A D.C. task force will begin cracking down on I-71 shops that gift marijuana in exchange for purchases.
Catch up quick: Such gifting shops cropped up after a 2014 law legalized possessing small amounts of marijuana in D.C., but not buying or selling it.
The businesses sell products and services and offer marijuana to patrons under a loophole in the law.Why it matters: The task force puts further scrutiny on the gifting businesses which medical marijuana dispensaries have argued are taking business away from them.
A “Joint Cannabis Task Force” will start unannounced inspections next month to ensure businesses abide by D.C. laws such as food safety, fire codes, and proper registration with the Office of Tax and Revenue.