On April 24, 2025, Washington, D.C. authorities conducted a raid on Orbit D.C., an unlicensed cannabis shop located on 18th Street NW, marking the 50th such closure in the city’s ongoing crackdown on illegal cannabis operations. The establishment was found to be selling unauthorized cannabis products and psychedelic mushrooms. A 30-year-old woman was arrested on charges related to marijuana distribution.
This enforcement action is part of a broader initiative that began in 2024, following the passage of legislation aimed at eliminating the gray market and integrating businesses into the legal medical cannabis framework. Undercover investigations and community reports have been instrumental in identifying non-compliant establishments. To date, 17 individuals have faced criminal charges, and 45 businesses have successfully transitioned to licensed medical cannabis operations.
The Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) reports that April 2025 is projected to achieve record-breaking medical cannabis sales, exceeding $4 million. Despite these advancements, approximately 30 unlicensed shops and several online vendors remain under investigation. ABCA Director Fred Moosally emphasized the importance of these efforts in ensuring public health and safety, stating, “The goal here is to have a legal medical cannabis market.”
