While legalized for adult use, Congress prohibited the municipality of Washington, D.C. from using funds to establish and regulate a commercial sales system for cannabis. Traditional retail sales are not available at this time, however a gray market has emerged as a result of the loosely defined laws, wherein people make donations, and cannabis is given as a free gift.
D.C. has had medical cannabis dispensaries since 2010 offers reciprocity to licensed medical users from 17 states. The laws allow monthly purchasing limits to four ounces within a 30 day period.
FAQs
Is cannabis legal in Washington, D.C.?
The consumption and possession up to two ounces of cannabis is legal for adult use purposes, and four ounces for medical patients. However, sales are not allowed for recreational customers.
Do I need to be 18 years old to obtain my medical marijuana card?
No, patients under the age of 18 can qualify for a medical marijuana card. A caregiver can then be assigned for to assist the underage patient.
How long does the application process take?
Your application should be processed within 30 days or less.
Where can I buy my medical marijuana?
Qualified patients can purchase their cannabis from a licensed dispensary. Recreational cannabis users are not able to make purchases at this time.
What can I buy at dispensaries in Washington, D.C.?
Medical dispensaries in the District sell a range of flower, concentrates, edibles, transdermal products, seeds and seedlings for patients to purchase.
How much medical cannabis does Washington, D.C. allow me to possess?
Approved medical patients can possess up to four ounces of cannabis; for adult recreational users the possession limit is two ounces. The District allows residents to grow up to six plants (3 mature, 3 seedling) as well.
Can I become a medical marijuana caregiver?
Yes, to qualify as a caregiver, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be designated by a patient to serve as the person authorized, on the patient’s behalf, to possess, obtain from a dispensary, dispense, and assist in the administration of medical marijuana
- Be registered with the Department of Health as the patient’s caregiver
- Must not already be registered to care for another patient
- Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age
- Have never been convicted of possession or sale of a controlled substance unless such conviction occurred after the effective date of the Act (July 2010) and was related to the possession of marijuana that is authorized under the Act.
Does Washington, D.C. honor out of state medical marijuana cards?
Yes, qualified patients from the following states can purchase cannabis in the capital under medical marijuana reciprocity:
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Montana
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Washington
To qualify, the out of state patient must be undergoing an approved treatment, or present their valid license.
Is my privacy protected if I become a medical marijuana patient?
Yes, the Department of Health maintains strict security measures to protect your identity and patient status, in addition to following Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations as well.
How should I carry my medical marijuana?
The law states that a qualifying patient or caregiver should only transport their medicine in a container or sealed package with the dispensary’s label on it.