D.C. Lawmakers Green Light Bill To Reshape District's MMJ Program, License Cap Elimination, Tax Relief & More

A committee in Washington, D.C. greenlighted an amended measure seeking to make a few changes to the District's medical cannabis program, reported Marijuana Moment.

Why It Matters?

Lawmakers approved the piece of legislation from council chairman Phil Mendelson (D) on behalf of Mayor Muriel Bowser (D), which would eliminate caps on marijuana business licensing and provide tax relief to operators. The new legislation is also codifying self-certification for adults 21+ to use medical cannabis.

The Medical Cannabis Amendment Act, passed by the District Council's Committee on Business and Economic Development on Tuesday also includes provisions that promote social equity and regulates the framework for the setting up of on-site consumption facilities and cannabis cooking classes. Prior to this, the bill advanced through the Judiciary & Public Safety Committee unanimously with amendments.

"The public and voters have decided that they want to see a different framework in the District of Colombia," said committee chairperson Kenyan McDuffie (D). "We've done that over the years, and this is just one additional step where we're trying to fulfill those commitments to both the initiatives and laws that we pass in the District of Columbia around medical cannabis."

Interestingly, the measure would also help put an end to "gifting" operators as it partially builds on a previous bill that sought to impose a $30,000 fine for unregistered businesses that "gift" marijuana to people who purchase unrelated products and services. The District Council rejected a resolution to allow expedited action on that bill shortly.

What's Next?

The legislation is now heading to the Committee of the Whole for review prior to potentially receiving final approval by the District Council.

Photo: Courtesy of Kindel Media and 12019 by Pixabay