In a much-anticipated development, the third licensing round for D.C.’s expanded medical cannabis program officially kicked off last week, as highlighted by reporter LJ Dawson for The Outlaw Report. The Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Board reported receiving a total of 20 applications for retail licenses and one application for an internet retailer license on the very first day of the application period.
This licensing round aims to address the longstanding issue of unlicensed operators, including the various “weed-gifting” shops that have operated throughout the city. These shops have ranged from legitimate retail stores that gifted cannabis products after the purchase of other items to out-of-state operators setting up temporary shops to distribute illicit market products without adhering to any gifting protocol.
Key points applicants need to know:
Location: Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, but shops cannot be within 400 feet of an existing retailer, which could be a deciding factor in obtaining a license. Social equity: The application process includes both social equity and standard licenses. Unregulated shops can still apply for an equity retail license during this period if they were operating in 2022 and can provide evidence. New retailer social equity applications will