The DC Medical Cannabis Amendment Act of 2022 created a social equity license tier reserving slots for residents with prior cannabis convictions or who lived in designated disproportionately impacted areas for at least five years.
Under DC Code 7-1671.06a, ABCA reserves at least half of new dispensary, cultivation center, courier, and internet retailer licenses for social equity applicants. Qualifying applicants must have a prior DC cannabis arrest or conviction, an income below 200% of area median, or five years residency in a Ward where cannabis arrests historically exceeded the citywide rate. Application fees are reduced 75%, and ABCA provides technical assistance grants. Conditional licenses give equity applicants twelve months to secure premises before full licensure.
Misrepresenting social equity status, transferring an equity license to a non-qualifying owner within five years, or violating the residency attestation can trigger license revocation and disgorgement of fees.
Washington, DC
Licensed DC medical cannabis dispensaries and cultivation centers must sit at least 300 feet from any pre-K, elementary, or secondary school, and may not clu...
Washington, DC
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 s...
See how Washington's social equity licensing rules stack up against other locations.
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