DC Residents File Lawsuit Against City Over Cannabis Dispensaries In Their Neighborhoods

A group of Northwest D.C. residents and an Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC-2C) are taking legal action to prevent new cannabis dispensaries from opening near schools, arguing that the city is ignoring their concerns. The group, called 1,000 Feet, has appealed to the D.C. Court of Appeals, asserting that the current 300-foot distance requirement between dispensaries and schools is insufficient and advocating for a 1,000-foot rule as per the Federal Drug Free School Zone Act.

Lucy Sullivan, speaking for 1,000 Feet, emphasized the need to protect children from drug exposure. Despite the city’s regulations, some dispensaries, like Green Theory on MacArthur Boulevard NW, have opened close to schools. Previous protests against such licenses were dismissed by the D.C. Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) due to lack of standing.

Mark Lytle, representing ANC-2C, is also challenging the opening of a dispensary in the Penn Quarter neighborhood, citing the need for community input in the process. Sullivan and Lytle hope the court will recognize the community’s right to be heard and are calling for federal intervention to enforce stricter regulations. Green Theory and the ABCA have not responded to requests for comment.