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Use the links below for a super quick, but thorough, reference guide on how to safely and successfully find and buy the best legal marijuana in Washington DC. Then check out our Recent Reviews to see what we're toking on right now and where to get it!
How to Buy Weed in DC
(2024 Update)
Buying legal marijuana in Washington DC may seem a bit confusing at first. After all, there are numerous options to choose from including medical marijuana dispensaries, delivery services, and even some remaining "legacy" businesses from the good old days of gifting. Sometimes people think of the gifting businesses as recreational, but for true recreational (aka Adult Use) marijuana dispensaries in the area you'll have to go to Maryland.
In the future, maybe we'll finally be fortunate enough to have recreational marijuana, but for now things are actually pretty good for the cannabis consumer in the District. We've got medical marijuana that's easy to obtain with self-certification and on-site registration for residents and nonresidents alike. There's also reciprocity for medical programs from all other states. Even if you've never set foot in a DC dispensary before, you can reasonably be in-and-out with medical registration in about 20 minutes.
Additionally, there are many newly licensed dispensaries popping up, many of whom have converted from "gifting" operations, along with longstanding medical dispensaries. Across all of them the quality is similar to what you might find on the West coast and the customer service levels are like what you might expect in more luxurious industries.
With all of the great retail-like settings and speedy delivery options, I feel like there's never been a better time to be a cannabis enthusiast living in DC or traveling to it. Of course, we're here to show you the way to the Best DC Dispensaries and their Top Products, all so you can have the best experience possible, every time.
Is Weed Legal in DC?
The simple answer is: Yes, weed is legal in Washington DC. The more complicated answer is that it's more complex than that. Medical marijuana has been legal in DC since 2011, and in 2014 an effort called Initiative 71 (i-71) was approved by voters allowing for legal possession of marijuana. It's within the language of this i-71 that things get a little tricky.
While allowing for possession of up to two ounces of marijuana, as well as cultivation of up to three marijuana plants, i-71 also permitted the gifting of up to one ounce of cannabis. This gifting clause once created an entire "gifting economy" for "recreational" cannabis in DC. For years gifting storefronts sold products such as stickers, t-shirts, or paintings (for example) alongside a menu of free cannabis "gifts" to choose from following purchase.
Soon, however, some shakeups came to the market due to the DC Medical Marijuana Expansion Bill that was signed into law in March of 2023. This bill, its amendments, and the policy change toward a less restrictive medical regulatory stance opened up the ability for an uncapped amount of medical dispensaries with a lower bar for licensure.
As a result many i-71 gifting shops applied to become licensed medical cannabis dispensaries and have now been approved or conditionally approved. Simultaneously, the DC Council also made it much easier for residents and visitors to obtain a medical card by allowing self certification and on-site registration for "patients".
Currently, the remaining unlicensed gifting businesses in Washington DC are being scrutinized for not converting to medical dispensaries with many of them having their products seized and their doors padlocked by Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABC). There's also been much commotion about how the gifting stores are illegal and their products may be contaminated. However, many of them - especially the ones who are committed to high quality - are in the process of transitioning, or have already transitioned, to medical dispensaries.
This seemingly simple conversion from gifting to medical was the DC Council's way of appeasing the many businesses who had setup under the assumption that they were in-line with a District policy known as Initiative 71. Yet, the process has proven lengthy and challenging with many businesses being left out or shut out. As a result, today there are far less cannabis businesses strewn throughout town, but the majority of the ones that are left are legit and higher quality.
Outside of those newly minted or soon to become medical dispensaries there are a handful of what we like to call "original" medical dispensaries. These establishments are those that decided to play by the most stringent rules and gain licensure from the beginning of DC medical marijuana in 2011.
To learn more about the legality of weed in DC and how it came to be, check out our article on the History of Legal Weed in DC.
How to Get Recreational Weed in DC?
Technically Washington DC does not have recreational marijuana dispensaries. As mentioned earlier in this article, people used to think of the cannabis "gifting" businesses that proliferated around town as "recreational", but now these businesses are either transitioning to, or have already become, licensed medical marijuana dispensaries. Granted the bar for accessing medical marijuana in the district has never been lower, but you still have to register as a medical patient to get your hands on it - which is not a "recreational" retail experience.
The reason we don't have true recreational marijuana in DC is because, as a District and not a state, Congress holds power over the budget. Therefore, for many years now, a rider named for a Maryland congressman (the Harris rider) has prevented the DC Council from enacting recreational cannabis. Of course, this runs contrary to the will of the population who strongly favor a recreational option.
How DC Weed Delivery Works
Weed delivery services in Washington DC work very much as you would expect. You find a service online (check our DC Delivery Services page for example) and view their menu to determine if they have what you're looking for, or figure out what you want from their awesome options.
Once you decide to move forward with a service and an order, most services require you to verify your identity, your age, and confirm that you're registered for medical cannabis either in DC or in any other state. Sometimes this is done simply by registering and submitting materials online. Other times, for safety of the driver, they may also ask for a selfie with you holding up your ID. After you've been through the registration and ID check the first time, though, you shouldn't need to do it again on subsequent orders.
Next you'll provide your address and your order. Note that some services have all this fully automated and your order can be completed entirely online, but others are not this sophisticated. Also note that many delivery services will allow for "pick-up" at a curbside location within the district (think restaurants, coffee shops, bars, etc.), so being a DC resident or having an abode here isn't necessarily required for delivery.
How to Get DC Medical Marijuana
Washington DC offers a straightforward process for obtaining medical cannabis for both DC residents and non-DC residents, including domestic and international visitors. With the ability to register online and purchase from licensed dispensaries, patients have access to a range of cannabis products for medical purposes. This guide outlines the steps to register, eligibility criteria, and other important details for both DC and non-DC residents.
