Frederick P. Moussalli is set to continue his leadership as the Director of the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) for another four years, pending confirmation by the District of Columbia Council. Moussalli, who has held the position since February 2009, highlighted significant achievements during his tenure at a recent public roundtable led by Chairperson Kenyan McDuffie.
Moussalli's reappointment comes at a time when the ABCA has seen notable advancements, particularly in the medical cannabis sector. He reported that medical cannabis retail sales have surged to over $5.4 million per month for five consecutive months, a stark increase from previous years. This growth follows the successful transition of unlicensed cannabis businesses to the legal market, resulting in 64 licensed retailers compared to just six in March 2024.
In addition to cannabis, Moussalli emphasized the agency's accomplishments in alcohol enforcement, noting that the ABCA exceeded its enforcement goals for the fiscal year 2025. The agency conducted nearly 14,000 regulatory inspections and investigations, focusing on after-hours violations and quality of life issues in nightlife areas.
Moussalli also discussed his priorities if confirmed for another term, which include modernizing alcohol and cannabis laws, implementing new gaming regulations, unveiling a new online system for public interaction, and expanding the Cannabis Enforcement Division. These initiatives aim to enhance public health and safety while supporting local businesses.
The council meeting saw no public witnesses, allowing Moussalli to present his case directly to the committee. His extensive experience and the agency's recent successes position him as a strong candidate for continued leadership in the evolving landscape of alcohol and cannabis regulation in the District.