In recent news, Peace in the Air, a cannabis business located in Northwest D.C., has been shut down by authorities for operating as an unlicensed cannabis retailer. The Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration’s Enforcement Division, along with the Metropolitan Police Department, executed a Closure Order at the business, citing the operation as a threat to public health and safety. The shop’s owner, Darel Dawson, expressed frustration with the regulatory process, stating that the business had been closed prior to the raid. Despite a Cease and Desist Order in place, Peace in the Air continued to sell cannabis without proper licensing.
The closure of Peace in the Air is just one of many illegal cannabis businesses that have been raided in recent weeks due to new enforcement powers granted under the Medical Cannabis Conditional License and Unlicensed Establishment Closure Clarification Emergency Amendment Act of 2024. The law allows the ABCA to take swift action against unlicensed cannabis businesses, issuing Cease and Desist Orders and warning letters to those operating outside the law.
Dawson defended his decision not to pursue licensing under the new regulations, claiming that the system did not benefit business owners. Despite expressing relief that no employees were present during the raid, Dawson criticized the city’s approach and expressed concern for taxpayers and other businesses within the cannabis realm. The property owners of Peace in the Air may face fines and additional requirements before regaining access to the premises.
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