Is Marijuana Legal in Washington D.C.?
The District of Columbia struggled long and hard to legalize cannabis district-wide. However, while both forms of cannabis are legal in the district, it is still impossible to purchase recreational marijuana here. Still, cannabis laws in Washington, D.C., are as complex as ever. For instance, despite being legal, recreational users cannot purchase cannabis in this district. Read on as we attempt to demystify all you need to know about marijuana legalization in the District of Columbia.
Is weed legal in Washington D.C.?
Yes, recreational use of cannabis is legal across the District of Columbia.
When did weed become legal in Washington D.C.?
The use of weed by adults 21 and older for recreational purposes became legal after passing initiative 71 in 2014.
Are edibles legal in Washington D.C.?
Yes, edibles are legal in this District.
Is medical marijuana legal in Washington D.C.?
Medical marijuana is legal in the District of Columbia.
How to get medical marijuana in Washington D.C.
Registered patients can only purchase medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries across the District.
Can I go to a dispensary without a card in Washington D.C.?
Unfortunately, only medical marijuana cardholders are allowed to purchase products from dispensaries in the District.
How long does it take to get your medical card in Washington D.C.?
It takes about three to four weeks to get a medical marijuana card in Washington D.C.
Does Washington D.C. accept out-of-state MMJ cards?
Fortunately, the District offers reciprocity for out-of-state medical marijuana patients. This is thanks to the Medical Marijuana Reciprocity Amendment Act, which went into effect in 2017.
Marijuana bills/laws in Washington D.C. & key questions
Marijuana legalization in Washington D.C. dates back to 1998 when the District passed the Legalization of Marijuana for Medical Treatment Initiative or Initiative 59. Initiative 59 made it legal to use marijuana for medicinal purposes across the District. The initiative was approved by 69% of voters in 1998. However, the U.S. Congress, which has oversight over D.C., effectively blocked Initiative 59 by enacting the Barr Amendment. The Barr Amendment was subsequently lifted in 2013 to reinstate the District’s Initiative 59.
In 2014, 65% of voters in the District of Columbia passed Initiative 71, the Legalization of Possession of Minimal Amounts of Marijuana for Personal Use Act of 2014. This Act legalized the possession of marijuana for recreational purposes and without the need for a medical recommendation. Initiatives 59 and 71 empower the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) to regulate the marijuana industry in Washington D.C.
How much marijuana can I have in Washington D.C.? (in oz)
Recreational users can possess small amounts of cannabis and relevant paraphernalia. All cannabis users, including patients, caregivers, and adults 21 and older, can possess up to two ounces of marijuana district-wide.
Is Marijuana decriminalized in Washington D.C.?
Yes, marijuana is decriminalized for up to two ounces in the District of Columbia.
Is there a fine or penalty for marijuana possession in Washington D.C.?
Marijuana possession over two ounces is a misdemeanor and attracts up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1000. It’s also illegal to consume cannabis in public across the district. Public consumers are likely to be cited and released for this offense.
How many cannabis plants per household in Washington D.C.?
Patients, caregivers, and adults 21 and older may grow up to six marijuana plants within their residence.
Washington, D.C. dispensaries regulations
The Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) has regulatory oversight over the regulation and licensing of dispensaries in the District of Columbia.
Washington, D.C. growers regulations
The Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) also licenses commercial cannabis cultivators in the District.
Closing thoughts
Considering how the Federal Government owns a sizable chunk of the land in D.C., it’s impressive that both recreational cannabis and medical marijuana are legal across the district. However, it hasn’t come without a fight. Multiple limitations still exist, especially in terms of accessing recreational cannabis. If D.C. overcomes these limitations, it could be on its way to becoming a case study for marijuana legalization nationwide.