Anacostia Organics (AO) opened on January 24, 2019 with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Mayor Muriel Bowser and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) and other dignitaries after navigating an arduous, multi-year process to establish the first medical cannabis dispensary east of the Anacostia River.
Several years ago, our team researched the original license holders chosen by DC’s Department of Health and found that there were no dispensaries located in Wards 7 or 8 even though the majority of the city’s registered patients resided in those communities. As well, we discovered that out of 15 cultivator and dispensary licenses there were no dispensary licenses awarded to longtime residents of the District of Columbia. Only one dispensary license was awarded to a minority woman, and only one minority male was awarded a license to cultivate in our city.
When we brought this data to the Executive Office of the Mayor and the Council of the District of Columbia emergency legislation was introduced and passed unanimously by the Council of the District of Columbia to reopen the licensing process to choose at least one dispensary that would be permitted to operate in Ward 7 or 8. Ultimately, Anacostia Organics made an application and was successful in its bid.
AO is honored to have the support of the local community and the leadership of this great city. Our staff is committed to ensuring our patients have access to top-quality medicine, excellent customer service, and great prices. We hope to see you soon!