Navigating Cannabis in Washington, DC
Washington, DC is home to one of the most complex and fascinating cannabis markets in the United States. On one hand, adult-use (recreational) cannabis was legalized by voters in 2014 through Initiative 71. On the other hand, Congress placed restrictions that prevent DC from setting up a fully regulated retail program like you’d find in states such as Colorado or California.
This unique situation means that cannabis in DC operates under a mix of medical regulations, limited recreational allowances, and evolving laws that every patient or consumer should understand.
At Green Legacy, we believe in empowering patients through education and transparency. That’s why we created this comprehensive guide — to help you navigate weed laws in DC, possession limits, how to get a medical cannabis card, reciprocity for out-of-state patients, and where you can legally buy cannabis today.
Whether you’re a local resident, a student, or a visitor, this guide will give you the clarity you need.
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Recreational Cannabis Laws in DC
In 2014, DC voters approved Initiative 71, which legalized limited possession and use of cannabis for adults over 21. However, unlike other states, the initiative did not establish a framework for regulated adult-use sales. Congress has blocked DC from using funds to set up a taxed recreational system.
That means:
Recreational sales are not legal. You cannot walk into a store and buy cannabis without a medical card.
What is legal is personal possession, gifting, and home cultivation under specific rules.
- Personal possession
- Gifting
- Home cultivation under specific rules
What's Legal?
- Possess up to 8 ounces of cannabis flower.
- Transfer (gift) up to 1 ounce to another adult 21+ (no money, goods, or services can be exchanged).
- Possess cannabis paraphernalia (pipes, bongs, rolling papers).
What's Illegal?
- Sell cannabis outside of the medical system.
- Possess more than 8 ounces.
- Consume cannabis in public spaces (streets, parks, federal land).
Gifting Culture in DC
Due to sales restrictions, many “gifting” shops have emerged, where customers purchase an item (like a T-shirt or sticker) and are “gifted” cannabis. While common, this practice operates in a gray area of the law.
The Safe, Legal Option
At Green Legacy, we emphasize shopping at licensed medical dispensaries where products are lab-tested, compliant, and accessible through same-day delivery.
Possession Limits
- Up to 8 ounces of cannabis every 30 days
- Concentrates, edibles, tinctures, and topicals purchased from licensed dispensaries
Consumption Rules
- No smoking or vaping in public
- Use is restricted to private residences
- Federal property is strictly off-limits
- Violation can result in fines
Possession Limits
- Up to 8 ounces of cannabis every 30 days
- Concentrates, edibles, tinctures, and topicals purchased from licensed dispensaries
Consumption Rules
- No smoking or vaping in public
- Use is restricted to private residences
- Federal property is strictly off-limits
- Violation can result in fines
Home Cultivation in DC
Adults 21+ are allowed to grow cannabis at home under Initiative 71:
- Up to 6 plants per adult, with a maximum of 12 plants per household.
- Only 3 plants per person may be mature (flowering) at one time.
- Plants must be grown out of public view.
⚠️ Selling homegrown cannabis is illegal.
For most patients, it’s far easier to shop at dispensaries like Green Legacy, where cultivation and testing standards ensure consistent quality.
Buying Cannabis Legally in DC
Since recreational sales are not allowed, the only legal way to purchase cannabis in Washington, DC is through licensed medical dispensaries.
At Green Legacy, patients can expect:
- On-the-spot medical cannabis card creation (under 4 minutes).
- A wide selection of premium flower, edibles, pre-rolls, vapes, and concentrates.
- Same-day delivery across DC.
- Rewards program to save money on future purchases.
- An upscale, welcoming atmosphere designed for patient comfort.
Common Questions About Weed Laws in DC
Explore answers to your most pressing questions about cannabis laws, sales, and consumption in Washington, DC.
Adults 21+ can possess up to 2 ounces; sales are limited to medical dispensaries.
No, a medical card is required; Green Legacy can create one instantly.
Many out-of-state cards are accepted; visitors can obtain a DC medical card on the spot.
Only in private residences or approved private spaces; public use is prohibited.
Green Legacy offers same-day cannabis delivery across Washington, DC.
Get Your Medical Card
Obtain your DC medical cannabis card instantly with Green Legacy.
- Possession is legal, sales are not — except through medical dispensaries.
- Adults 21+ can hold 2 ounces, gift 1 ounce, and grow limited plants.
- Public consumption and federal property use are prohibited.
- Medical patients enjoy higher limits and full dispensary access.
- Out-of-state patients can shop legally with reciprocity or a DC-issued card.
- Green Legacy makes it easy with on-the-spot card creation and same-day delivery.
Discover Premium Cannabis
Get your medical cannabis card in under 4 minutes, shop curated products, and enjoy same-day delivery in Washington, DC.
