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A cannabis dispensary in Washington, D.C. has received a letter from the U.S. Attorney’s Office threatening prosecution under federal drug laws, despite the business’s compliance with the city’s medical cannabis program. Edward R. Martin Jr., U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia and an appointee of President Donald Trump, sent the warning letter to the business on April 25, alleging several possible violations of federal law.
In the letter sent to the owners and operators of the Green Theory dispensary in the Palisades neighborhood of Washington, D.C., Martin warned that the business is operating near several schools in the area.
“I am concerned that you are in violation of federal laws, which are intended to protect children. To that end, the need to address this issue is serious,” Martin said in a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Martin noted in the letter that the Green Theory dispensary could be operating illegally.
“Your dispensary appears to be operating in violation of federal law, and the Department of Justice has the authority to enforce federal law even when such activities may be permitted under state or local law,” Martin wrote in the letter.
“Persons and entities owning, operating, or facilitating such dispensaries (as well as premises grow centers),” it adds, “may be subject to criminal prosecution and civil enforcement actions under federal law.”
Letter Cites Dispensary’s Proximity to Schools
In addition to possessing and distributing cannabis, the letter alleges that Green Theory “appears to be operating within 1,000 feet of several schools, including: Our Lady of Victory Catholic School; the River School; St. Patrick’s Episcopal Day School; the Lab School; and Little Ivies preschool.”
Martin’s letter adds that “enhanced federal penalties may apply when a dispensary is operating within 1,000 feet of a school.”
The letter requests that the dispensary’s owners respond to three questions by May 12, 2025. The three questions are:
- Are you aware of the federal laws related to marijuana dispensaries and their locations near schools?
- Have you addressed these issues with federal law enforcement officials?
- Can you produce documentation regarding your compliance with federal law?
In an exclusive interview with the Washington, D.C. NBC television affiliate, Martin said he is not aware of the business’s history of compliance with the city’s medical cannabis program. He added, however, that he is more interested in the impact on young children in the neighborhood.
Martin also acknowledged that the dispensary “doesn't rise to the top" of the city’s most important issues. But he added that as the District’s chief prosecutor, he wants to address what he characterized as “quality-of-life” issues.
“You apply the facts to the law, but you do it in the context of what the community is going through at that moment,” Martin said.
Martin stated that at this time, the letter is only a request for more information.
“I want to get to the bottom of it,” Martin said. “My instinct is that it shouldn't be in the community based on what I saw from the parents, but I think people and businesses deserve the opportunity to look at it and interact.”
Reporters with NBC4 spoke to one of the licensees at Green Theory, who declined to be interviewed. However, he did confirm that the business holds a license in good standing with the city, which approved the dispensary’s location under the medical cannabis program.
Trump appointed Martin as interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C. after taking office for his second term. Martin is currently facing confirmation proceedings in the U.S. Senate to consider the president’s nomination to the position on a permanent basis.
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The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
