Visiting a DC dispensary can be an exciting and rewarding experience. There are so many great products available that it may take a lot of work to know where to start. But before you make your way to the dispensary, there are some important things you should consider. This article will provide all the information you need to know before visiting a DC dispensary so you can have a safe and enjoyable experience.
What Is A D.C. Dispensary?
A D.C. dispensary is a licensed business that dispenses medical and recreational marijuana products. The store typically offers a variety of cannabis products, including flower, concentrates, edibles, topicals, and more. They can also provide medical advice about the best strains for certain conditions.
How Washington DC Dispensaries work
All DC dispensaries are regulated by the D.C. Department of Health and must adhere to strict laws and regulations set forth by the city. This means that only certain products are permitted for sale, and each dispensary must follow specific guidelines regarding production processes, packaging, labeling, and distribution.
Additionally, DC dispensaries don't operate like usual dispensaries. In other states in the U.S., customers can walk into a dispensary and get their cannabis without the need of a physician's recommendation. But in Washington, D.C, this isn't the case– purchasers must have a valid medical marijuana card in order to enter and purchase marijuana products.
A medical marijuana card can be obtained from all 33 states with medical marijuana programs. The process costs $100 and takes about a month to complete.
Is Recreational Weed Legal in Washington, D.C.?
Cannabis is legal in Washington, DC. However, the law is much different than in other states, as it's still illegal on the federal level. This means that no D.C. dispensary can sell more than two ounces of cannabis at a time, nor can possession exceed that amount.
Now that you understand how dispensaries work, you might be wondering how one can get weed recreationally in D.C. without the need for a medical marijuana card.
What Is Initiative 71?
Initiative 71 is a voter-approved measure that allows D.C. residents to possess and cultivate marijuana for recreational use. It does not establish a legally regulated market but does make it legal for adults 21 and over to possess up to two ounces of cannabis for recreational use.
The ballot for I71 was approved by a majority of voters on 4 November 2014, going into effect on 26 February 2015. I71, or as it's more commonly known, requires D.C. cannabis enthusiasts to follow some rules, which are listed below.
In Washington, DC, you must be 21 years and over to possess weed.
You cannot smoke weed in any federal property or public space, such places including parks, military grounds, and vehicles.
Although you cannot purchase or sell cannabis recreationally in D.C., you can give or receive it as a gift. This may seem strange, but don't worry - we'll explain how this system works soon.
The I71 laws permit D.C. residents over 21 to possess up to two ounces of marijuana, grow up to three mature & three immature plants in their homes, and transfer up to one ounce of marijuana.
If you drive under the influence of marijuana, you will get arrested. This is classified as a DUI charge.
How To Get Recreational Weed In DC
Now that you know the basics of Initiative 71, where can you get recreational marijuana in D.C.? The answer to that is a bit tricky since it is illegal to purchase marijuana in D.C.
So how do people get recreational weed in D.C.? Remember the gifting system we mentioned earlier? D.C. residents can transfer up to one ounce of marijuana as a gift. In this case, you cannot exchange money for weed, however, you can trade goods in return. Popular items that are exchanged include shirts and artwork.
Individuals are not the only ones who can gift weed too. Certain shops, known as smoke shops, have become popular as a way to get recreational cannabis in D.C. Smoke shops are retail stores that sell smoking paraphernalia and accessories, like pipes, bongs, rolling papers, and more. They also offer "gift with purchase" options where customers can buy an item from their store in exchange for a small amount of weed or edibles.
So, how do you spot a good smoke shop in D.C.? Considering that there are a ton of shops that claim to work in accordance with the law, selecting the best one might be a tough task.
Is The Store Initiative 71 compliant?
As stated earlier, Initiative 71 is the voter-approved measure that allows recreational cannabis use in D.C. Make sure the store you are visiting is operating legally by following I71 regulations.
Are Reviews Positive?
Check out customer reviews on the store's website and third-party review sites. This will give you an idea of their services, quality, and pricing. With over 1000+ reviews, Top Level is rated one of the best I71 Gifting Shops in DC.
Do They Provide High-quality Products?
When you visit a smoke shop, make sure that the items they sell are of good quality. Ask questions if you need to, and do your own research as well. This will help ensure that you are getting the best product for your money. Top Level gifts products like carts, edibles, flower, concentrates, and more.
Knowledgeable Staff
The staff should be knowledgeable about cannabis and I71 regulations. They should also be able to answer your questions without hesitation.
Smoke Shops Are Open To D.C. Residents & Tourists
You don't need to be a resident of D.C. or even visiting the DMV area to enjoy its fantastic weed laws. As long as you follow the rules, you're free to possess and smoke weed. The best part is that there are plenty of great smoke shops open to everyone in D.C. All you need to do is find one that suits your needs, and you'll be all set!
Getting Medical Marijuana in D.C.
You can only obtain medical marijuana from dispensaries in D.C. Unlike other places; recreational weed dispensaries do not exist here. In order to buy weed at a dispensary, you must have a medical condition and a card that proves it.
Conditions treatable with medical marijuana include;
Chronic pain
Anxiety
Depression
Glaucoma
Multiple Sclerosis
Cancer
Insomnia
Migraine
Allergies
HIV/AIDS
Getting a Medical Cannabis Card
The process of getting a medical marijuana card is quite simple. The first step is to get a recommendation from your doctor. Once you have the recommendation, you can apply for an I.D. card through the D.C. Department of Health's online portal. Once you've been approved for the card, you can go to any dispensary in D.C. and purchase medical marijuana products.
The process usually costs around $100 to $200 and can take up to four weeks!
Enjoy Free Premium Weed Gifts from Top Level: Best Black Owned Marjiuana-Gifting Dispensary in DC
Top Level is the #1 source of weed gifts in Washington, DC. We make it easy for you to get your hands on some dope goodies. Simply purchase an art piece from our website created by a local D.C. artist, and we will give you a free I71 weed gift. You can also come visit us at our store on Macomb St!
We will notify you to pick up your dope goodies from our store. Or you can enjoy in-store shopping by visiting our store on Macomb St!
Note: We accept cash and now also credit/debit card payments for purchases over $50 (21+ ID required)
Shop online or call us today at (202) 740-6670 to place your order. Check out our menu here. Enjoy in-store shopping or order online & skip the line! For Top Level DC hours, please check our website. Also, follow us on Instagram to learn more about buying art prints for free weed gifts in Washington DC with our 420-friendly and Initiative 71-compliant gifts.
