Skip to main content
Find a Lawyer

District of Columbia Code Division I. Government of District. § 7-1671.08. Penalties.

Current as of January 01, 2024 | Updated by FindLaw Staff

(a) Any person who manufactures, cultivates, possesses, administers, dispenses, distributes, or uses cannabis, or manufactures, possesses, distributes, or uses paraphernalia, in a manner not authorized by this chapter or the rules issued pursuant to § 7-1671.13 shall be subject to criminal prosecution and sanction under subchapter I of Chapter 11 of Title 48 [§ 48-1101 et seq.].

(b)(1) Any person who makes a fraudulent representation to a law enforcement official of any fact or circumstance relating to the person's manufacture, cultivation, possession, administration, dispensing, distribution, or use of medical cannabis, or manufacture, possession, distribution, or use of paraphernalia to avoid arrest or prosecution shall be subject to a criminal fine not to exceed $1,000.

[(2)] The imposition of the fine set forth in paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be in addition to any other penalties that may otherwise apply for the making of a false statement or for the manufacture, cultivation, possession, administration, dispensing, distribution, or use of cannabis, or the manufacture, possession, distribution, or use of paraphernalia.

(c) It shall be an affirmative defense to a criminal charge of possession or distribution of cannabis, or possession with intent to distribute cannabis, that the person charged with the offense is a person who:

(1) Was in possession of medical cannabis only inside the qualifying patient's residence or a medical treatment facility;

(2) Only administered or assisted in administering the medical cannabis to the qualifying patient and only within the qualifying patient's residence or at a permitted medical treatment facility;

(3) Assisted the qualifying patient only when the caregiver was not reasonably available to provide assistance; and

(4) Is 18 years of age or older.

(d) The ABC Board may impose and adjudicate civil fines for violations of this chapter and rules issued in accordance with § 7-1671.13 committed by licensed cultivation centers, manufacturers, retailers, internet retailers, testing laboratories, and couriers.

(e) Within 180 days after March 22, 2023, the ABC Board shall submit proposed regulations to the Council setting forth a schedule of civil penalties, fines, and fees for violations of this chapter for a 90-day period of review, including Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and periods of Council recess. If the Council does not approve, in whole or in part, the proposed regulations within the 90-day review period, the regulations shall be deemed approved. The schedule shall replace all civil penalties, except as expressly provided in this chapter.

Back to chapter list
Previous part of code Next part of code
Back to chapter list

Cite this article: FindLaw.com - District of Columbia Code Division I. Government of District. § 7-1671.08. Penalties. - last updated January 01, 2024 | https://codes.findlaw.com/dc/division-i-government-of-district/dc-code-sect-7-1671-08/

Read this complete District of Columbia Code Division I. Government of District. § 7-1671.08. Penalties. on Westlaw. Westlaw subscription required.

FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature or via Westlaw before relying on it for your legal needs.

Was this helpful?

Search all District of Columbia Codes

Welcome to FindLaw's Cases & Codes

A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw's Learn About the Law.

Go to Learn About the Law

Latest Blog Posts

For Legal Professionals

Learn About the Law

Get help with your legal needs

FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.

Go to Learn About the Law

Need to find an attorney?

Search our directory by legal issue

Enter information in one or both fields (Required)

Copied to clipboard