Legal Framework

Recreational Use

Recreational cannabis use in D.C. was legalized through Initiative 71, passed in 2014. This initiative allows adults 21 and older to possess up to two ounces of marijuana, cultivate up to six plants (with no more than three mature plants), and transfer up to one ounce to another person without any money, goods, or services exchanged. However, the sale of cannabis remains illegal due to congressional opposition to establishing a regulated market​ (Leafly)​​ (DC Cannabis Info)​.

Medical Use

D.C.’s medical marijuana program permits patients with qualifying conditions to obtain cannabis from licensed dispensaries. The program has evolved to allow residents to self-certify for a medical marijuana card online, streamlining access to medical cannabis​ (Top Weed DC)​.

Purchasing Cannabis

Dispensaries

D.C. has several licensed dispensaries where patients can buy medical marijuana. These dispensaries offer a range of products, including flowers, edibles, tinctures, and topicals. Examples include Takoma Wellness Center and Capital City Care, which provide a variety of products and knowledgeable staff to assist patients​ (Time Out Worldwide)​​ (Leafly)​.

Gifting Shops

Due to the restrictions on cannabis sales, a unique “gifting” culture has developed in D.C. Here, customers purchase an item like a postcard or a small piece of art and receive cannabis as a “gift.” This practice aligns with Initiative 71’s guidelines and has become a common way for people to acquire recreational cannabis​ (Leafly)​​ (Top Weed DC)​.

Important Considerations

Federal Property

Despite local legalization, cannabis remains illegal under federal law. This creates complications in D.C., where federal property is prevalent. Possession of cannabis on federal land, including national parks and government buildings, can lead to legal issues, so it’s crucial to be mindful of where you carry or consume cannabis​ (Leafly)​​ (DC Cannabis Info)​.

Growing Your Own

Adults in D.C. are allowed to grow up to six marijuana plants at home, with no more than three being mature at any time. This provision empowers residents to cultivate their cannabis within the legal limits of Initiative 71​ (Top Weed DC)​.

Future Outlook

There are ongoing efforts at the federal level to change cannabis laws. The Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Expungement (MORE) Act, along with the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA), aim to deschedule cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act and address various regulatory and social justice issues. If passed, these could significantly impact D.C.’s cannabis market and regulations​ (DC Cannabis Info)​.

In summary, while D.C. has made significant strides in legalizing and regulating cannabis, the interplay with federal law continues to shape the landscape. Understanding these nuances is essential for anyone looking to navigate the cannabis scene in the nation’s capital.