DOJ attorney warns D.C. dispensary over proximity to schools

OG Article

Apr 25, 2025

LJ Dawson

U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Edward R. Martin Jr. has issued a letter to Green Theory, a licensed cannabis dispensary located at 4828 MacArthur Blvd., NW, expressing concern that its operation violates federal law due to its proximity to several area schools.

Martin is know for defending (and attending the earlier speech) the Jan. 6 rioters accused of storming the U.S. Capitol. A POLITICO article referred to him as “a lawyer and longtime conservative activist.” President Donald J. Trump positioned Martin as temporary head of the U.S. attorney’s office for D.C. in January where he has been in charge of dismissing many of the defendants’ cases.

In the letter, sent today, Martin stated his concern for the safety of children, noting that the dispensary appears to be operating within 1,000 feet of Our Lady of Victory Catholic School, the River School, St. Patrick’s Episcopal Day School and Little Ivies preschool. He emphasized the existence of numerous federal laws, including the Controlled Substances Act, that govern and often prohibit the distribution and possession of cannabis.

It is unclear why Green Theory was targeted as multiple licensed dispensaries are within 1000 ft of a school in D.C.

Martin reminded Green Theory’s owners that the Department of Justice has the authority to enforce federal law even when activities are permitted under local regulations. He further warned that individuals and entities involved in operating or facilitating such dispensaries could face federal criminal prosecution and civil enforcement actions.

The U.S. Attorney’s letter concluded by posing three specific questions to Green Theory’s owners regarding their awareness of federal law, communication with federal law enforcement and documentation of their compliance with federal regulations.

The Outlaw Report reached out to Green Theory who declined to comment at this time. The Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration and Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office have not yet responded to request for comment on the implications of the letter on the overall cannabis market in the District.

This follows controversy last year that was generated by a parent group called 1000 Feet group who publicly came after Green Theory after their formal protest to the dispensary failed with the ABC Board.