DC Hemp Retailer Loses Challenge to City’s Cannabis Rules

A Washington, DC hemp retailer lost its challenge to the city’s closure of its cannabis dispensary operations because local regulations don’t conflict with federal law.

DeLorean 88 LLC’s argument that the city’s closure is invalid because federal law affirmatively legalizes its business to sell hemp was rejected by Judge Trevor N. McFadden of the US District Court for the District of Columbia Wednesday. The retailer’s preemption claims depended on the “mistaken notion” that the 2018 Agricultural Improvement Act (Farm Bill) requires the city to allow commercial hemp possession and sale, McFadden said.

The Farm Bill doesn’t prohibit DC from enforcing ...