DC Medical Cannabis Registration: Resident and Visitor Guide
Last reviewed: October 2026. Registration rules, fees, reciprocity lists and application procedures can change. Use the current MyABCA portal and ABCA patient information as the authoritative source before applying.
ABCA launched MyABCA in August 2026. Eligible DC residents age 21 and older may self-certify. Eligible nonresidents age 21 and older can apply for registration or may use qualifying medical cannabis credentials from recognized jurisdictions. Registration requirements, fees and validity periods vary. Use ABCA’s current portal for the application and official instructions.
DC residents
Apply online through the myABCA portal.
- Age 21 and over: you can self-certify. You confirm you’re using cannabis for medical purposes yourself, and you don’t need a practitioner’s recommendation.
- Under 21: you need a recommendation from an authorized healthcare practitioner.
Visitors without a medical card
Non-residents can get a temporary patient registration online through MyABCA. Several validity periods are available, so choose the one that matches your travel dates. Check the MyABCA portal for current periods and fees, because they can change.
Visitors with a medical card from home
DC recognizes qualifying medical cannabis registrations from multiple jurisdictions. Because the list can change, check the ABCA reciprocity page before traveling. If you’re 21 or older, bring your home registration and an unexpired government photo ID. Virginia patients also need the written certification form completed by their practitioner. Visiting from out of town? Read the DC dispensary for visitors guide.
How much you can buy
Registered patients can buy up to eight ounces of cannabis within a rolling 30-day period, across all licensed DC retailers combined.
Once you're registered
Visit us at 610 H St NW, Washington, DC 20001 with your registration and photo ID, or browse the live menu and order ahead.
Registration FAQs
Can I self-certify in DC?
Yes, if you’re a DC resident aged 21 or over.
Can tourists buy cannabis in DC?
Yes, with a temporary DC registration or a qualifying home-state registration. See our visitor guide.
Where do I register?
Online at myabca.dc.gov.
