There’s been a massive shift in not only the public perception of marijuana but its legality. Once taboo, marijuana is now legal for medical or recreational use in twenty-four states and Washington, D.C. That means that half of the country lives in a state where it is accessible. But with legalization has come its fair share of confusion and gray areas, especially in the nation’s capital. Use this guide to learn more about the intricacies of D.C. dispensary laws.
Marijuana Legalization in D.C.
Washington, D.C. voters overwhelmingly approved Initiative 71 in 2014. It made it legal for those twenty-one years and older to:
- Possess 2 ounces or less of marijuana
- Transfer 1 ounce or less of marijuana to another person
- Possess marijuana-related drug paraphernalia
- Use marijuana on private property
- Grow up to 6 marijuana plants at their primary residence (no more than three may be mature)
Initiative 71 was a groundbreaking law – and a massive win for the legalization movement. However, unlicensed dispensaries continue to use loopholes to offer cannabis to consumers. These loopholes have caused many issues and confusion surrounding D.C.’s dispensary laws.
Running a Medical Dispensary in Washington, D.C.
Businesses must be licensed to sell and deliver cannabis and cannabis products to registered patients or their caregivers in D.C. Any unlicensed dispensaries may be penalized or even closed. This is because they’re unregulated – and so are their products. You have no way of establishing the quality or safety of their cannabis. A licensed D.C. dispensary can ensure quality because the products are tested and regulated. For example, our Capitol area licensed dispensary provides quality-sourced, thoroughly tested cannabis products.
You can visit the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration’s site to check if your local dispensary is medically licensed.
The Legal Gray Area
D.C. dispensary laws haven’t stopped businesses from taking advantage of loopholes. D.C. locals and visitors have likely noticed cannabis “gifting” retailers scattered across the city. These retailers allow customers to buy non-cannabis items from their shops and give them cannabis with their purchase. So, they might purchase a T-shirt and be given weed in their bag.
These unlicensed dispensaries have been operating in a legal gray area. This is because you must be a medical dispensary to sell marijuana in Washington, D.C. But it’s not technically illegal since they’re not selling weed.
Lawmakers had been searching for a way to regulate this gray market but had been met with congressional interference; Congress had prohibited lawmakers from legalizing and regulating sales of recreational marijuana. Lawmakers found their workaround by allowing D.C. residents to access medical marijuana cards easily.
Regulating the Gray Market
But these retailers are finally being hit with new regulations. The D.C. Council passed the Medical Cannabis Amendment Act of 2022 to address these gifting shops specifically. This law says that any “gifting” dispensary in D.C. can apply for a medical marijuana license. There had previously been a cap on the number of medical dispensaries in the city.
Unlicensed dispensaries are subject to civil enforcement, such as fines and cease-and-desist orders. Landlords of unlicensed shops can also be penalized if they allow shops to continue operations after receiving a notice. These cannabis retailers are essentially being treated like businesses without liquor licenses. Dozens of cease-and-desist orders and warning letters have already been issued to unlicensed retailers. Two have even been shut down.
Who Can Purchase Marijuana in D.C.?
Don’t let complicated D.C. dispensary laws deter you from purchasing edibles and other cannabis products in the city. Anyone over the age of eighteen with a valid medical marijuana card can buy them at a licensed D.C. dispensary. Those who are twenty-one years and older can self-certify their cannabis medical patient application – no healthcare provider recommendation is required. Medical cards also require a fee.
Residents and non-residents must have a medical card to buy from a dispensary in Washington, D.C. This can quickly and easily be done online. Our Capitol area licensed dispensary has made getting your medical ID evener with our in-store kiosks. They assist customers to sign up for their medical cards in person. Prefer to sign up online? Follow the links below:
Non-D.C. Residents Application
Selling and Purchasing Cannabis in D.C.
D.C. dispensary laws allow cannabis consumers with medical cards to purchase up to eight ounces of cannabis in any thirty days. This means if you buy one ounce of cannabis, a licensed D.C. dispensary can legally only sell you seven more ounces within the next twenty-nine days. The same distinctions apply to patient caregivers.
But don’t forget that there are possession laws in D.C. Medical and recreational possession is limited to two ounces. Cannabis gifts must be no more than one ounce. Allowed formats under D.C.’s dispensary laws include:
- Cannabis flower
- Concentrates
- Edibles
- Transdermal products
- Seeds
- Seedlings
Benefits of Registered Dispensaries
You should always purchase cannabis from a registered and licensed medical dispensary in Washington, D.C. – and wherever you reside. These products meet health and safety guidelines and help ensure you receive quality cannabis.
Lab Tested – Licensed retailers test for potency and cannabinoids and the presence of contaminants. Products at our Capitol area licensed dispensary undergo independent lab testing and are held to the highest standards.
Clear Labeling – D.C. dispensary laws require clear labeling of THC levels and dosage on packaging. Licensed dispensaries follow these rules closely for product clarity.
Expert Customer Service – Staff at licensed dispensaries provide the experience necessary to help customers find the products they need.
Stay Up-to-Date with D.C. Dispensary Laws
Customers and dispensaries should stay up-to-date with laws to ensure compliance. Dispensary Near Me is here to help. Visit our licensed medical dispensary in the Capitol area of Washington, D.C., for clarification and to purchase high-quality cannabis products that follow current regulations.
