WASHINGTON — In the latest crackdown on illegal cannabis operations in the District, the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) shut down District Smoke and Cigar Lounge in Georgetown on March 27. The lounge, located at 3236 Prospect Street NW, was padlocked after authorities determined it was operating as an unlicensed cannabis retailer.

The closure is part of an aggressive citywide effort to stamp out unlicensed cannabis businesses that pose a “credible and imminent danger to public health and safety.” The ABCA Board issued the closure orders, and ABCA officers, joined by MPD’s Violent Crime Suppression Division, executed the shutdown. During the operation, investigators observed illegal products on the premises, prompting them to obtain and execute a search warrant.

Authorities recovered a staggering amount of illicit substances from the establishment including:

• Over 9 pounds of marijuana

• Over 9 pounds of THC edibles

• More than 8 pounds of mushroom edibles

• 116 grams of mushrooms

• 325 grams of THC resin

• Over 701 grams of THC wax

The business owners now face the possibility of a $10,000 fine per property owner and must submit a remediation plan to prevent future illegal cannabis sales if they seek to regain access to the premises. Additionally, they may request a hearing before the ABC Board to contest the closure.

This latest enforcement action marks the 43rd illegal cannabis business padlocked by the District since the Medical Cannabis Conditional License and Unlicensed Establishment Closure Clarification Emergency Amendment Act of 2024 took effect on July 15, 2024. The law granted ABCA new civil enforcement powers, allowing it to target illegal cannabis operations more effectively.

So far, ABCA has issued 43 Cease and Desist Orders and sent 114 written warnings to businesses that failed to apply for a medical cannabis license during the designated open application period. Per D.C. law, unlicensed businesses that submitted applications during that period are exempt from enforcement until March 31, 2025.

As part of the enforcement process, ABCA also notifies property owners where illegal cannabis businesses operate, warning them that they could face civil and criminal penalties if illegal activities continue on their premises.