DC shuts down 2 more dispensaries, night club

WASHINGTON ( DC News Now ) — Two cannabis businesses in Northwest D.C. were served with Closure Orders on Thursday, increasing the number of dispensaries padlocked.

The Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) served the orders to the owners of Dreams Smoke Shop – 2335 18th Street NW – and In the Cut – 1460 Park Road NW.

The ABC Board issued the Closure Orders in response to their “continued operation as unlicensed cannabis retailers in violation of Cease and Desist Orders,” according to a news release .

After searching both stores, MPD officers and investigators from the Violent Crime Suppression Division saw illegal products in plain sight, according to ABCA.

At Dreams Smoke and Gifts, investigators said they found over 3.5 lbs of marijuana, 5.7 lbs of THC-laced edibles, 4.6 lbs of THC vape cartridges and mushrooms.

No arrests were made.

At In the Cut, investigators found 4.4 lbs of marijuana, 4 g of THC-laced edibles, 2.5 ml of liquid THC, 30 g of mushrooms, a handgun and ammunition.

Rodney Marshall, 50, was arrested at the store and charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute while Armed, Possession of a Controlled Substance and Contempt of Court.

“Due to both businesses posing a credible and imminent danger to public health and safety, ABCA shuttered the businesses, including padlocking the doors,” ABCA noted.

On Oct. 8, the ABC Board also issued a summary closure and suspended the alcohol license for Power Night Club – 2335 Bladensburg Road NE. This was done after MPD recovered 62 lbs of cannabis, 111 jars of THC waxes, 308 THC edibles and three firearms.

So far, eight illegal cannabis businesses have been padlocked since July 15.

To date, ABCA said it has issued 26 Cease and Desist Orders and 84 written warning letters to illegal cannabis businesses that did not apply for a medical cannabis business license during the open application period for unlicensed operators.

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