B 26-0759 Legislature · 26th Council Period (2025-2026)

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

This bill updates the District of Columbia's medical cannabis laws by clarifying rules for unlicensed businesses and extending the validity of existing conditional licenses. It expands the definition of an unlicensed establishment to include any business selling Schedule I substances, allowing authorities to enforce penalties against such operations starting April 1, 2025, while permitting earlier action if a business is already applying for a license. The legislation also extends the expiration dates for conditional licenses for various medical cannabis roles to three years and allows applicants to use a zoning certificate instead of a certificate of occupancy. Additionally, it adjusts the distance requirements for medical cannabis retailers and internet retailers, generally prohibiting them from operating within 400 feet of schools or recreation centers, with some exceptions for those who applied before a specific date.

Bill status signed all 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jul 2026

Committee Review

Council Passage

Jul 2026

Signed into Law

Jul 2026

Introduced Jul 13, 2026 Signed Jul 30, 2026

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Introduction → Enrollment · 7 edits

MODERATE

This bill amends the District of Columbia's medical cannabis laws to strengthen enforcement against unlicensed businesses selling illegal substances and to clarify licensing rules. It expands the definition of unlicensed establishments to include those selling Schedule I substances, extends conditional license terms to three years, and adjusts zoning distance requirements for retailers. The changes aim to improve public safety by allowing earlier enforcement actions against unlicensed operators and providing more stability for licensed businesses.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of enforcement to include unlicensed establishments selling Schedule I substances and modifies the geographic restrictions for licensed retailers.

DEFINITION

Added a new definition for 'Schedule I substance' to clarify that unlicensed establishments selling these illegal drugs are subject to enforcement.

Updated the definition of 'unlicensed establishment' to explicitly include businesses selling Schedule I substances or products containing them.

TIMELINE

Extended the maximum term for conditional medical cannabis licenses from two years to up to three years.

REQUIREMENT

Changed the requirement for permanent license applicants to accept a zoning certificate as an alternative to a certificate of occupancy.

Adjusted distance requirements for retailers and internet retailers, moving the minimum distance from schools and recreation centers from 400 feet to 300 feet.

ENFORCEMENT

Authorized enforcement actions against unlicensed establishments selling Schedule I substances before April 1, 2025, even if they have a pending application.

Clarified that summary closures for unlicensed establishments can continue as long as the danger to the public persists and is likely to recur.

Floor votes · Council Jul 14, 2026

How they voted

13–0

Passed

Total votes 13

Jul 14, 2026

D Democratic11

11 Yea

100% Yea

I Independent2

2 Yea

100% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Jul 14, 2026

Council · Passed

Council Vote: pass (13-0)

council

Jul 13, 2026

Introduced

B26-0759 Introduced by Chairman Mendelson at Office of the Secretary

legislature

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors