“Valid Medical Cannabis Registrations Required Effective September 2”

Thanks to John for passing on from ABRA:

“As announced in mid-April, all District and non-resident patients and caregivers are required to have a valid registration to purchase medical cannabis effective Thursday, July 1, 2021.

A 60-day grace period was announced shortly afterwards to allow patients time to secure new recommendations from their healthcare practitioners and updated government-issued photo IDs (if needed)–delaying the deadline date to Monday, September 1.  No additional extensions will be granted.

Since the initial announcement four (4) months ago, ABRA has sent monthly renewal reminders to registered patients and caregivers. All reminders have been sent to the email accounts each individual used to register in the program. In August alone, three unique reminders are scheduled in addition to regular social posts. Guidance is also available on ABRA’s website.

As you and your staff engage with your patrons in the weeks ahead, you are encouraged to support ABRA’s outreach efforts by providing reminders in your communication vehicles, in on-premises signage, and during transactions.

In your interactions, you may want to highlight the following:

• The District Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has advised ABRA that appointments are currently readily available, minimal wait times for walk-ins during off-peak hours, and senior citizens are to receive priority seating indoors. License and id renewals are being processed without delay.
• Applicants may use any form of valid U.S., state, territory, or District-issued photo ID to meet the photo identification requirement.
• Expired government issued-photo identifications and/or proof of residence that expired during the public health emergency (March 1, 2020-September 9, 2021) will continue to be accepted through Thursday, September 9. Starting Friday, September 10, qualifying patients are required to provide dispensaries with a valid government-issued photo to purchase medical cannabis. This date is also the deadline for District residents to renew their expired driver’s license with the DMV.
• District residency can be established by a variety of documents including copies of utility bills, credit card statements, leases, and deeds.
• Telehealth recommendations will continue to be accepted. Please note that medical cards or documents issued by private companies such as NuggMD, even if issued by a healthcare practitioner, are not eligible.

Please note that patients and caregivers that do not have a valid registration on Tuesday, September 2 will not be able to purchase medical cannabis. Registered patients and caregivers are highly encouraged to submit all required application materials ASAP to avoid processing delays. Applications received shortly before or on September 1 will likely not be processed before the deadline.

Dispensaries that sell medical cannabis to individuals with expired registrations or in quantities exceeding the permitted 4 ounces within 30-day period may be subject to enforcement action by the ABC Board.

If you have any questions, please email [email protected].”