Buying marijuana in Washington, DC has been a topic of interest and confusion for many residents and visitors alike. This is because the regulations surrounding weed use and possession in the area have been changing over the course of the last decade.
Can You Buy Weed In DC?
In Washington, DC, all adults are legally allowed to possess up to two ounces of marijuana for recreational use, as well as related weed paraphernalia. In addition to the many free museums in DC and world class dining, the decriminalization of marijuana has also now made it a very popular east coast city to live in.
Marijuana for recreation can not be purchased outright when it is only for only recreational use. It must be gifted.
Can You Buy Weed In DC For Recreation?
Buying weed in Washington DC for recreation is somewhat nuanced. In order to obtain weed for recreation, it must be gifted to you. This has led to many weed dispensaries opening that sell other products and then a specific type of marijuana is gifted to you with your purchase.
For example, if you buy a t-shirt, your gift may be a hybrid cbd / thc edible. But, if you want a pure THC edible you may need to buy something different. Each dispensary has a different gifting system.
Marijuana Legislation In DC
In Washington, DC, marijuana has been slowly legalized over the course of several years for adults aged 21 and older. This legalization began with Initiative 71, which provides guidelines on possession, cultivation, and gifting of marijuana.
Understanding Initiative 71
Initiative 71, also known as the Legalization of Possession of Minimal Amounts of Marijuana for Personal Use Initiative, was a law implemented in Washington, DC in February 2015. Under this initiative, adults aged 21 and older are allowed to possess up to one ounce of marijuana for personal use, cultivate up to six plants (with no more than three mature plants) within their residence, and share or gift marijuana without exchanging money, goods, or services.
In November 2014, D.C. residents passed Initiative 71, which legalized the possession and cultivation of limited amounts of marijuana for personal use. It became law in February 2015.
Did Initiative 71 Allow Weed To Be Bought And Sold In DC?
No, Initiative 71 did not establish a legal framework for the sale of recreational marijuana. As of my last update in September 2021, the sale of recreational marijuana in stores remains illegal in D.C. due to Congressional interference in the District’s local affairs. While Washington DC residents could grow, possess, and share marijuana, they could not legally purchase or sell it for recreational purposes.
Medical marijuana dispensaries, on the other hand, have been operational in D.C. since 2013. These have been catering to registered medical marijuana patients for over a decade.
Medical Marijuana Patient Access Extension Emergency Amendment Act of 2022
In February of 2022, Mayor Muriel Bowser enacted the “Medical Marijuana Patient Access Extension Emergency Amendment Act of 2022”. This act broadened the scope of access to the District’s medical cannabis.
There were several key points of the legislation. Senior residents aged 65 and above can verify their own suitability for medical cannabis without a doctor’s recommendation until September 30, 2022. In addition to this, a special “4/20 Medical Cannabis Sales Tax Holiday Week” is introduced. Between April 15 and April 24, 2022, there will be no six percent sales tax on medical cannabis purchases for patients.
Medical Cannabis Amendment Act Of 2022 (MCAA)
On Wednesday, March 22, 2023, the Medical Cannabis Amendment Act of 2022 (MCAA) became law. The Act overhauls DC’s medical cannabis program which serves almost 29,000 unique DC resident patients and thousands of non-DC resident patients.
The MCAA expands patient access to medical cannabis and creates new business opportunities in the medical dispensary market. It amends the Legalization of Marijuana for Medical Treatment Initiative of 1999 and includes key provisions such as allowing patients to possess up to four ounces of medical cannabis per month, creating a new category of cannabis cultivation centers, and allowing dispensaries to sell cannabis to patients from other states.
Criminal Penalties and Fines
Despite the legalization of limited personal possession and use of marijuana, several actions related to marijuana still carry criminal penalties and fines in Washington, DC. It remains illegal to:
- Consume marijuana in public spaces
- Directly sell marijuana for recreational use
- Drive under the influence of marijuana
Violating any of these actions can result in penalties, such as fines, imprisonment, or both.
While Initiative 71 has legalized marijuana for personal use in Washington, DC, there are still restrictions and potential penalties depending on the specific actions related to marijuana possession, use, and distribution. It is important to understand these regulations to ensure compliance with the law.
Buying Weed In DC
While recreational marijuana is legal in Washington, DC, the process of buying weed can be confusing due to regulations. Here, we’ll discuss the various channels you can explore to get weed in the city, including weed delivery services, pop-up events, and gift economy.
Lastly, the gift economy is another unique method of obtaining weed in DC. According to DC weed laws, it’s legal for adults 21+ to gift up to one ounce of marijuana to another adult 21+ The idea behind the gift economy revolves around purchasing non-cannabis items (such as art, clothing, or accessories), with the cannabis product being gifted as a bonus to the buyer. While this can be a creative and enjoyable experience, be cautious and aware of the regulations to ensure compliance with the law.
DC Cannabis Clubs
In Washington DC, recreational cannabis is legal, but selling or buying it remains prohibited. However, a unique system called the I-71 gifting loophole provides the means for anyone in DC to gift cannabis to others, residents or non-residents, without it being considered a sale. Consequently, several DC cannabis clubs have emerged, enabling adults to access this.
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card
In Washington, D.C., qualifying patients have the right to obtain and use marijuana for medical purposes. To get a medical marijuana card, an individual must first visit a registered and approved medical professional to receive a recommendation for the treatment. The patient then submits an application to the Medical Cannabis Program for approval.
Important documents required for the application include proof of residency, recommendation from an approved medical professional, and a valid government-issued photo ID. Once the application is approved, the patient will receive their medical marijuana card, granting them access to authorized dispensaries in the District.
Authorized Dispensaries
With a valid medical marijuana card, patients can visit any of the authorized dispensaries in Washington, D.C., to purchase medical cannabis. In addition to providing a safe and secure environment for patients, these dispensaries offer a wide range of products, including various strains of marijuana, edibles, concentrates, and more.
While medical marijuana is legally accessible in Washington, D.C., it’s important for individuals who require it for their medical conditions to follow the necessary steps and guidelines to obtain a medical marijuana card and access authorized dispensaries.
Can You Buy Weed In DC: Summary
Because marijuana is regulated state by state, it is essential to understand these regulations to avoid potential legal issues. In Washington, DC, marijuana has been legalized for both medicinal and recreational use.
It is important to know that the sale of marijuana in DC primarily occurs through a practice called “gifting.” This is because Initiative 71, which legalized marijuana in the district, permits adults to give marijuana to other adults but does not allow for sales. As a result, numerous “gifting” dispensaries have become popular for obtaining weed in DC.
When visiting a gifting dispensary, make sure to verify its legitimacy by confirming its adherence to local regulations. You can do this by checking online reviews, visiting the establishment’s website, or asking locals for recommendations.
Visitors and residents looking to buy cannabis in the district should be aware of the rules and regulations surrounding marijuana purchases.
