The Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA), working with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), closed Sheridan International Market on Georgia Avenue NW on Mar. 24, 2025, due to its operation as an unlicensed cannabis retailer. The ABC Board issued the closure order, citing a “credible and imminent danger to public health and safety” and padlocked the business.
The address was also registered to a placarded social equity internet medical cannabis retail license under Blueprint Development LLC. The most recent ABC board disposition showed that a protest hearing had been rescheduled.
During the closure, MPD officers discovered and seized over over five pounds of unlicensed cannabis products, including cannabis, THC concentrate, THC cartridges, and THC edibles, according to the ABCA press release. A search warrant was executed following the initial discovery.
The market owners have the option to request a hearing before the ABC Board. To reopen, they may be required to submit a remediation plan to prevent future illegal sales.
This closure is part of an ongoing effort by ABCA to crack down on illegal cannabis operations in the District. Since July 15, 2024, when new enforcement powers took effect, authorities have shut down 42 such businesses, according to ABCA.
Businesses with pending license applications filed during a specific open period are exempt from enforcement until Mar. 31, 2025. ABCA is also notifying property owners of illegal cannabis businesses that they could face civil and criminal penalties.
