WTOP News reported D.C. businesses that have previously given away cannabis legally can now apply for a medical license under the new law, expanding their options for retail with additional licenses including online retailer and courier delivery.
People over 21 can also self-certify for medical marijuana as of August in addition to enjoying other cannabis-related activities like tastings, samplings, cooking classes or garden events amidst private spaces.
The Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration has been rebranded as the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) to reflect this shift towards a more relaxed attitude towards responsible marijuana use.
However, recreational use remains illegal due to a congressional rider on the budget prohibiting local governments from spending money on setting up an industry, according to an article by Ganjapreneur.
The new cannabis license law in D.C. stipulates that at least half of the licenses must go to people from socially disadvantaged groups, giving them a 90-day window to apply.
Meanwhile, rules passed by the city council in August gave people over 21 living in D.C. the ability to self-certify for medical cannabis use, allowing them access without having to wait for an industry to be established by Congress.
To reflect this change in attitude toward marijuana, the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration was renamed as the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA). However, recreational use is still prohibited due to congressional restrictions on local spending for setting up a marijuana industry.
