purchasing safe, lab-tested cannabis from licensed dispensaries like Miel Wellness.
Recently, the Alcoholic Beverage Cannabis Administration (ABCA) has been working hard to shut down illegally operating cannabis shops across the city. In fact, hundreds of unlicensed shops are currently selling products that are not tested for safety or quality. The lack of regulation at these illegal stores poses a significant risk to consumers. Here’s what you need to know about the illicit market and how to protect yourself when buying cannabis in DC.
Illegally Operating Cannabis Shops in DC
The ongoing crackdown on illegal cannabis businesses in Washington, DC, has highlighted just how widespread the problem is. According to a recent report, ABCA closed two more illegal cannabis shops due to non-compliance with regulations. These stores, along with many others across the city, were selling products that have not undergone proper lab testing to ensure they are safe for medical or recreational use.
These unregulated shops are dangerous for a few key reasons:
- Lack of Testing: Unlike licensed dispensaries, illegal cannabis shops do not test their products for harmful contaminants like pesticides, mold, or heavy metals.
- Unreliable Potency: Products sold at illegal shops may not contain the advertised THC or CBD levels, leading to unexpected effects or potential overconsumption.
- Increased Risk: In some cases, illegal shops have been found selling other illegal drugs, putting consumers in risky situations. Learn more about recent findings here.
To see which shops in DC are currently operating illegally, you can visit the ABCA joint agency inspection dashboard, which tracks closures and non-compliance issues.
Why Choose a Licensed Medical Dispensary Like Miel Wellness?
Shopping at a licensed medical dispensary offers peace of mind. At Miel Wellness, all our products are medically lab-tested for safety and potency, ensuring that you know exactly what you’re consuming. Our dispensary is one of 10 licensed medical cannabis retailers in Washington, DC, and we pride ourselves on offering safe, high-quality products. You can see the full list of licensed dispensaries in DC here.
Here’s why you should shop at Miel Wellness:
- Safe, Lab-Tested Products: Our entire selection undergoes stringent testing to ensure the highest safety and quality standards.
- 20% Off for New Customers: We offer a 20% discount to all new customers, making your first visit affordable and welcoming.
- Medical Card Assistance: If you’re a DC resident, you can get a medical cannabis card for free, and we can sign you up for one in minutes at Miel Wellness. If you’re a non-resident, we cover the cost of your medical card to make the process even easier.
With the wide availability of illegal cannabis shops, it’s important to make informed decisions about where you purchase your cannabis products. Supporting licensed dispensaries like Miel Wellness not only ensures that you’re getting high-quality, safe products, but it also supports a legal and regulated market that prioritizes consumer health and safety.
Explore Our Premium Flower Selection
At Miel Wellness, we take pride in offering a wide variety of premium, lab-tested flower strains tailored to meet the diverse needs of our medical cannabis patients. From calming indicas to uplifting sativas, our carefully curated selection provides something for everyone. Browse through our current stock below and discover the perfect strain for your wellness journey.
The Importance of Medical Cannabis Cards in DC
Obtaining a medical cannabis card is a simple process and gives you access to a range of legal, regulated cannabis products. Whether you’re a DC resident or a non-resident, we at Miel Wellness are here to help make the process quick and easy. Non-residents can also take advantage of our unique offer where we cover the cost of your medical card. This makes accessing safe and legal cannabis more affordable for everyone.
Don’t risk your health by purchasing from illegal stores that don’t adhere to proper safety standards. Visit Miel Wellness, a licensed, Latina-owned dispensary in the heart of DC, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your cannabis products are safe, legal, and of the highest quality.
For more information on illegal cannabis businesses and the latest updates on DC cannabis news, you can explore ABCA’s ongoing actions here.
