DC's medical marijuana program regulates dispensary locations under DC Code Title 7, Chapter 16B and 22-C DCMR. Dispensaries must be at least 300 feet from schools, recreation centers, and youth-serving facilities. Commercial sales for recreational use remain prohibited due to Congressional interference.
DC's medical marijuana dispensary program was established by the Legalization of Marijuana for Medical Treatment Initiative (Initiative 59, later enacted as DC Law 18-210). Dispensaries must obtain a license from the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA). Zoning requirements include a 300-foot buffer from schools, recreation centers, libraries, and youth facilities. Dispensaries are permitted in commercial and mixed-use zones. Despite recreational legalization under Initiative 71, the Harris Rider (a Congressional appropriations provision) has prevented DC from establishing a commercial recreational cannabis market. Only licensed medical dispensaries may sell cannabis products.
Operating without a license or violating zoning buffers can result in license revocation, closure orders, and fines. Unauthorized commercial sales face criminal prosecution.
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See how Washington's dispensary zoning rules stack up against other locations.
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