WASHINGTON, D.C. (7News) — The Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration’s (ABCA) Enforcement Division, alongside officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), executed Closure Orders at an unlicensed cannabis shop located at 60 Rhode Island Avenue NE.

Since the enactment of Bill 25-872, the Medical Cannabis Conditional License and Unlicensed Establishment Closure Clarification Emergency Amendment Act of 2024, on July 15, 2024, joint agency enforcement efforts have resulted in the padlocking of 34 illegal cannabis businesses. To date, ABCA has issued 43 Cease and Desist Orders and 114 written warning letters to illegal cannabis businesses that failed to apply for a medical cannabis business license during the open application period for unlicensed operators.

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The shop, which operated without a trade name, was shut down due to posing a “credible and imminent danger to public health and safety,” according to ABCA.

This closure on March 3 was part of a broader crackdown on illegal cannabis operations in the city. The Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis (ABC) Board issued the orders, leading to the padlocking of the business’s doors. During the operation, MPD officers and investigators from the Violent Crime Suppression Division observed illegal products, prompting the execution of a search warrant.

Investigators recovered over 18 pounds of marijuana, over 10 pounds of mushrooms, over 150 grams of mushroom edibles, over 42 grams of powdered cocaine, more than 340 grams of THC resin, and over 120 grams of THC wax.

Roger Davis III, 41, of Fort Washington, Maryland, was arrested and charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana and Possession of a Controlled Substance. Demetrius Pate, 41, of Southeast DC, was arrested and charged with Distribution of a Controlled Substance.

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The business owners have the option to request a hearing before the ABC Board. Before regaining access to the property, the owners may be required to submit a remediation plan for Board approval, detailing measures to prevent future illegal cannabis sales on the premises. The ABC Board also holds the authority to impose a $10,000 fine on each property owner.

Under DC law, unlicensed businesses with a pending application filed during the specific open application period are exempt from ABCA enforcement actions until March 31, 2025. Following a Cease and Desist Order, ABCA sends a certified letter to each property owner where an illegal cannabis business is operating, advising them of potential civil and criminal penalties for failing to cease all illegal cannabis activity immediately.