Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has unveiled the Medical Cannabis Beverage Product Amendment Act of 2026, a new initiative designed to foster collaboration between the District’s medical cannabis and alcohol manufacturing sectors.

Partnerships to Drive Economic Growth

The legislation establishes a legal framework for local breweries and distilleries to partner with licensed medical cannabis manufacturers. This collaboration will focus on creating cannabis-infused, alcohol-free beverages.

Mayor Bowser emphasized the economic benefits, stating, “This is an opportunity to support two local industries and to keep business in DC.” She highlighted the existing strengths of the city’s brewers, distillers, and medical cannabis market.

Expanding Patient Access

The Act aims to address manufacturing challenges within the medical cannabis industry while simultaneously creating a new revenue stream for craft beverage producers. It will broaden the range of smoke-free therapeutic options available to registered medical cannabis patients.

Regulatory Framework and Safety Standards

Fred Moosally, Director of the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration, explained that allowing these partnerships is a natural progression for the District’s medical cannabis marketplace.

The legislation includes key provisions such as:

  • Enabling strategic partnerships between manufacturers.
  • Introducing license endorsements for breweries and distilleries to manufacture cannabis-infused products.
  • Allowing medical cannabis manufacturers to import non-intoxicating cannabinoids.

Crucially, the Act mandates strict safety standards, requiring all beverages to undergo thorough testing by a DC-licensed laboratory before retail distribution.

Public Safety Measures

All medical cannabis beverages must be alcohol-free, and sales will be limited to licensed medical cannabis retailers, exclusively serving registered patients. Direct sales from breweries, distilleries, or other conventional retail outlets are prohibited.

Other Local News

In other local happenings, Barracks Row Main Street announced the return of Star Wars Weekend, scheduled for May 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, 2026. A 15-minute fireworks display is planned for tonight (Saturday) over the Anacostia River, and residents are advised to prepare pets accordingly.

Additionally, a bus driver was involved in a collision with Ambar Balkan Cuisine, and Desert 5 Spot DC is launching a brunch with a self-serve Bloody Mary bar.