On July 24, 2025, the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration’s (ABCA) Enforcement Division, accompanied by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers, implemented Closure Orders to the owners of Potomac Hemp at 1432 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC.

The Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis (ABC) Board issued the Closure Order due to the business operating illegally and posing an imminent risk to public health and safety. 

While executing a search warrant during the Closure Order servicing, the District's Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers seized more than 13 pounds of marijuana, more than 10,000 grams of THC edibles, over 1000 grams of THC concentrate, and 46 grams of THC wax.

Thirty-three-year-old Deena Marafie, of Temple Hills, Maryland, was arrested and charged with Distribution of a Controlled Substance.

To date, joint agency enforcement efforts have padlocked 62 illegal businesses since Bill 25-872, the Medical Cannabis Conditional License and Unlicensed Establishment Closure Clarification Emergency Amendment Act of 2024, which granted the agency with new civil enforcement powers, took effect on July 15, 2024.

The public can support enforcement efforts by reporting suspected illegal cannabis businesses online at abca.dc.gov/service/complaint. Submissions can be made anonymously. To locate a licensed medical cannabis Retailer, visit abca.dc.gov/service/find-medical-cannabis-retailer.

Questions regarding:

• Medical cannabis licensing and enforcement should be directed to ABCA at [email protected].
• Illegal product seizure and arrests should be directed to MPD at [email protected].