The Alcoholic Beverage Cannabis (ABC) Board dismissed an application for a new Medical Cannabis License on Barracks Row.
The applicants had applied to open a new dispensary called Aloha at 539 Eighth St. SE
In March, Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6B voted to protest the application. The business is currently operating as retail outlet Tobacco King.
In the letter to the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis istration (ABCA), the ANC cited neighbor complaints made to that same board that the business has been selling marijuana without a license. The ANC also argued that District law does not permit a cannabis retailer license to be granted to an address located within 400 feet of a childcare facility or school and argued that District Montessori (530 Seventh St. SE) is located within that proximity.
According to District Code, medical cannabis retailers must be 300-feet from schools and recreation centers. Individual businesses also must be located at least 400 feet from an existing licensee.
ANC 6B Commissioners David Sobehlsohn (6B03), Anna Krebs (6B06) and Samuel Pastore (6B05) appeared at the hearing, as well as ANC Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis (ABC) Committee Chair Ellen Opper-Weiner.
The ANC had opposed the application based on code as well as concerns about property value, adverse impact on peace order and quiet. The ANC had also noted concerns with a high concentration of cannabis shops in the area, noting that Miel Wellness is open on the 700 block. They also ed issues around transportation and parking.
But these were not the considerations that stopped the process.
“The applicant is not present,” said Laverne Fletcher, conducting the roll call hearing on behalf of the ABC Board. “Therefore the application for the medical cannabis license is dismissed.”
The applicant can seek reinstatement of the application. If they do so, the ANC will be notified and can respond again.
“For the time being at least, we need not worry about a cannabis retailer so close to our children,” Sobelsohn wrote in an email to constituents. “Thanks to everyone who attended today’s roll-call hearing. It shows what our community can accomplish when we work together!”
Similar Case in ANC 6A: Kids Nearby
A similar process played out last January, when Proper Exotic applied for a medical cannabis license on Eighth Street NE. The proposed medical cannabis dispensary would have been located at 313 Eighth St. NE, near Hunny Bunny boutique. ANC 6A also reportedly received three dozen letters of concern from neighbors. The dispensary would have been located within two blocks of Petit Scholars daycare (342 Eighth St. NE),iGen Educational Academy child enrichment center (400 Eighth St. NE), Music on the Hill (400 801 D St. NE) and close to the Northeast Library.
The application was withdrawn Jan. 29, as one of the two equal partners had ended his participation in the business.
However, this is also a case to watch as the sole remaining applicant has indicated they may apply to reinstate the application under sole ownership. ANC 6A Commissioner Stephen Kolb told constituents in an email that the ANC 6A is firm in their position.
“Nothing has changed since ANC6A voted on January 9 to protest the application,” Kolb wrote. “Additionally, nearly three dozen of you wrote to me to express your opposition to issuance of a permit to operate at 313 8th St NE, a compelling fact that I will share with applicant’s attorney.”
