The Medical Cannabis Licensing and Unlicensed Establishment Enforcement Clarification Temporary Amendment Act of 2026 seeks to amend the Legalization of Marijuana for Medical Treatment Initiative of 1999 by redefining the term "unlicensed establishment" to include those selling Schedule I substances or products containing them. The bill extends the expiration dates of conditional licenses for various medical cannabis-related establishments by an additional year and allows conditional license applicants to submit a zoning certificate instead of a certificate of occupancy. It also clarifies distance requirements between retailers and schools, and establishes enforcement actions against unlicensed establishments starting April 1, 2025, regardless of pending applications.
Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for summary closures of unlicensed establishments that pose an imminent danger to public health and safety, allowing the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to take necessary enforcement actions. It modifies existing regulations regarding conditional licenses, including extending their validity and adjusting the requirements for location relative to schools and recreation centers. The act will take effect after approval by the Mayor and a congressional review period, and it is set to expire 225 days after its enactment.