Washington D.C. Shuts Down Illegal Marijuana Shop, Warns Others
The Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) in Washington D.C. has issued a closure order to a marijuana shop accused of selling illegal cannabis products, including psychedelic mushrooms. Supreme Terpene, the shop in question, had been warned multiple times since April 2024 to comply with the law, but continued to defy orders.
According to ABCA documents, the shop was selling cannabis and cannabis products, including edibles and flowers containing THC, without a Basic Business License. Despite receiving a cease-and-desist order in July, the shop continued to sell marijuana and other illegal products.
A subsequent investigation in August revealed that the shop was still selling marijuana using a secret website. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) also tested some of the products purchased and found that they contained THC and amphetamines.
The ABCA has been given broader powers to close unlicensed cannabis shops thanks to a 2024 D.C. Council Act. The law states that the ABCA can investigate unlicensed retailers, close them down if they fail to comply with the law, and seize any cannabis products found inside the establishment.
The owner of Supreme Terpene, Perry Young, has the option to appeal the closure order. However, he claims that the allegations against his shop are simply accusations and that he had tried to meet with the ABCA to discuss his plans to close the shop by the end of the month. The ABCA, on the other hand, says that 24 cease-and-desist orders have been issued to other cannabis shops in the District.
This move by the ABCA is part of a larger effort to crack down on illegal cannabis sales in the city. The agency has been working to ensure that all cannabis shops in the District are licensed and compliant with the law.
