D.C. Bill Would Allow Medical Cannabis Beverages and Imported Cannabinoids
- A new D.C. bill aims to enable the production of medical cannabis beverages and clarify taxation on medical cannabis products.
- The Medical Cannabis Beverage Product Amendment Act of 2026 proposes endorsements for alcohol manufacturers to produce cannabis beverages without alcohol, following strict regulations.
- The bill introduces a medical cannabinoids import endorsement allowing licensed manufacturers to import THC-free cannabinoids for product manufacturing, with testing and fee requirements.
- It expands courier authority for transporting cannabis products and confirms a 6% gross receipts tax on medical cannabis sales, subject to mayoral and congressional approval.
A new Washington, D.C. bill has been filed that would create a pathway for producing medical cannabis beverages, allow certain cannabinoids to be imported into the District for regulated manufacturing, and clarify how medical cannabis products are taxed.
The Medical Cannabis Beverage Product Amendment Act of 2026 was introduced April 2 by Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) at the request of Mayor Muriel Bowser. Legislative records show the measure was later referred to the Committee of the Whole on April 21.
The proposal would allow holders of manufacturer’s license class A or B, which are alcohol manufacturer license categories, to apply for a medical cannabis beverage production endorsement. That endorsement would let them receive cannabis or THC from a licensed medical cannabis manufacturer, produce medical cannabis beverages under a written agreement, and then deliver those beverages back to that same medical cannabis manufacturer.
The bill makes clear that any medical cannabis beverage produced under the endorsement could not contain alcohol. It also says businesses with the endorsement would need to follow the District’s testing, electronic tracking and reporting requirements, and it sets a minimum annual licensing fee of $500.
In addition, the measure would create a medical cannabinoids import endorsement. That would allow licensed medical cannabis manufacturers and cultivation centers to import certain cannabinoids into the District from qualified sources for use in making medical cannabis products. Under the bill, those imported cannabinoids would need to comply with federal law, contain 0% THC or a non-detectable amount of THC, and be accompanied by testing documentation showing they are free of contaminants. The annual fee for that endorsement would be set at $1,000.
The legislation would also expand courier authority by allowing licensed couriers to transport cannabis, THC and medical cannabis beverages between endorsement holders and licensed medical cannabis manufacturers. It would further clarify that the District’s 6% gross receipts tax applies to medical cannabis and medical cannabis products.
If approved, the measure would take effect only after mayoral approval, congressional review and publication in the D.C. Register.