Staying Compliant with the DC Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration in 2024
In Washington DC, cannabis regulation is managed by the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) using METRC (Marijuana Enforcement Tracking Reporting Compliance). METRC provides comprehensive tracking for all Washington DC cannabis supply chain activities, from cultivation to sale. This system is mandatory for all cannabis businesses in the district, helping to ensure compliance, prevent diversion, and maintain accurate records. For cannabis Washington DC operators, mastering METRC is crucial for success in the capital's strictly regulated cannabis market. The implementation of METRC has significantly shaped the landscape of Washington DC's cannabis industry, promoting transparency and accountability at every stage of the supply chain.
Medical cannabis has been legal in Washington, D.C. since 2010. While legislation passed in 2010, patients could only access medical marijuana from 2013. Adults 21+ can self-certify for medical cannabis online. DC residents may certify for two years, while non-resident certifications last 30 days. Certified patients can legally purchase from medical dispensaries without a doctor's permission for specific conditions.
The Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) oversees the DC medical cannabis program. ABRA is responsible for licensing, training, and enforcing regulations for legal marijuana in Washington DC. Only medicinal use of cannabis is regulated by ABRA using Washington DC Metrc.
Cannabis in Washington DC exists in a complex legal landscape. Medical cannabis has been legal since 2010. In 2014, DC voters approved Initiative 71, which legalized the possession and cultivation of small amounts of cannabis for personal use by adults 21 and over. However, the sale of cannabis remains illegal outside of the medical program. Due to DC's unique status, Congress has prevented the district from fully implementing a regulated recreational market. As a result, while possession and personal cultivation are legal, the sale of recreational cannabis remains prohibited.
The Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) oversees the DC medical cannabis program. ABRA is responsible for licensing, training, and enforcing regulations for legal marijuana in Washington DC.
Adults 21 and over may self-certify for medical cannabis online. DC residents can obtain certifications valid for two years, while non-resident certifications are available for 30 days. After certification, patients may legally purchase from medical dispensaries for certain medical conditions without requiring additional doctor's permission for each purchase.
Yes, ABRA mandates that all cannabis businesses in the district use Metrc's track and trace system. This applies to all medical marijuana commercial licensees including cultivators, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and testing laboratories.
Metrc tags are unique identifiers attached to cannabis plants and products, allowing for precise tracking throughout the supply chain. These tags are part of the seed-to-sale tracking system and are known as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags. In Washington DC, Metrc tags are used as follows:
With all of this info tracked, at any point in the produce cycle, you can also trace everything back to the exact plant and location it came from.
Metrc package tags
Similar to plant tags, a package tag gets attached to every package. Each package can contain only one type of product and is given a unique 24-digit number to identify it with.
The cost of Metrc tags in Washington, D.C.
Plant tags cost 45c each while package tags cost 25c each.
How to purchase Metrc tags
Both plant and package tags are purchased direct from Metrc. Once logged in, you’ll find ‘Tag Orders’ under the Admin menu in the top right hand corner.
In California, Metrc is the state-mandated track-and-trace system, and all licensed cannabis businesses in California are required to use Metrc for official compliance reporting. There are no state-approved alternatives to Metrc for regulatory reporting purposes. However, while Metrc must be used for state compliance, businesses can and often do use complementary software solutions to enhance their operations and simplify their Metrc reporting processes. These solutions, like Distru, offer:
- Streamlined interfaces for data entry and management
- Additional features tailored to specific business needs
- Automated syncing with Metrc to ensure accurate and timely reporting
- Enhanced inventory management and analytics capabilities
These complementary systems can significantly simplify Metrc California compliance by offering user-friendly interfaces, automated workflows, and additional business management tools. They work alongside Metrc, feeding data into the state system while providing expanded functionality for business operations.
Metrc contact information
info@metrc.com
support@metrc.com
Phone: 1-877-566-6506
Official Metrc resources
Official Metrc D.C. information
Metrc Washington D.C. FAQ
Guide: What is Metrc?
Metrc support and training
Government resources
Washington D.C. Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) website
ABRA Medical Cannabis Program Licensing
ABRA Medical Cannabis Resources
Washington D.C. Cannabis Laws and Regulations
Contact Information
Reeves Center
2000 14th St NW, Suite 400 S
Washington DC 20009
Phone: (202) 442-4423
TTY: (746) 777-7776
Washington DC compliance can be complex and time-consuming for cannabis businesses. Distru simplifies the process by providing a user-friendly, all-in-one solution that seamlessly integrates with Metrc Washington DC. Our software is designed to streamline compliance workflows, reduce manual data entry, and provide advanced analytics and reporting features.
Schedule a DemoDistru is more than just a Metrc Washington DC integration; it's a comprehensive compliance solution tailored to the unique needs of cannabis businesses in the Golden State. Our software combines robust compliance features with operational tools to help you manage your entire supply chain, including cannabis accounting, ERP, data analytics, and order fulfillment. Designed specifically for Washington DC's complex regulatory landscape, Distru empowers cannabis operators to streamline their operations while maintaining full compliance with state regulations.
Key features of Distru include:
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