OUR STORY
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
Our story started back in 1980, when Capitol Hemp owner Alan Amsterdam first entered the cannabis industry.
CAPITOL HEMP TIMELINE
Our story has evolved during a long and difficult journey. We’ve faced many obstacles in trying to bring our goals to life. As with many things – perseverance is key. Our past has shaped who we are today. Our growing pains have helped us understand and better address the needs of our community and our customers.
As times goes on, we promise to be more innovative and revolutionary. By embracing new legislation and bringing new cannabis-related product offerings into the hands of those who need them, we hope to cement our standing as leaders in our field. From individuals who need help managing their health, to the people who enjoy the legal recreational benefits, we endeavor to provide the best products and consultation services on the market.
Visit our timeline (below) to learn how far we’ve come.
1980
An Introduction to the Therapeutic Value of Plants
In 1980 Capitol Hemp's Alan Amsterdam first entered the cannabis industry. As it happens, he worked with some older hippies. Alan helped the hippies, by digging holes for an [...]
1995
A Visit to Amsterdam to Learn About Quasi-Legal Coffee-Shops
After High school Mr. Alan Amsterdam attended Frostburg State University. Consequently, Alan discovered that using cannabis helped him focus on his school work. (1985-1990). During this time, a close [...]
1998
The 1st American to Own a Coffee-Shop in Amsterdam
After a life changing trip to the Netherlands (1995), Mr. Alan Amsterdam decided to move to Amsterdam. Alan would use his past experience to grow cannabis in Holland. Although [...]
1999
A Celebrity Judge for the Cannabis Cup
During the 1999 High Times Cannabis cup, Mr. Alan Amsterdam was a celebrity judge. Judges make their decision and grade cannabis on Aesthetics, Aroma, Taste, Effects in addition to [...]
2007
The Capitol Hemp Concept is Born
Mr. Alan Amsterdam's experience in Holland was to say the least, very enlightening on many levels. However, in the back of his mind he wanted to push for the [...]
2008
Capitol Hemp Opens Two Different Stores
Capitol Hemp opened in the Adams Morgan neighborhood of Washington DC. There was much anticipation. That is to say, there hadn't been a head shop connected with the cannabis [...]
2011
The Metropolitan Police Department Raid Capitol Hemp
Meanwhile...during October of 2011...Capitol Hemp was raided (at both locations) for selling drug "paraphenallia". Both locations were raided by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Over $250,000.00 worth of merchandise [...]
2013
Amsterdam Opens New Store Complete With Glass-Blowing Booths
Mr. Alan Amsterdam was not deterred by previous events. Therefore, he continued onward. Subsequently, during 2013 he opened up a new store. This was located 500ft over the DC [...]
2014
Alan Amsterdam works relentlessly to get Initiative 71 into DC law
Initiative 72 was a voter-approved ballot initiative. It legalized the use of cannabis in Washington DC. It came into full effect during February 2015. What Does Initiative 72 Include? [...]
2015
Capitol Hemp Re-Opens in Adams Morgan Neighborhood in DC
2015 - Capitol Hemp finally reopens its doors. The new store is located in the Adams Morgan neighborhood. Moreover, in 2021 Alan Amsterdam became the sole owner. Alan Amsterdam [...]
2021
Alan Amsterdam Accepted Into Ganjier Certification Program
Alan Amsterdam is one of the first people to be accepted into the pioneering Global Ganjier Certification Program. What is a Ganjier? According to www.ganjier.com the certification site: "In [...]
2021
Alan Amsterdam Becomes DC’s First Certified Ganjier®
Alan Amsterdam, becomes DC’s first certified Ganjier®. Following months of studying both an online curriculum, as well as in-person training, Alan was ready to take the exams necessary for [...]
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