Streatery Program Endorsement Extension and Medical Cannabis Clarification Temporary Amendment of 2025

26th Council Period (2025-2026)

Extends the 2025 streatery outdoor dining/retail endorsements and clarifies how medical cannabis rules apply to those sites, aiding businesses and compliance.

Law Number L26-0058 Effective from Dec 11, 2025, Expires on Jul 24, 2026

Main purpose

This bill temporarily amends District law for 2025 to (1) extend or continue the "streatery" endorsement that permits expanded outdoor dining/retail activity and (2) provide a clarification regarding how medical cannabis is treated under District rules that intersect with the streatery program. The title indicates the change is time-limited (a temporary amendment for 2025).

Key provisions (based on bill title)

Streatery endorsement extension

Extends the authorization or endorsement that allows businesses (restaurants, cafes, retailers) to use outdoor/curbside space for dining or retail operations under the District's streatery program for the 2025 period.
Intended to preserve or continue the streamlined permitting, occupancy or endorsement rules that enabled expanded outdoor operations.

Medical cannabis clarification

Adds an explicit clarification about the application of District medical cannabis rules where they intersect with streatery activities (for example, possession, consumption, retailing or delivery by medically authorized consumers or licensed establishments).
Clarification likely addresses compliance, enforcement, or licensing interactions between the streatery endorsement and District medical cannabis law.

Note: The full text of the bill was not provided; the summary above reflects the bill’s title and official actions. For precise statutory changes and operative language, consult the enacted text (Act A26‑0159).

Who is affected

District restaurants, cafes, bars and retail establishments that use or seek streatery endorsements.

Medical cannabis patients, caregivers and licensed cannabis businesses, to the extent the clarification alters rights, locations, or enforcement concerning cannabis in outdoor/endorsement areas.

District regulatory agencies and permitting offices that administer streatery endorsements and cannabis licensing and enforcement.

Residents and visitors in areas with streateries (public space management, public safety, neighbors).

Procedural history and timeline

Introduced: June 30, 2025 by Councilmember McDuffie.

First reading / Retained by Council: July 1, 2025.

Notice of intent published in the DC Register: July 11, 2025.

Final Council reading: October 7, 2025.

Transmitted to Mayor: October 15, 2025 (response due Oct 29, 2025).

Returned from Mayor and signed / Enacted as Act A26‑0159: October 23, 2025.

Transmitted to Congress for review: October 28, 2025 (subject to federal review under the Home Rule Act).

Impact considerations

Short-term continuity for businesses relying on outdoor service space during 2025, helping economic activity and consumer options.

Regulatory clarity may reduce conflicts or enforcement uncertainty where medical cannabis intersects with outdoor dining/retail settings.

Any substantive operational or public-safety impacts depend on the enacted bill’s specific language and implementing guidance from District agencies.

For the exact operative provisions and implementation details, review the enacted Act A26‑0159 and accompanying agency guidance.

Bill