Dupont Circle is more popularly known as the D.C. celebrity mansion or the Dupont party mansion. The place of residence was previously marketed as a site for partying and other similar rave events, attracting the likes of rapper Ja Rule. The house, located at 2220 Q Street NW, formerly held a business permit to hold events, weddings, and other similar gatherings.

The house went through a series of events and investigations, with the last house owner, Douglas Jefferies, settling a lawsuit and agreeing to stop all other entertainment-related activities and other business transactions on-site. In July of 2019, the house was foreclosed.

Despite being closed for some time, police authorities continued to investigate drug-related activities in the area. In particular, authorities have focused their efforts to stop the alleged cannabis pop-up parties in the area.

Last September 25, 2019, Wednesday, more than 12 police officers stormed the area. The authorities were able to seize 25 pounds of marijuana, vaping instruments, and cannabis edibles laced with THC. In addition to these, authorities also confiscated more than $16,000 in cash.

Based on the report released by Fox News DC, individuals who attended the event ran out as police raided the house. Fox said one man tried to run and escape the area, while another man locked himself in the bathroom.

Following these events, two men allegedly involved in selling and distributing marijuana have been arrested by the authorities, namely John Sweeney and Nabil Yazbeck. Both are charged with unlawful possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, says Fox. The two individuals charged with felony possession are slated to attend a hearing in the D.C. Superior Court on October 15, 2019. At the moment, both Sweeney and Yazbeck are free.

Events and information about marijuana pop-ups in the area were supposedly advertised on social media platforms such as Instagram. With Instagram handle HonestHerbsDC, the page has been inviting customers to come to the place to obtain illegal drugs since 2018. The Washington Post states customers were given the address via text message and emails.

While news sites and authorities have reportedly reached out to Douglas Jeffries for comment, the former owner declined to issue a statement nor did he return calls from these entities. Investigators and police officers are still unclear about Jeffries’ link to the pop-ups.

Cannabis in Washington D.C.,

In Washington DC, cannabis is legal for medical and recreational use, but not for commercial sale.  In May of 2010, the Council of District of Columbia passed a bill legalizing medical marijuana. Congress did not overrule the bill, thereby making it legal by January 1, 2011.

On the other hand, the legalization of recreational use of marijuana was made possible through Ballot Initiative (Initiative 71) last November 14, 2014. This was supported by 64.87% of voters of DC residents, making it fully legal by  February 26, 2015.

It should also be noted that the prohibition of marijuana is observed in federal lands like military property and national parks. In DC alone, the federal government owns about 29%  of the total land area.

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