The Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA), accompanied by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), shut down two more unlicensed cannabis retailers on Mar. 10, 2025, as part of its ongoing enforcement efforts. Closure Orders were executed at Georgetown Smoke Shop and Grow Club DC, with both locations padlocked due to their alleged continued illegal operations and the perceived threat to public health and safety.

The ABC Board issued the Closure Orders, prompting MPD officers and ABCA investigators to execute search warrants at both establishments. The searches revealed a significant quantity of illegal cannabis products and other controlled substances.

At Georgetown Smoke Shop, authorities seized over three pounds of cannabis, various quantities of mushrooms and mushroom edibles, THC concentrate, THC edibles and THC resin. The business was first warned in March 2024 and then received a cease and desist in August 2024, meaning it took ABCA almost seven months to close the business.

Grow Club DC yielded more than 23 pounds of cannabis, two pounds of mushrooms, over 1800 grams of THC concentrate and nearly 500 grams of THC vape cartridges. The business received a warning from ABCA in May 2024 and a cease and desist order in August 2024. It took over half a year for ABCA to close this business after a cease and desist.

The business owners have the option to request a hearing before the ABC Board. Property owners may also be required to submit a remediation plan to prevent future illegal cannabis sales before access to their properties is restored. Additionally, each property owner faces a potential $10,000 fine.

These closures bring the total number of illegal cannabis businesses padlocked by ABCA to 36 since the implementation of Bill 25-872, the Medical Cannabis Conditional License and Unlicensed Establishment Closure Clarification Emergency Amendment Act of 2024, which granted the agency expanded civil enforcement powers.

ABCA has also issued 43 Cease and Desist Orders and 114 written warning letters to unlicensed cannabis businesses that failed to apply for a medical cannabis business license during the designated application period.

Under D.C. law, businesses with pending applications filed during the open application period are exempt from enforcement actions until March 31, 2025. ABCA also sends certified letters to property owners where illegal cannabis businesses operate, warning them of potential civil and criminal penalties if they fail to cease illegal activity.