In recent years, the weed legalization in DC has been a popular topic of discussion across the United States. One question that comes up frequently: is weed is legal in Washington DC?
The answer to this question is both yes and no. In 2014, Washington DC passed Initiative 71, which legalized the possession and use of small amounts of marijuana for adults 21 and older. However, it is important to note that selling, buying, or even gifting weed in exchange for money is still illegal in the DMV.
Despite this limitation, many dispensaries have opened up throughout the city, operating under the guise of November 2014, Initiative 71, also known as the 'Legalization of Possession of Minimal Amounts of Marijuana for Personal Use Act of 2014,' was introduced to the DMV, seeking to legalize the recreational use of cannabis. 6 years down the line, a lot of people still ask the question, "Is weed legal in Washington DC?"
The simple answer is YES! Although there's a lot more details behind the weed law in DC than that. There are still some grey areas you might want to look out for. This DC Weed Legalization guide was curated to help you pin-point these grey areas. So don't stop! Continue reading because you don't get caught up in a tangle of legal red tape in the Nation's capital.
Recreational Weed Law in DC
One of the most important things to note is that Initiative 71 only legalized the possession, use, and cultivation of marijuana for individual recreational purposes. Weed law in DC does not permit the sale or purchase of weed in any form, whether for recreational or medicinal purposes.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For instance, medical marijuana patients can purchase cannabis from licensed dispensaries with a valid medical card. Additionally, individuals can gift up to one ounce of weed to another adult as long as no money changes hands.
It's also essential to mention that smoking weed in public places is strictly prohibited and can lead to criminal of the first significant issues about marijuana laws is that while it's legal to have weed, it's NOT legal to buy it anywhere on the streets.
You might then ask how to get marijuana in DC, when no one can legally sell it to you?
The weed law in DC, however, found a way to work around this issue. Adults 21 and older are allowed to gift each other up to one(1) ounce of cannabis. You can also visit Initiative 71 shops that offer" free weed as a gift" with the purchase of other goods like art prints.
So it's important to note that while both recreational and medical marijuana are legal in the Nation's capitol, the sale of weed for recreational purposes remains prohibited as well as smoking in public places.
Initiative 71
Initiative 71, a voter-approved ballot initiative, legalized weed possession, use, and cultivation for personal recreational purposes for adults aged 21 and over in DC. However, it did not legalize the sale or distribution of cannabis unless conducted through the medical marijuana program with a valid medical card. While significant progress was made in weed legalization and marijuana decriminalization in DC, individuals should be aware of its limitations when purchasing or using cannabis.
What is so special about Initiative 71? Thanks to this fantastic new law, the decriminalization of marijuana was passed by the legislature in 2014. Among other perks, i71 reduced the penalty for possession of up to one ounce of marijuana to $25. How dope is that?
Thanks to Initiative 71, it is legal for adults 21 years of age or older to:
Possess two ounces or less of marijuana
Grow within their primary residence up to six marijuana plants, no more than three cannabis plant of which are mature
Transfer one ounce or less of weed to another person as long as: (1) no money, goods, or services are exchanged; and (2) the recipient is 21 years of age or older
Consume weed on private property
Get Free Recreational Marijuana in DC
In contrast to California or Las Vegas, recreational dispensaries are not conventional in Washington D.C. If you're looking for marijuana, your best bet would be visiting an Initiative 71 store. No medical card is needed to purchase weed from these shops. Top Level, an i71 shop, offers free gifts like edibles, flower and concentrates to residents and tourists. You can either shop in-store or preorder online to skip the line.
To receive these free weed gifts from Top Level, all you need to do is:
Browse the online menu
Select your free weed gift of choice
Purchase your desired art print
All art prints are created by local artists in the D.C. area.
Before Visiting Top Level: Please bring your 21+ State Issued ID to redeem your free gift. Check out our menu here. Have questions about our i71 gifting process? Call (202) 740-6670, email info@dctoplevel.com, or Whatsapp us today to speak to one of our high-quality team members today.
We are excited to announce that we now accept credit and debit card payments for purchases of $50 or more, making your shopping experience with us even more convenient!
Rated Top 4 Best Gifting "Service"
Top Level is an Initiative 71 Shop located in Tenleytown, Washington D.C.. We specialize in providing premium weed gifts like edibles, concentrates, flower, crumble & more. In accordance with weed law in DC, the store offers I71 compliant gifts for any goods purchased. We also offer high-quality CBD products for both District of Columbia residents and tourists.
