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District of ColumbiaB26-0760Council Period 26 (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

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

Sponsored By: Phil Mendelson (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Longer conditional licenses, no cannabis sales

A conditional medical cannabis license can last up to 3 years. Holders have until the end of that term to submit materials for a permanent license, and they can submit a zoning certificate or a certificate of occupancy. While conditional, they cannot buy, possess, grow, make, or sell medical cannabis, cannabis products, or Schedule I substances. A one-year license that was active on December 17, 2024, and automatically became a 2-year license converts to a 3-year term, ending 2 years after its original expiration date, at no cost and without further ABC Board approval. The temporary law expires 225 days after it takes effect.

New enforcement risks for cannabis businesses

The law covers District businesses that sell, exchange, or deliver cannabis or cannabis products without a required license. Licensed and unlicensed businesses cannot sell, exchange, or deliver Schedule I substances or products containing them; a pending license application does not exempt a business. Before April 1, 2025, ABCA can still act against businesses with pending applications when they sell Schedule I substances or products containing them; after that date, pending applications do not stop enforcement against unlicensed businesses. After an inspection, ABCA can close and padlock an unlicensed business for an imminent health or safety danger, and licensed businesses can face closure and seizure for listed imminent dangers. Closures and seizures can continue until the danger ends, or longer if the ABC Board reasonably finds it likely to return; licensed owners can request a hearing within 5 business days, with a decision due within 5 business days after a hearing or 10 business days after notice if no hearing is requested. ABCA or police can post violation signs, and ABCA investigators can test cannabis for THC and other products for Schedule I substances when probable cause exists. The temporary law expires 225 days after it takes effect.

New location limits for cannabis retailers

Medical cannabis retailers and internet retailers cannot operate in residential districts or within 400 feet of a preschool, primary or secondary school, or recreation center. The distance is 300 feet for license holders or applicants who applied before December 17, 2024. Certain applicants from the 90-calendar-day open application period can use the 300-foot distance when the facility entrance is on or occupies commercial or industrial land. A retailer licensed under the location rules does not have to move solely because a listed place later opens within 400 feet. The temporary law expires 225 days after it takes effect.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Phil Mendelson

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 25 • No: 0

House vote • 9/22/2026

Final Reading, CC

Yes: 12 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 7/14/2026

First Reading

Yes: 13 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Returned from Mayor

    10/21/2026House

  2. Signed by the Mayor and Enacted with Act Number A26-0448

    10/21/2026House

  3. Transmitted to Mayor, Response Due on Oct 21, 2026

    10/6/2026House

  4. Legislative Meeting

    9/22/2026House

  5. Notice of Intent to Act on B26-0760 Published in the District of Columbia Register

    7/17/2026House

  6. Legislative Meeting

    7/14/2026House

  7. Retained by the Council

    7/14/2026House

  8. B26-0760 Introduced by Chairman Mendelson at Office of the Secretary

    7/13/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enrollment

    9/22/2026

    PDF

  • Engrossment

    7/14/2026

    PDF

  • Introduced

    7/13/2026

    PDF

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