WASHINGTON, D.C. — A major milestone in the fight against illegal cannabis sales was reached Thursday as city officials padlocked Orbit DC, marking the 50th illegal cannabis shop closure across the District.
The closure, executed at 1919-1921 18th Street NW by the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) and the Metropolitan Police Department, highlights the ongoing enforcement effort aimed at shutting down unlicensed marijuana businesses citywide.
The crackdown, powered by legislation that took effect last July, has led to seizures of nearly 530 pounds of cannabis, over 82 pounds of entheogenic mushrooms, and firearms recovered from nine locations. In addition, 20 more illegal shops have shut down voluntarily or had leases terminated by property owners seeking to avoid $10,000 fines.
Enforcement milestone follows record-setting legal cannabis sales
The 50th closure comes as D.C.’s licensed medical cannabis market reported its highest sales month ever in March, with nearly $3.68 million in product sales to registered patients. Officials noted that sales growth has been fueled by new retailer openings, internet sales, and a 142.5 percent increase in registered patients compared to last March.
Enforcement efforts have been particularly aggressive in Ward 1, where 17 illegal shops have been padlocked, followed by 10 closures each in Wards 2 and 6.
ABCA confirmed that all medical cannabis products sold by licensed retailers are tested and regulated, unlike the unverified goods seized from the illegal shops. Officials encouraged residents to report suspected illegal activity through the agency’s anonymous online tip form.
The investigation and closures remain ongoing as D.C. continues to expand its licensed cannabis program while targeting illegal operations.
Key Points
- 50th illegal cannabis shop padlocked by ABCA and MPD, marking citywide milestone
- Crackdown has led to 529.9 pounds of cannabis and multiple firearms seized from unlicensed shops
- Legal cannabis market posts record sales month with $3.68 million sold in March
Orbit DC becomes the 50th illegal cannabis shop shuttered as D.C. ramps up its war on unlicensed weed sales.