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B 26-0344

Medical Cannabis Conditional Licensure Extension Emergency Amendment Act of 2025

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Phil Mendelson

D.C. extends medical cannabis conditional business licenses until January 2026 to maintain patient access while finalizing permanent regulatory framework.

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Bill Summary · B 26-0344

Legislative bill overview

Bill B 26-0344 extends the conditional licensure period for medical cannabis retailers in Washington, D.C. through January 21, 2026. The emergency amendment allows existing conditional license holders to continue operations while the District completes its permanent licensing framework and regulatory development.

Why is this important

This legislation prevents a gap in medical cannabis availability for D.C. patients who depend on these retailers for treatment. It also provides business continuity for conditional licensees who have invested in compliance while the city finalizes its permanent regulatory structure, which typically takes longer than anticipated.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory uncertainty: Extending conditional licenses delays resolution of permanent licensing standards, potentially creating indefinite interim arrangements rather than stable long-term rules
  • Market fairness: Conditional licensees gain extended operating time while others await permanent licensing eligibility, raising questions about equal market access and competitive processes
  • Emergency justification: Using emergency procedures to extend licensing timelines bypasses standard deliberative processes, which some argue reduces public input on cannabis policy direction

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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