420 with CNW — Cannabis Industry Gears Up for a Shake-Up as ‘Gifting’ Shops Transform in D.C.
Medical cannabis dispensaries are rapidly expanding in D.C. as authorities transition former “gifting” stores into licensed operations. In 2014, D.C. voters passed Initiative 71, which legalized recreational cannabis possession, use, and sharing among adults but prohibited direct sales. However, a loophole allowed businesses to sell non-cannabis products while including marijuana as a complimentary gift. Many consumers preferred this method to avoid being listed in a registry as medical dispensaries required patient registration. Now these gifting shops had until the end of March to obtain a medical cannabis license or face closure. Before this transition, only eight cultivation facilities and seven…
