Weed Laws in Washington DC

Washington DC is the United States capital city nestled between the Potomac River, Virginia, and Maryland. Formally established by Congress in 1801, Washington DC was named after President George Washington and Columbia, the nation's female personification. 

From the Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument, countless museums and historical monuments are scattered around Washington DC. For the cannabis enthusiasts, DC is host to the annual National Cannabis Festival, full of vendors, music, and delicious food.

Washington DC cannabis laws seem contradictory because it is a federal district. It is legal to use and possess recreational cannabis in Washington DC for adults over the age of 21. Washington DC also has established medical cannabis regulations and permits the use and sale of medical cannabis. While the Washington DC Metro Police will not arrest you if you are following the possession and use laws, federal police can arrest and charge you under federal law.

Is Weed Legal in Washington DC?

YES, cannabis use is legal for both recreational and medicinal purposes in Washington DC. However, Washington DC only permits the sale of cannabis to patients with a medical marijuana card.

Individuals under the age of 18 are permitted to obtain a medical marijuana card in Washington DC as long as the parent or legal guardian consents and serves as a caregiver for the minor. Possession of cannabis by an individual under the age of 21 is a civil violation with a fine of $25. Until September 30th of 2022, individuals over the age of 65 can fill out a Self-Certification form stating they will use cannabis for medical purposes only to help expedite the registration process and make it easier for people to obtain medical cannabis. 

Weed Legalization in Washington DC

Washington DC began regulating cannabis to prescription only in 1906, and it wasn’t until 1998 that voters passed Initiative 59. Initiative 59 passed, winning 66% of the vote, but Congress passed the Barr Amendment. Unfortunately, the Barr Amendment prohibited Washington DC from funding the medical cannabis program. The Barr Amendment was eventually overturned in 2009, and in 2010 the Council of the District of Columbia legalized medical cannabis. 

Sales of medical cannabis began in 2013, and it was only a year later that the Council of the District of Columbia decriminalized possession of cannabis. Individuals caught with less than one ounce of cannabis faced a $25 fine. Months later, voters approved Initiative 71, and the law went into effect on February 26th, 2015. For adults 21 and over, Initiative 71 legalized the possession of less than two ounces of cannabis, cultivation of up to three mature and three immature cannabis plants, and gifting up to one ounce of cannabis to individuals 21 and over.

As of 2023, the consumption of cannabis is legal for both medical and recreational use in the District of Columbia. However, the District of Columbia only permits medical sales of cannabis from licensed dispensaries. Medical cannabis patients are allowed to possess up to 4 ounces of cannabis, while recreational consumers have a possession limit of 2 ounces. Possession of more than 2 ounces of cannabis for non-medical cannabis patients is a misdemeanor, carrying a fine of $1000 and 6 months in jail. Unfortunately, federal officers may still arrest individuals for using or possessing any amount of cannabis under federal law.

Cannabis Tax in Washington DC

Individuals with a valid Washington DC medical cannabis card can purchase cannabis from state-licensed dispensaries. As of June 2022, Washington DC has seven medical cannabis dispensaries for patients to choose from.

Ward 1
Capital City
1115 U Street NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 292-5071
capitalcitycare.com

Ward 2
Herbal Alternatives  
1710 Rhode Island Avenue, NW 
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 618-5635
herbalalternatives.net

National Holistic Healing Center
1636 Connecticut Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 234-0780
nationalholistic.com

Ward 4 
Takoma Wellness
6925 Blair Road NW
Washington, DC 20012
(202) 465-4260
takomawellness.com

Ward 6
KINFOLK Dispensary
433 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 758-3795
kinfolkdispensary.com

Ward 7
Cannabliss
4721 Sheriff Rd NE
Washington, DC 20019
(202) 388-3000
shopcannabliss.com

Ward 8
Anacostia Organics
2022 Martin Luther King Jr Ave. SE
Washington, DC 20020
(202) 845-8574
anacostiaorganics.com

In addition, Washington DC also permits out-of-state medical cannabis patients to purchase from the state-licensed dispensaries.

The states levies a 6% sales tax on medical marijuana purchases. On February 11th of 2022, Washington DC declared 4/20 week a tax holiday, where taxes on cannabis are waived from April 15th to April 24th. However, the tax holiday expired on May 1, 2022 and it is unclear if residents can expect similar savings in 2023 and beyond.

Is Cannabis Delivery Available in Washington DC?

YES, medical marijuana delivery is currently available for medical marijuana patients in the District of Columbia. The Alcoholic Beverage Control Board implemented emergency rules on March 16th, 2022, to permit the delivery of cannabis by dispensaries to patients' homes. These rules are set to expire on July 14th, 2022, but the Cannabis Trade Association (CTA) is recommending the Board permanently "revise the regulations to allow for deliveries to one's porch, driveway, or walkway, and remove the requirement that one affirm that there is not a gun in the residence."

Where Can You Legally Use Weed in Washington DC?

Medical cannabis patients can legally use cannabis in the following areas in Washington DC:

🗹 Private properties such as residences, if the owner permits

🗹 Enrolled school if the school has a policy for allowing the administration of cannabis at school.

🗹 When receiving medical care for a qualifying medical condition at a medical treatment facility, if permitted by the facility.

Individuals 21 and over can legally use cannabis in the following areas in Washington DC:

🗹 Private properties such as residences, if the owner permits

Cannabis CANNOT be consumed in:

X Public spaces

X Federal buildings or land

X Motorized vehicles, for both driver and passengers

What are the Restrictions on Cannabis Possession in Washington DC?

Medical cannabis patients may purchase up to 8 ounces of cannabis per 30-day period and may not possess more than 4 ounces at once.

For recreational use, adults 21 and over may possess up to:

Cannabis flower: 2 ounces / 56 grams

Adults 21 and over may cultivate up to:

Six plants with no more than three mature plants.

Households may not have more than 12 plants or six mature plants if more than one individual over the age of 21 is in the home.

For transfer to another person over the age of 21:

Cannabis flower: 1 ounce / 28 grams

Individuals wishing to transfer cannabis to another individual over the age of 21 may not accept money, goods, or services for the cannabis.

During vehicular transportation:

Cannabis must be in a sealed container with the dispensary label and stored in the vehicle's trunk.

Frequently Asked Questions About Marijuana in Washington DC

Where can I find medical cannabis in Washington DC?

Medical cannabis patients can find a list of licensed dispensaries in Washington DC above.

How long is a medical marijuana card valid in Washington DC?

Current emergency rulemaking allows the District of Columbia to issue medical marijuana cards that are valid for up to two years. This emergency rule is set to expire on September 30th, 2022. It will revert to being valid for up to one year unless extended.

What is the fee for a medical marijuana card in Washington DC?

Until August 18th, 2022, there is no fee to obtain a medical marijuana card in DC. 

Can I be arrested for cannabis possession or use of cannabis in Washington DC?

Yes, individuals in possession of over the legal amount of cannabis for recreational or medical purposes may be arrested. In addition, federal offers may arrest any individual for using and possessing any amount of cannabis.

Can out-of-state medical marijuana patients buy cannabis in Washington DC?

Yes, Washington DC allows medical cannabis reciprocity for medical cannabis patients with a valid state medical cannabis card. Patients can find a list of eligible state medical marijuana programs on the ABRA website.