2 face marijuana distribution charges; police seize 'KushGods' vehicles

WASHNGTON - Police have arrested two people they say were involved in selling edible marijuana goods out of vehicles in Northwest D.C.

Authorities say 30-year-old Nicholas Cunningham and 18-year-old Evonne Lidoff were arrested Tuesday and charged with distribution of marijuana.

Officers say the narcotics operation was being run in the area of 14th and U Streets and also in the area of 8th and H Streets.

Police seized three vehicles that were all painted depicting the logo and business information of Kush Gods, a business which provides marijuana-infused edibles.

Washington D.C.'s marijuana law is apparently causing some confusion in this case. Earlier this year, it became legal to use small amounts of marijuana for non-medical purposes in the city. People can share small amounts, but they are not able to sell it on an individual basis.

Back in October, FOX 5 interviewed Cunningham and his team as their fleet of vehicles offered marijuana edibles in exchange for donations. At the time, he told us police officers had not bothered them because he said he wasn't technically violating any laws and they had bigger fish to fry.

However, that was not the case, and days after our story, D.C. police launched an undercover sting operation.

Police said the investigation found multiple instances where the company sold brownies, gummy candies and rice cakes laced with THC, a main ingredient in marijuana. The complaint also said undercover officers bought loose weed, spending over $2,000 on products.

Cunningham talked with reporters after he appeared in court Wednesday afternoon.

"I know what I'm doing is very legal," said Cunningham. "I feel like it is great for the city. I think people should gravitate towards it because it's good for the community."

Cunningham has been skirting the law in D.C. for several months because he says he doesn't sell marijuana. Nicholas Kushgod, as he likes to be called, said he offers up his product for a donation.

"We understand the police have to do their jobs, so it's just a miscommunication on what's going on. But we will continue and we'll be back at it tomorrow," he said.

D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier has said in the past that alcohol is a bigger problem than marijuana in the District. But it appears they are making it clear they will go after anyone selling it.

In an agreement the judge has signed off on, Cunningham has been ordered to stay away from the U Street and Chinatown areas.

Cunningham said he will let everyone know about his new locations on social media.

A post on the Kush Gods Facebook page from Tuesday says: "Get schooled on D.C. Weed laws! ‪#‎Kushgods‬"

MORE ONLINE: https://www.facebook.com/Kush-Gods-331573390381379/