The "Medical Cannabis Modernization Rulemaking Approval Resolution of 2025," proposed by Mayor Muriel Bowser, seeks to amend the regulations governing the District of Columbia's medical cannabis program. The resolution aims to modernize the existing framework by introducing a new application, protest, and enforcement process that aligns with alcohol licensing procedures. It also proposes updates to patient purchase limits based on different types of medical cannabis products and addresses various stakeholder concerns, including on-site consumption rules, criminal background checks for applicants, and the establishment of safe-use treatment facilities. The Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board unanimously approved these amendments in November 2024, and the resolution is backed by a fiscal impact statement indicating that necessary funds are available for implementation.

The resolution includes comprehensive changes to the licensing and operation of medical cannabis businesses, emphasizing regulatory compliance, public safety, and social equity. Key provisions include the establishment of a sliding scale for patient discounts, stricter guidelines for caregiver qualifications, and enhanced enforcement authority for the Alcoholic Beverage Control Administration. It also introduces new regulations for testing laboratories, ensuring safety and compliance in cannabis products, and outlines procedures for handling license applications and protests, emphasizing community input. Overall, the resolution aims to create a more efficient, transparent, and equitable medical cannabis market in the District of Columbia.