WASHINGTON — The District’s campaign to shut down unlicensed cannabis operations reached a new milestone this week with the closure of two more storefronts on H Street NE. The latest actions bring the total number of padlocked shops to 53 since emergency legislation granted city officials new enforcement powers in mid-2024.

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On May 8, the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA), with support from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Violent Crime Suppression Division, served closure orders at Pot Paradise (521 H Street NE) and H & Vape Smoke Shop (1374 H Street NE). Officials cited both businesses for operating without the required cannabis retailer licenses—a violation of D.C. Code § 7–1671.06, which governs legal cannabis sales in the District.

According to ABCA, the closures were carried out under the authority of the “Medical Cannabis Conditional License and Unlicensed Establishment Closure Clarification Emergency Amendment Act of 2024,” which went into effect on July 15, 2024. The law permits the agency to padlock storefronts posing an “imminent danger to public health and safety” without needing a prior hearing.

While executing the closure orders, MPD officers observed what they described as illegal cannabis products at both locations. Search warrants were then obtained and executed on-site.

At Pot Paradise, investigators seized nearly one pound of marijuana, more than three-quarters of a pound of THC-infused edibles, over a pound of mushroom edibles, and more than 90,000 grams of THC vape products.

At H & Vape Smoke Shop, police recovered nearly one pound of marijuana, and 94 grams of THC vapes.

Both business owners may request a hearing before the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board. However, the Board may require a remediation plan—outlining how each property owner will prevent future unlicensed cannabis activity—before allowing access to the premises again. Property owners also face potential civil fines of up to $10,000 per location under the District’s cannabis enforcement policies.

D.C. Code § 7–1671.06a also outlines procedures for conditional licensing of cannabis businesses. City officials have repeatedly encouraged unlicensed operators to apply during the designated open application periods to transition into legal compliance.

The dual closures mark the continuation of an aggressive citywide enforcement strategy aimed at pushing the cannabis industry toward a regulated framework while protecting public health. ABCA says it will continue monitoring retail activity and initiating enforcement when warranted.

For questions about licensing and compliance, contact ABCA at ABCA.media@dc.gov. For information about product seizures or related arrests, reach MPD at mpd.press@dc.gov.