Washington, D.C. Cannabis Company Sues City, Demands Return of $750,000

A Washington DC cannabis company called Mr. Nice Guys DC recently sued the city for seizing more than $750,000 in cash during a 2021 raid.

Damion West and Gregory Wimsatt, co-owners of Mr. Nice Guys DC, seek justice for money seized by police. “I’m going to be a voice for those who don’t have a voice,” West said news 4“I’m not going to endorse it. We haven’t done anything wrong. We’re operating in the gray space they’ve created and all we want is a refund.” .”

“Speaking of which, where’s the justice? They come in, kick our doors, assault us, and take our money.” Wimsat said.

In August 2021, police raided two Mr. Nice Guys DC clinics. The lawsuit details the raid in more detail, and how police “received $67,000 and destroyed two ATMs in the store while searching the Ninth Avenue location.” Metropolitan Police Department of DC (MPD) A spokesperson said three people were arrested at the store and charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. We have chosen not to prosecute those who have been accused,” the lawsuit states.

The lawsuit against Nice Guys DC was dropped, but the co-owner never received any cash. “Defendants, the DC Police Department (MPD) in the District of Columbia, routinely and illegally hold cash seized from arrested individuals, many of whom have never been charged with a crime. It may extend for months or even years past the point at which it may continue to retain that cash without providing a process to challenge that retention,” the lawsuit states. I’m here.

“It came to nearly $800,000 in product and cash. In this case, the only thing we specifically asked for was cash. There were other circumstances that barred us from our location. Wimsat explained.

Charles Walton, Co-Owner’s Attorney, said: Washington Post The main purpose of the lawsuit is to recover the seized cash. “DC Police have been unable to return the money that was seized after the investigation was closed and the related criminal charges were dropped or dismissed,” Walton said. is to provide and return information related to the chain of custody of

As voters approved in 2014, cannabis for adult use is legal and allowed to be owned, home grown, and gifted. The “Harris Rider” (named after Congressman Andy Harris) included in the 2014 omnibus bill made the sale no longer legal. To get around this, local pharmacies like Mr. Nice Guys DC sell non-marijuana products and customers receive cannabis as a “gift” with their purchase.

In August 2022, Washington, D.C.’s Bureau of Alcoholic Beverage Control announced it would inspect unlicensed cannabis businesses. Delayed inspections by September further clouded the future of these businesses.

Fortunately, medical cannabis patients continue to be a focus of Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, who wants patients to be able to self-certify about cannabis prescribing rather than waiting for a doctor’s recommendation. “We have made building a more patient-centred medical marijuana program a priority for many years, and this law builds on that effort,” Kuppa said. I’m here. “We will protect and We know we can support local businesses and provide clarity to our communities.”

upon October 20th, Bowser also signed a bill allowing tourists to self-certify for medical cannabis as well. The new law will allow tourists to obtain his 30-day registration to purchase from pharmacies when visiting the capital.