Medical Cannabis for DC Residents
Eligibility
DC residents, including adults and minors, can apply for a medical cannabis patient registration. Individuals aged 21 and older have the option to self-certify without the need for a healthcare provider’s recommendation, simplifying the process. Minors or those aged 18–20, however, must include a healthcare recommendation number in their application.
Registrations for DC residents are valid for six years from the date of issuance, and fees are waived until November 28, 2024.
How to Apply
DC residents can apply online, in person, by mail, or via email. To apply online, residents can use the Adult Medical Cannabis Patient Application and select the self-certification option for adults 21 and older. For in-person visits, applicants may visit the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) office at 2000 14th Street NW, Suite 102A, Washington DC, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Parents or guardians applying for minor patients (17 and under) must submit a Minor Medical Cannabis Patient Application, which requires a healthcare recommendation number. Applications for minors must be submitted in person, by mail, or via email to ABCA.CannabisInfo@dc.gov.
Temporary and Permanent Registration
Online applicants will receive a temporary digital registration that allows them to purchase medical cannabis for up to 30 days while their application is being reviewed. If approved, they will receive a permanent digital registration. In-person applicants receive their permanent registration immediately if their application is approved.
Physical Cards
Patients may use either digital or physical registrations at licensed dispensaries. A physical card is available upon request for a $10 fee. To request a physical card, applicants must select "Card Request" on the application and pay the fee once a payment link is provided.
Renewing or Cancelling a Registration
Renewing a registration follows the same process as applying. To cancel a registration, residents can email the patient's name, date of birth, and registration number to ABCA.CannabisInfo@dc.gov.
Medical Cannabis for Non-DC Residents
Non-DC residents, including domestic and international visitors, can purchase medical cannabis in Washington DC through two primary methods: temporary registration or reciprocity.
Reciprocity
Reciprocity allows non-DC residents with a valid medical cannabis registration from participating U.S. states or territories to purchase cannabis from licensed dispensaries in DC. Patients from states such as California, Florida, Maryland, New York, and others are eligible for reciprocity. A full list of eligible states and territories is available through the DC medical cannabis program. Virginia patients must provide a written certification from a healthcare provider along with valid identification to use DC dispensaries starting April 2024.
Temporary Registration
For those without reciprocity, non-DC residents can apply for a temporary patient registration to access medical cannabis. This registration allows them to purchase cannabis for a specific period, ranging from 3 to 365 days. Temporary registrations are processed online and can be completed within minutes, granting immediate access to cannabis upon approval.
How to Apply for Temporary Registration
To apply for a temporary registration, non-DC residents must complete a brief online registration form, self-certifying that their cannabis use is for valid medical purposes. Upon submission, applicants will receive an email with a payment link. Once the payment is processed, the digital registration will be issued via email. The entire process, including payment, can take less than 10 minutes.
Valid Periods and Fees
Non-DC residents may select from the following valid registration periods:
3 days
30 days
90 days
180 days
365 days
View Patient Fee and Renewal Schedule.
There is no fee for reciprocity, and temporary registration fees depend on the selected valid period.
Important Notes
Digital and physical registrations are accepted at all licensed dispensaries.
Temporary registrations are issued immediately, allowing for purchases while applications are under review.
Physical card requests require a $10 fee.
If applicants wish to cancel their registration, they can do so by emailing their name, date of birth, and registration number to ABCA.CannabisInfo@dc.gov.
Conclusion
Whether you're a DC resident or visiting from out of state, obtaining medical cannabis in Washington DC is an accessible and streamlined process. With the option for self-certification and temporary registrations, patients can quickly gain access to the products they need from licensed dispensaries. Be sure to follow the appropriate application steps and choose the registration period that suits your needs.
For more information on DC medical dispensaries along with their locations and product reviews check out our DC Medical Marijuana page or scroll down to see our list of the best DC medical dispensaries below.
How to Find the Best Weed in DC in 2024
Here at Toker's Guide we make finding the best weed in Washington DC as easy as possible by providing our users with up-to-date, connoisseur-level reviews of the best cannabis we can find. Of course, this includes both the places that used to be known as i-71 compliant (gifting storefronts and delivery services) who are now transitioning to medical as well as the existing medical marijuana dispensaries and the products that go into them.
Across the last 4+ years and as the marijuana market in DC has quickly evolved, our discerning approach and dedication to quality has helped our audience "know before they go" and consistently obtain the best cannabis in the DC area. For the safest, most enjoyable experience we advise sticking to only those businesses that we list and review on our platform.
For your convenience we've listed the best DC Dispensaries and Delivery Services, along with links to their respective pages, below.
The Best Washington DC Marijuana Dispensaries of 2024
Here are our current picks for the top DC Marijuana Dispensaries in 2024 as of October 9th. Note that many of these were previously gifting establishments who are now transitioning or have transitioned to medical dispensaries. All of them are either awaiting final approval, conditionally approved, or licensed presently. Click into them to view more information and see our reviews of their best cannabis products! Or, check out the full list in our DC Medical Marijuana Guide .
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The Best Washington DC Marijuana
Delivery Services of 2024
Here are our picks for the top DC Weed Delivery Services in 2024 as of October 9th. Note that many of these were previously gifting services (i-71) who are now transitioning or have transitioned to medical marijuana delivery services. All of them are either awaiting final approval, conditionally approved, or licensed presently. Click into them to view more information and see our reviews of their best cannabis products! Or, learn more in our DC Medical Marijuana Guide.
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