The Comprehensive Cannabis Legalization and Regulation Amendment Act of 2025 seeks to create a structured regulatory framework for cannabis in the District of Columbia, aligning it with existing regulations for alcoholic beverages. The bill establishes the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board (ABCA) and the Cannabis Regulation Division to oversee licensing and regulation, requiring licenses for cannabis sales and prohibiting exchanges of cannabis for other items. It introduces the Cannabis Equity and Opportunity Fund, which reserves a percentage of licenses for Social Equity Applicants, and outlines grant and loan programs to support their entry into the cannabis market. Additionally, the bill creates a Cannabis Advisory Committee for regulatory recommendations and mandates a public data portal for tracking compliance.
The legislation emphasizes social equity by defining key terms and ensuring that at least half of all cannabis business licenses are reserved for social equity applicants. It establishes a Community Reinvestment Program Fund to provide assistance for community initiatives and outlines strict operational standards for cannabis establishments, including security measures and product testing. The bill also introduces various licensing categories, including for microbusinesses and delivery services, and sets forth regulations for advertising, sales to minors, and operational compliance. Furthermore, it imposes taxes on cannabis sales, allows for the expungement of past cannabis-related convictions, and enhances access to banking services for cannabis businesses, all while ensuring that the regulatory framework promotes equitable access and addresses the historical impacts of cannabis prohibition.