Finding marijuana in DC is said to be as hard as it is scary. Various DC Weed Laws guiding the use of weed have made it near impossible to get your hands on weed without slipping up one way or the other. And with the news of fake weed strains going about, you might as well give up.

But wait, what if purchasing weed isn’t as complex as you thought? Today, legal cannabis dispensaries operate in DC for medical marijuana patients, making it easier than ever to access high-quality cannabis products. However, navigating the laws around recreational and medical marijuana in DC can feel complicated. This guide will break down DC weed laws, bust some common myths, and provide clarity on how to legally access cannabis in the nation’s capital.

Is Marijuana Legal in D.C.?

Yes, cannabis is legal in DC, but the laws surrounding its use depend on whether it’s for medical or recreational purposes. Recreational marijuana laws once stemmed from Initiative 71, while medical marijuana is governed by a licensed dispensary system.

What is Initiative 71?

In 2015, DC voters passed Initiative 71, which legalized the possession and personal use of marijuana for adults aged 21 and older. While it made significant progress for cannabis users, the initiative did not establish a legal framework for the sale of recreational weed.

Under Initiative 71, adults can:

Possess up to 2 ounces of cannabis.
Cultivate up to 6 cannabis plants in their private residence, with no more than 3 mature at a time.
Share or “gift” up to 1 ounce of cannabis with another adult (21+), as long as no money is exchanged.

However, Initiative 71 does not allow for the sale of recreational marijuana, and public consumption remains prohibited. This means that while you can legally possess and share weed, buying it for recreational use is more nuanced.

If you’d like more information on if weed in legal in DC, check out our Complete Guide to the Weed Laws.

DC Weed Laws for Recreational and Medical Marijuana

To fully understand how to access cannabis legally in DC, it’s important to distinguish between medical and recreational marijuana laws.

Recreational Marijuana Laws

Recreational marijuana laws in DC were rooted in Initiative 71, which allows adults to use cannabis within specific boundaries:

Private Property Use Only: Recreational cannabis can only be consumed on private property. Public consumption (e.g., parks, sidewalks, or federal property) is prohibited.
Possession Limits: Adults can legally carry up to 2 ounces of cannabis. Exceeding this limit is against the law.
Gifting, Not Selling: Marijuana can only be exchanged as a gift between adults 21+; it cannot be sold for recreational purposes.

Keep in mind that federal law still prohibits cannabis use, and with over 29% of DC’s land under federal jurisdiction, it’s crucial to avoid cannabis possession or use in areas like national parks, monuments, and government buildings.

Medical Marijuana Laws

Medical marijuana laws in DC provide patients with broader access to cannabis through a regulated dispensary system. To purchase medical cannabis, patients must obtain a Medical Cannabis Card (MMC), which allows them to:

Access Licensed Dispensaries: Medical marijuana cardholders can purchase cannabis products like flower, edibles, concentrates, and tinctures from licensed dispensaries.
Possess Up to 8 Ounces: Medical patients are legally allowed to carry up to 8 ounces of cannabis at a time, significantly more than the recreational limit.
Grow Cannabis: Medical cardholders can cultivate cannabis plants for personal use under DC’s home cultivation laws.

With DC’s self-certification process, obtaining a Medical Cannabis Card is now easier than ever, even for non-DC residents.

Step-by-Step Process for Getting a Medical Marijuana Card in DC

Getting a Medical Marijuana Card (MMC) in Washington, DC, is now easier than ever, thanks to the self-certification process.

With DC’s simplified process, the cost and time to get your Medical Marijuana Card have significantly decreased. DC residents can self-certify for free, and non-residents pay a minimal fee. Whether you're local or visiting, you can now access safe, lab-tested cannabis products from licensed dispensaries like No Kids Allowed quickly and conveniently.

Here’s the updated step-by-step guide:

1. Skip the Doctor’s Visit with Self-Certification

Unlike in other states, you don’t need to find a doctor or undergo a medical evaluation to get your Medical Marijuana Card in DC. The self-certification law allows adults aged 21+ to certify themselves as medical cannabis users directly through the DC Medical Cannabis Program.

2. Gather Your Documents

To apply, you’ll need:

For DC Residents:
- A DC Driver’s License or government-issued ID and proof of DC residency (if your ID is not DC-based).
- A clear photo of your face.
For Non-DC Residents:
- A valid government-issued ID.
- A clear photo of your face.

3. Submit Your Application Online

Visit the DC Medical Cannabis Program website.
Fill out the self-certification form for either DC residents or Non-DC residents.
Upload your documents (ID, proof of residency, and photo).
For non-DC residents, pay the required fee (options range from $10 to $100, depending on the card type).

4. Receive Your Temporary Card

Once your application is submitted, you’ll receive your temporary Medical Cannabis Card via email within 5–10 minutes.
This temporary card allows you to shop at licensed dispensaries immediately.

5. Finalize Your Permanent Card

Forward your temporary card email to info@nokidsallowed.club.
Your permanent card will be processed and sent to you within 30 days.

Conclusion

Navigating DC weed laws can feel overwhelming, but understanding the distinctions between recreational and medical marijuana access is the key to staying compliant and safe. While Initiative 71 allows for the personal use, gifting, and possession of recreational cannabis, it’s important to remember that public consumption and selling weed remain illegal.

For those seeking a more reliable and legal way to access cannabis, obtaining a Medical Cannabis Card (MMC) is the best option. With an MMC, you can purchase high-quality cannabis from licensed dispensaries like No Kids Allowed, enjoy higher possession limits, and explore a broader selection of products with peace of mind.

Whether you're a recreational user or a medical patient, being informed about DC’s unique cannabis laws ensures you can enjoy your cannabis experience responsibly and legally. Ready to access top-tier cannabis products? Visit No Kids Allowed today for a safe and seamless shopping experience!

Explore the finest cannabis selections at no kids allowed—your go-to source in DC for top-tier strains and marijuana products. Stop by our DC dispensary store (only a few minutes from Capitol Hill) or browse our collection online. Connect with us at (202) 897-5993 for expert advice on our premium offerings. For exclusive updates and special deals, follow us on Instagram @nka.dc

The Ultimate Guide to DC Weed Laws - Buy Marijuana (Legally)