The legalities of buying weed in DC make cannabis shopping an adventure here. It is not legal, yet it is. If you or a loved one are visiting the city anytime soon, then we will help you navigate this complicated legal landscape. From local laws to medical ones and even how to self-certify, we discuss all there is to know when looking for nugs in the Capitol.
How legal is buying weed in Washington DC?
Of all states, the cannabis laws in this one are unique. Anybody 21 years of age or older may grow, possess, and even gift weed to others, but the law does not allow for any retail sales. However, medical marijuana is widely available for both locals and visitors alike. In this way, you can find a licensed weed dispensary in Washington DC, and there, you can buy cannabis legally.
Buying recreationally…
Because cannabis is still illegal at the federal level, the Tax Policy Center explains how this restricts states from taxing and regulating sales. Most states do their own thing anyway, but Washington D.C. prefers not to risk isolation from federal funds. Instead, it bans cannabis sales. This does not stop the creative from operating in as many gray areas as they can find.
Since the state allows you to gift cannabis legally, people are doing just that. Storefronts exist aplenty. Here, you can purchase small trinkets, or artworks, or whatever goes, and be “gifted” buds to go with it. There are whole menus of cannabis gifts, from flowers to extracts, edibles, and more. However, unregulated stores have unregulated products. For quality, go licensed.
Buying medicinally…
Back in 2010, medical marijuana became legal here, despite voters approving it from 1998 already. Licensed dispensaries have been open for medical use since 2013. These days, they cater to both residents and visitors, accepting medical marijuana cards from almost everywhere. Guests can even self-certify and apply for temporary patient registration.
Who qualifies?
If you want to buy weed legally, straight up, then you need a valid medical card. If not, you will need to buy “gifts.” Fortunately, getting a medical card is very easy. By design. To stop the “buying of cannabis gifts” -type business model, the state makes medical access readily available. Many can simply self-certify. An annual or temporary medical card also gets access.
Local Medical Users
Unlike states with established programs for medical weed, you do not need to have a qualifying condition first. Typically, states have a set list of health conditions that qualify patients for weed use. However, in Washington D.C., you qualify for any legitimate need, annual fee pending. You might be able to self-certify, but if not, you can still go to the doctor for a card recommendation.
Visiting Medical Users
If you are visiting from another state, your medical marijuana card might well let you buy weed in DC. Dispensaries accept cards from a growing list of reciprocating states. It very likely accepts yours. Before trying to buy bud, just be sure to check the updated list of accepted out-of-state cards. If yours is not on there, or if you do not have a medical card, you can still get weed here.
Guests Who Self-Certify
Going to the doctor all the time can get pricey, especially if your insurance does not want to pay for it. This, and to encourage visitors to buy from licensed dispensaries, is why the state allows non-residents to self-certify their need for weed without a doctor’s letter. For $100, you can self-certify for a full year. For $10, maybe three days. This will depend on the length of your stay.
How to Self-Certify
It is very quick to self-certify for medical weed in DC. It is an online process that requires your photo, proof of government-issued ID, your method of payment, and your application. It needs basic details, like phone number, address, and name. Specify how long you need to self-certify for, upload your information, and you will receive an email with further prompts.
The process is very quick. You will be self-certified today, the moment you pay your fee. Your temporary non-resident medical marijuana card is valid immediately, and you should receive it the same day in your email inbox. In essence, you are applying for a temporary permit to buy medical-grade cannabis for as long as you choose to stay in Washington D.C.
How much weed can you buy?
Medical users can buy eight ounces in any given month, starting anytime. If you buy an ounce now, it will be available again in 30 days time. For most, this is more than sufficient. For heavy users, they also grow their own and participate in gifting programs. However, there are limits to personal possession. You may not have more than two ounces at a time, and only six plants.
Where to use cannabis in DC?
As in all other states with relaxed cannabis laws, it is illegal to smoke weed in public here. Do not light up in restaurants, hotels, stores, apartments, parks, or anywhere but in your private spaces. You can find weed-friendly accommodations for out-of-staters, as well as privately owned consumption lounges and toke-friendly events. Just be sure weed is allowed there first.
Where to find a weed store in DC?
Finding a cannabis dispensary in Washington DC is easy enough. However, finding a reputable one with quality weed products can prove more challenging. Look for licensed stores, with product guarantees and a menu to drool over. Most people order cannabis online. It is available for delivery across the state, and it can bring to you all the best weed DC has to offer.