With over 890+ verified Google reviews, check out some of the latest from our customers:
"My first time coming to Washington D.C. and I found this place on Google. Got there and met Will who was awesome, explained everything to me and made it a great experience. Will definitely return" – Marley Bae (★ 5/5)
"On a recent trip to District of Columbia I visited several dispensaries and Top Level was the last shop I went in. It was by far the best. Everyone working was helpful, nice, knowledgeable, and they didn’t look down on me for not having a clue as to what I was doing. I will definitely be visiting Top Level again very soon. 5 Stars All the way around." – Jonathan Long (★ 5/5)
Medical Cannabis Laws
Medical marijuana laws have a complicated history in the District of Columbia. It was first legalized in 1998 but faced delays due to the Barr Amendment. This amendment prohibited the use of funds to support a medical cannabis program. However, it was overturned in 2009, allowing for legal medical cannabis purchases. In 2013, medical cannabis sales started occurring in D.C., and patients with qualifying conditions can buy up to four ounces every month by showing their state-issued medical marijuana card at dispensaries.
Get a Medical Cannabis Card
Getting a medical marijuana card in Washington D.C. requires a few steps. First, you must have a qualifying medical condition for marijuana medical use and obtain certification from a licensed D.C. physician. Once you have certification, you can apply for a medical marijuana card online through the District of Columbia Department of Health's Medical Marijuana Program website. You will need to provide your certification, proof of residency in District of Columbia, and pay the application fee. Once approved, you will receive your medical marijuana card in the mail and can begin purchasing medical cannabis products from any licensed dispensary in the city. It's important to note that recreational use a medical marijuana card in District of Columbia is very simple.
The first step in getting a card is to consult with a health professional like a physician, a physician's assistant, nurse practitioner, or dentist. These health professionals can issue recommendations to D.C. residents that will enable them to legally purchase medical marijuana from dispensaries in the District.
Second, you will be issued a recommendation number as part of the recommendation process.
With that in hand, submit a patient application to the Department of Health. The application usually consists of a headshot, photo I.D., and two forms of proof that you're a D.C. resident. You will also be required to pay a $100 application fee, though low-income patients may qualify for a reduced fee of $25.
Conclusion on Weed Legalization in DC
So is weed legal in Washington DC? Long answer short, yes and no. While it is legal to possess up to two ounces of marijuana in DC for personal use, it is still illegal under federal law. However, those with a valid medical marijuana card can purchase and use cannabis products for medical purposes without fear of legal repercussions. It's important to note that using cannabis in public spaces, driving under the influence, and selling marijuana without a license are all illegal actions in D.C. So while weed may be legal to an extent in D.C., it's important to follow the Weed Legalization in DC rules and regulations set forth by the city to avoid any trouble story, short – Yes. Despite all the loopholes surrounding the marijuana laws, People can still be arrested for crimes related to marijuana. It's one of the reasons people are still asking, "Is weed legal in DC?"
Weed Law in DC Reminder #1: Possession of two (2) ounces amount of marijuana in DC is considered legal, but you can still be arrested if you have more than that or get caught selling marijuana.
Weed Law in DC Reminder #2: Washington D.C. allows you to consume THC marijuana on private property, i.e., in the comfort of your home. Public consumption of weed is considered illegal and a criminal act. Marijuana possession on federal land is also prohibited as marijuana in DC is deemed to be illegal at the national level. As such, federal authorities can still arrest people for possession of marijuana at any amount or cannabis use on federal lands.
Questions on DC Weed Legalization:
Is weed legal in Washington DC?
Yes! Both recreational and medical weed are legal in Washington, DC. However, the purchase of weed for recreational purposes is not allowed. There are other types of marijuana "dispensaries" in DC that offer recreational weed for free.
Can I Get Recreational Weed from Top Level?
Totally – all you need is a 21+ state-issued ID to get free i71 gifts from Top Level. We'll gift you your choice of weed gift with an art purchase from our gallery. Each purchase helps support local artists in the DMV area.
Is It Legal to Smoke Weed in DC?
No, it is illegal to smoke marijuana in public in Washington D.C. However, adults over 21 can legally possess and consume marijuana on private property. It is also illegal to possess marijuana on federal land, which includes many popular tourist attractions in DMV.
You need to take note of the fact that marijuana use in a public space. may result in a misdemeanor conviction of up to 60 days of jail time and a fine of up to $500 from law enforcement. Offenders may choose to go to court alternatively in line with the mayor's office's 2018 policy recommendations.