Marijuana Retail Dispensary Regulations in Washington D.C.

What Are The Requirements For Obtaining A License To Operate A Marijuana Retail Dispensary in Washington D.C.?

In order to obtain a license to operate a marijuana retail dispensary in Washington D.C., applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Must be at least 21 years of age.

2. Must be a resident of the District of Columbia for no less than six months prior to submitting an application for licensure.

3. Must have a valid business license from the District of Columbia Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA).

4. Must complete an application and submit it to the Alcoholic Beverages Regulation Administration (ABRA).

5. Must pay the applicable application fee, which is currently set at $5,000.

6. Must submit fingerprints and undergo a background check conducted by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

7. Must provide proof that the proposed dispensary location is in compliance with all local zoning laws and regulations.

8. Must demonstrate knowledge of marijuana laws and regulations, responsible retail operations, security and safety, and other related issues.

Are There Limitations On The Number Of Marijuana Retail Dispensary Licenses Issued in Washington D.C.?

Yes, there are limitations on the number of marijuana retail dispensary licenses issued in Washington D.C. The number of licenses that can be issued is capped at 10 per ward, with a maximum of 70 licenses total in the entire city.

What Zoning Restrictions Or Location Requirements Apply To Marijuana Dispensaries in Washington D.C.?

Marijuana dispensaries in Washington D.C. are subject to zoning restrictions and must be located a minimum distance of 300 feet from schools, playgrounds, parks, recreation centers, libraries, public housing, and certain other restricted areas. Dispensaries must also be located at least 1,000 feet from another dispensary. The District of Columbia also requires that dispensaries be located in commercial or industrial zones and have their own separate entrance. Additionally, the premises must not exceed 1,500 square feet in total size and a special exception permit is required from the local zoning commission. To obtain a special exception permit, potential dispensary owners must go through a public hearing process in front of the Board of Zoning Adjustment.

What Types Of Marijuana Products Can Be Sold In Retail Dispensaries in Washington D.C.?

Retail dispensaries in Washington, D.C. are allowed to sell marijuana flower, edibles, concentrates, topicals, and tinctures. Retail dispensaries are also allowed to sell cannabis-related paraphernalia, such as pipes, vaporizers, rolling papers, and grinders.

Are There Specific Labeling And Packaging Requirements For Marijuana Products in Washington D.C.?

Yes, there are specific labeling and packaging requirements for marijuana products in Washington D.C. All marijuana products must be labeled with the following information: the name of the product, the net weight or volume of the product, the strain name or type of marijuana, the percentage of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids, the name and address of the producer/processor, a universal symbol indicating that the product contains marijuana, a statement indicating that the product is for adult use only, a statement indicating that consuming marijuana can impair your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery, and a statement indicating that marijuana should be kept out of reach of children. Additionally, marijuana products must be packaged in child-resistant packaging that is at least opaque and must not resemble packaging commonly used for candy or other edible products.

How Are Marijuana Prices Determined And Regulated in Washington D.C.?

Marijuana prices in Washington D.C. are determined and regulated by the District of Columbia Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA). In order to legally purchase marijuana in D.C., customers must be 21 years old or older and provide valid ID. Prices vary by retailer and products, but generally range from $8-15 per gram. Additionally, ABRA sets a maximum limit on the amount of marijuana that can be purchased or possessed at any given time. Currently, the limit is two ounces (56.7 grams). For medical patients, the purchase limit is four ounces (113.4 grams). All marijuana products sold in D.C. are subject to a 17% excise tax.

What Are The Security And Surveillance Requirements For Marijuana Dispensaries in Washington D.C.?

In Washington D.C., marijuana dispensaries must meet security and surveillance requirements as outlined in the District of Columbia’s Medical Marijuana Act of 2010. These requirements include:

• The premises must have security cameras that record a minimum of 24 hours per day.
• Security personnel must be present during operating hours.
• Access to the premises must be restricted to authorized personnel only.
• All customers must check in and out of the premises using a point-of-sale system.
• All transactions must be monitored by security personnel and recorded on video.
• The premises must be equipped with an alarm system that is capable of transferring a signal to an alarm monitoring station.
• All marijuana products must be stored in a secure area that is monitored by security personnel.
• All marijuana products must be stored in accordance with state laws and regulations.

Are There Restrictions On Advertising And Marketing Of Marijuana Products in Washington D.C.?

Yes, there are restrictions on advertising and marketing of marijuana products in Washington D.C. Marijuana may not be advertised or promoted in any medium that can be accessed by persons under 21 years of age. Additionally, advertising and marketing must not be false or misleading, and must not contain any health or safety claims. Advertising and marketing must also comply with any additional restrictions set forth by the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration.

What Is The Minimum Age Requirement For Entering A Marijuana Dispensary in Washington D.C.?

The minimum age requirement for entering a marijuana dispensary in Washington D.C. is 21 years of age.

Are There Restrictions On The Hours Of Operation For Marijuana Dispensaries in Washington D.C.?

Yes, there are restrictions on the hours of operation for marijuana dispensaries in Washington D.C. The dispensaries are allowed to operate between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm seven days a week.

