DC may legalize cannabis clubs

Did you miss the webinar “Women Leaders in Cannabis: Shattering the Grass Ceiling?” Head to MJBiz YouTube to watch it now!


Marijuana consumption lounges may become legal in the nation’s capital, which would open up a new business avenue for entrepreneurs.

Under a measure approved this week by the Washington DC City Council, a task force will take a look at whether or not the municipality should allow consumption – but not the sale – of cannabis at private clubs, according to the Washington Post.

Instead of passing an alternative ordinance that would have permanently banned such clubs, the council agreed to a moratorium of 225 days, which would give the task force time to develop recommendations for the city.

During debate, the Post reported, the possibility was raised of allowing one club in each of the city’s eight council wards, but no more than a “handful.”

Marijuana in general has remained a tricky subject in DC since local voters legalized recreational cannabis in 2014. The sale of rec marijuana is still illegal, and city leaders have fought conservative anti-cannabis lawmakers in Congress – which has some oversight on the city’s laws – for years on the topic.