Various government agencies in Washington, D.C., plan to visit cannabis businesses starting in September to verify compliance.
The Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) announced Aug. 5 that after a 30-day grace period, its Joint Cannabis Task Force will launch the inspections next month.
Cannabis businesses operating within the District must comply with regulatory requirements outlined by DC Health, the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA), the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (FEMS), and the Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR).
DC Health requires that edibles and other manufactured cannabis products must be approved by the agency, and that businesses comply with D.C.’s food safety and hygiene laws.
DCRA mandates that businesses operating in the District must be registered with the department, and those businesses must comply with D.C.’s general business requirements.
FEMS requires that businesses comply with D.C. fire code regulations, while OTR mandates that businesses register with the office and pay taxes in the District.
In addition, only dispensaries licensed by ABRA are authorized to sell cannabis in D.C.; currently, seven retailers are licensed to operate in the District, according to the press release.
The Joint Cannabis Task Force will conduct the inspections unannounced, and businesses in violation may be subject to fines or other enforcement action through each respective enforcement agency, the release states.