What Are The Tax Implications For Marijuana Retail Sales in Washington D.C.?

In Washington D.C., businesses that engage in the retail sale of marijuana are taxed at a rate of 17% of the gross receipts from such sales. This rate is applied on a monthly basis, and businesses are required to file and remit taxes electronically within five days of the end of each month. Additionally, business owners must pay an annual renewal fee of $7,500 for a three-year license renewal period. As with all business activities, business owners must also pay applicable federal taxes.

How Are Marijuana Dispensaries Monitored And Inspected For Compliance in Washington D.C.?

In Washington D.C., marijuana dispensaries are monitored and inspected for compliance by the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA). ABRA is responsible for regulating the sales, distribution, and possession of marijuana in the District. They conduct routine inspections of dispensaries to ensure they are following all laws, regulations, and best practices. Additionally, they review the security measures that the dispensary has in place in order to ensure that all customers and employees are safe.

What Training And Certification Requirements Apply To Dispensary Staff in Washington D.C.?

In order to work at a dispensary in Washington D.C., all staff members (including dispensary agents/budtenders) must complete the District’s Mandatory Training Program, which includes a minimum of 8 hours of training on topics such as public health and safety, product knowledge, responsible retail practices, and cannabis laws and regulations. Additionally, all dispensary employees must obtain a badge from the District’s Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA). The ABRA badge must be renewed annually and employees must also pass a criminal background check.

Are There Specific Requirements For Record-Keeping And Inventory Control in Washington D.C.?

Yes, the District of Columbia requires businesses to keep accurate records related to their business operations, such as invoices, contracts, receipts, and inventory reports. The District also requires businesses to maintain accurate inventory control systems and to report any discrepancies within 24 hours of discovery. Additionally, businesses are required to obtain and keep a license from the District of Columbia Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration for any business that sells alcohol.

What Penalties Or Consequences Can Dispensaries Face For Violating Regulations in Washington D.C.?

Dispensaries in Washington D.C. that violate regulations can face a range of penalties and consequences. These include fines, suspension or revocation of their business license, and even criminal prosecution. Additionally, the District of Columbia Department of Health has the authority to issue cease and desist orders to dispensaries that are found to be in violation.

Do Local Municipalities Have The Authority To Ban Or Regulate Marijuana Dispensaries Independently in Washington D.C.?

No. Marijuana dispensaries in Washington D.C. are regulated by the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA). The ABRA is responsible for issuing and revoking permits for marijuana dispensaries, as well as any other regulations related to dispensaries. Local municipalities do not have the authority to independently ban or regulate marijuana dispensaries in the District of Columbia.

Is Home Delivery Of Marijuana Products Permitted, And Are There Specific Regulations For It in Washington D.C.?

Yes, home delivery of marijuana products is permitted in Washington D.C. but it must be done through a licensed marijuana establishment. Delivery services must comply with all applicable regulations and laws. According to the District of Columbia Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration, any on-demand delivery services must register with the ABRA, have a valid marijuana license, and have an Alcoholic Beverage Control Board permit for the vehicle used to deliver the products. In addition, all deliveries must be performed by a person 21 years of age or older and the vehicle must display a sign indicating that it is delivering legal marijuana products.

What Are The Rules For Testing And Quality Control Of Marijuana Products Sold In Dispensaries in Washington D.C.?

The rules for testing and quality control of marijuana products sold in dispensaries in Washington D.C. are outlined in the District of Columbia’s Medical Marijuana Program regulations. These regulations require that all marijuana products sold in dispensaries must be tested for potency, microbial contamination, mycotoxins, heavy metals, pesticide residues, and residual solvents. In addition, all marijuana products must be labeled with the strain name, potency (in milligrams of THC and/or CBD), origin, lot/batch number, date of manufacture, expiration date, and the licensee’s name and address. Licensed testing laboratories must use validated analytical methods to perform testing, and must follow industry-standard practices of good laboratory practices (GLP). All test results must be reported to the Department of Health within 72 hours after completing the test. The Department of Health reserves the right to randomly sample products and have them tested for potency and contaminants. If any product fails to meet the established standards, it must be recalled from dispensaries immediately.

Are There Restrictions On The Packaging And Sale Of Edible Marijuana Products in Washington D.C.?

Yes, there are restrictions on the packaging and sale of edible marijuana products in Washington D.C. Edible marijuana products must be labeled clearly with a warning that the product contains marijuana, the product name, net weight, list of ingredients, list of allergens, expiration date, and any other necessary information. Edible products must also be sealed and packaged in a tamper-proof container, and must be separated from other goods. Additionally, any edible marijuana product must be sold in a single-serving size and cannot contain more than 10 milligrams of THC.

How Does Our State Handle Reciprocity For Out-Of-State Medical Marijuana Patients In Dispensaries in Washington D.C.?

Washington D.C. does not recognize out-of-state medical marijuana patient reciprocity in dispensaries. Patients who wish to purchase medical marijuana must obtain a valid medical marijuana card from the District.