Washington, DC moves ahead with dispensary plan

By Paul Armentano, NORML

Health Officials in the nation’s capital on March 30, 2012 selected six companies to provide cannabis in compliance with the District’s nascent medical marijuana law.

Companies had to apply for business licenses and building permits from the Washington DC Dept. of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs by mid-April. All six of the successful firms will open cultivation centers in the northeast quadrant of DC, in Wards 5 and 7.

The Washington Times newspaper reported that the companies in Ward 5 are Abatin Wellness Center, a firm affiliated with Montel Williams, on Queens Chapel Rd.; Venture Forth on Channing St.; Alternative Solutions on 24th Place; District Growers on Evarts St.; and Holistic Remedies on Fenwick St. Phyto Management LLC was selected to open up across the Anacostia River on Benning Road NE, but  is expected to change its location.

City Council members authorized the establishment of the facilities in May 2010 when they amended the Legalization of Marijuana for Medical Treatment Initiative, a 1998 municipal ballot measure which garnered 69% of the vote yet was never implemented.

All the selected applicants signed a waiver releasing the City from criminal liability if federal officials decide to take action against them.