WASHINGTON — Authorities have padlocked the doors of a Northwest D.C. shop after repeated illegal weed sales and concerns over public health risks.
On Tuesday, the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA), in partnership with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), closed Peace in the Air, an illegal cannabis retailer on 18th Street. This marks the 14th closure of an unlicensed cannabis business since new enforcement powers were granted in July 2024.
The business was operating in violation of a Cease and Desist Order and was deemed a credible threat to public health and safety. The ABC Board issued a Closure Order, padlocking the doors. Business owners can request a hearing and may need to submit a remediation plan before regaining property access. Property owners face fines up to $10,000 if they fail to prevent future illegal cannabis sales.
Since the Medical Cannabis Conditional License and Unlicensed Establishment Closure Clarification Emergency Amendment Act of 2024 took effect, ABCA has been cracking down on illegal cannabis shops, issuing 37 Cease and Desist Orders and 96 warning letters. However, businesses that applied for medical cannabis licenses during the open application period are temporarily off the hook until September 30, 2024, or 180 days after their license is approved—whichever comes later.
Based on our research, Peace in the Air's website remains active, allowing customers to place orders online, and there is currently no information on whether or when the site will be taken down.
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