| NBC Washington |
| Montel Williams pleads his case Wednesday night at a neighborhood meeting in the basement of Israel Baptist Church in Northeast D.C. |
Former TV talk show host Montel Williams wants to open two medical marijuana facilities — a cultivation center and a dispensary — in the District of Columbia. On Wednesday, he pleaded his case before a crowd of 150 residents in the basement of Israel Baptist Church in Northeast D.C.
Williams has applied for two cultivation center licenses on nearby Queen’s Chapel Road in D.C., reports NBC Washington.
Neighbors told Montel they’re worried about crime and the fact the the cultivation site’s location is directly across the street from a strip club.
But Williams said his company plans to refurbish the warehouse, and that the presence of his cultivation center will actually help the neighborhood.
“A building that was burned out could be a flagship facility that actually brings some revenue into Ward 5,” Williams said.
Montel is also applying for a license to operate a medical marijuana dispensary at another site in the city.
Williams became an outspoken advocate for cannabis after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The former TV host said marijuana gives him relief from his pain.