District of ColumbiaB26-0759Council Period 26 (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

Medical Cannabis Licensing and Unlicensed Establishment Enforcement Clarification Emergency Amendment Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Phil Mendelson (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Longer conditional licenses, but no sales

Conditional licenses can last up to 3 years. You have until the end of that term to meet conditions. A zoning certificate now counts like a certificate of occupancy. One-year conditional licenses in effect on December 17, 2024 that became two-year licenses now convert to three-year licenses and expire two years after the original expiration date. While a conditional license is active, you cannot buy, possess, grow, make, or sell medical cannabis, cannabis products, or Schedule I drugs. Rules that once applied only to one-year conditional licenses now apply to all conditional licenses.

Retailer location limits and exceptions

Retail and internet retail sites cannot be in residential zones or within 400 feet of a preschool, school, or recreation center. Applicants who filed before December 17, 2024 may locate within 300 feet. Applicants from the law’s 90‑day open window may also be within 300 feet when the school’s main entrance is on commercial or industrial‑zoned ground. If your site met the rule when first licensed, you can renew at the same address even if a school or rec center later opens within 400 feet.

Stronger enforcement against illegal cannabis sales

The law broadens who counts as an unlicensed establishment to include sellers of cannabis or Schedule I drugs at a fixed DC site. It bans any licensed or unlicensed place, even with a pending application, from selling or delivering Schedule I drugs. No later than April 1, 2025, the agency can summarily close and padlock unlicensed sites that pose an imminent danger to health or safety. The Board can also close and padlock licensed stores that present an imminent danger. Owners have 5 business days to request a hearing, a hearing occurs within 5 business days, and the Board issues a decision within 5 days after a hearing or within 10 days if no hearing. The Board can keep a site closed and hold seized products until the danger is gone, and longer if the danger is likely to return. ABCA or police can post signs at sites noting violations. Investigators can test cannabis for THC and, with probable cause, test other products for Schedule I drugs. The law defines “cannabis product” and “Schedule I substance” to guide enforcement.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Phil Mendelson
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 13 • No: 0

House vote • 7/14/2026

Final Reading