There’s an obvious problem in the D.C. cannabis market: Recreational sales are still not legal. As D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen, D-Ward 6, stated at a recent hearing, “There is no such thing as a commercial transaction that is I-71 compliant. What they are doing is illegal. Those businesses are operating outside the law, they are not registered with anyone, and we have no idea who they are.” He’s right.
These illegal and unsafe operations are abusing a loophole in the law, which they contend allows them to “gift” unregulated street cannabis to customers when they purchase a trinket, sticker or some other inexpensive item. These illegal operations pop up as makeshift storefronts, in homes and near schools — often against the wishes of the community. This is neither safe and sustainable nor good for D.C. residents and taxpayers, since these transactions are evading local tax collectors.
Illegal and unregulated operations are not subject to third-party…
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