9600 ESTABLISHMENT OF MORATORIUM

9600.1 If the Board reasonably determines that it is in the public interest to do so based on the standards set forth in the Act, the Board may, by rule:

(a) Limit the number of medical cannabis business licenses of any class to be issued; or

(b) Declare a moratorium on the issuance of licenses of any class in any ward, single-member district, or ANC.

9600.2 An ANC may request the Board to issue regulations establishing a moratorium.

9600.3 A moratorium issued by the Board in accordance with this section shall have a prospective effect and shall not apply to existing licenses.

9600.4 A moratorium shall be effective for five (5) years from the date of final rulemaking, or for a lesser period as determined by the Board.

9600.5 If the Board acts on a moratorium request, a moratorium request for the same area, or an area covering substantially the same area, shall not be considered for two (2) years from the date of the Board's action.

SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 73 DCR 002136 (February 20, 2026).