In a move that’s bound to bring joy to both cannabis enthusiasts and those seeking relief through medical marijuana, Washington, D.C.’s Council has given the green light to a tax holiday around the 4/20 celebration. From April 15 to April 28, taxes on medical marijuana purchases will be suspended, following a unanimous voice vote by the Council. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie emphasized the importance of this tax break, stating it’s “critical to the District’s effort to attract qualifying patients back to the legal market.”
Alongside the tax holiday, the Council also extended the validity of medical marijuana patient and caregiver registration cards to six years. Additionally, they clarified the authority of the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) to close down unlicensed and unregulated retailers. This action aims to ensure public safety by allowing ABCA to summarily close any unlicensed retailer presenting a threat to public health, safety, or welfare.
However, not all proposals made the cut. A measure to adjust rules around the location of medical marijuana dispensaries near schools was defeated, with concerns raised about the impact on businesses trying to find suitable locations. Despite a divided vote, with one member absent, the emergency declaration resolution failed, leaving the status quo intact for now. With the cannabis industry ever-evolving, D.C. continues to navigate the balancing act between regulation, access, and public safety.
Adlin, B. (2024, April 3). Washington, D.C. Council approves 4/20 medical Marijuana Tax Holiday. Marijuana Moment.
