Dispensaries in Washington, D.C.
Use this map to find dispensaries in Washington, D.C. that are licensed to provide medical cannabis. Note: if a dispensary isn’t on this map, it’s probably not licensed! Learn more about the differences between purchasing from a licensed dispensary vs. a personal connection, gift shop, or online “hemp” store below.
How to Buy Weed Legally in D.C.
Purchasing cannabis in Washington D.C. has long been a complex and often confusing process. Since the legalization of medical cannabis in 2010 and the passage of Initiative-71 (I-71) in 2015, the landscape shifted numerous times, leaving many residents unsure of the best way to acquire cannabis legally. The “gifting” model where businesses give customers cannabis as a “gift” with the purchase of another item dominated the cannabis market. However, this model is increasingly being phased out as authorities crack down on such operations and offer more medical cannabis retailer licenses. Today, the only legal way to buy weed in D.C. is through a licensed medical cannabis dispensary.
Buying From a Licensed Dispensary
For those looking to legally acquire cannabis in Washington D.C., visiting a licensed medical cannabis dispensary offers a safe and straightforward option. Unlike many other medical cannabis markets that require a doctor’s recommendation, D.C. has created a unique pathway for patients to opt-in: self-certification.
Self-Certifying as a Cannabis Patient
In D.C., residents and non-residents aged 21 and older can self-certify as medical cannabis patients by registering with the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA). This process allows individuals to use cannabis for medical purposes without needing a recommendation from a healthcare provider. Here’s how you can self-certify:
- In-Person Application: Visit ABCA at 2000 14th Street NW, Suite 102A, Washington, D.C. 20009, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Applicants are encouraged to submit an online application beforehand to expedite the process. Approved applicants will receive their physical and digital registration during their visit.
- Online Application: Complete and submit the “Adult Patient Application” on the ABCA website. Select “Self-Certification” under “Certification Type.”
- Mail-In Application: Mail the completed application to ABCA at the above address.
This self-certification process has made it significantly easier for residents and tourists to access medical cannabis, bypassing the need for a healthcare provider’s recommendation. This is particularly beneficial for individuals aged 21 and older, who may not have access to a doctor who is willing to provide a recommendation or those who prefer the convenience of self-certifying.
Required Documents
To complete your application, ensure you have the following:
- A recent face photo (“2×2”)
- One of the following:
- A copy of your D.C. DMV photo ID,
- Proof of D.C. residency; or
- If you are not a D.C. resident, a copy of your government-issued photo ID
Registrations remain free of charge through August 1, 2024, and are valid for two years. Additional details and forms are available on the ABCA website.
The Decline of Gifting Shops
Despite recent enforcement and new license offerings, some unregulated cannabis gifting shops continue to operate. However, these shops are increasingly being targeted by authorities. The gifting model, which began with the passage of I-71, allowed the transfer of up to two ounces of marijuana as a gift, provided no monetary transaction took place.
History of the I-71 Gifting Model
Initiative 71, also known as the “Legalization of Possession of Minimal Amounts of Marijuana for Personal Use Act of 2014,” was approved by D.C. voters on November 4, 2014, and took effect on February 26, 2015. The initiative made it legal for adults 21 and older to possess, share and transport up to two ounces of marijuana for personal use. It also allowed personal cultivation of up to six plants, with no more than three being mature. However, the sale of cannabis remained illegal, leading to the development of the gifting model.
Under the gifting model, cannabis was provided as a “gift” alongside the purchase of another item, such as art, stickers or other merchandise. This workaround allowed for the exchange of cannabis without direct sales, skirting the edges of legality. However, this model has come under increased scrutiny and enforcement, with many gifting shops receiving closure notices and facing legal challenges.
Other Options for Purchasing Cannabis
While licensed dispensaries are generally the safest and most reliable option, some individuals opt to explore other avenues:
Hemp Products
Hemp cannabinoid products, including gummies, vapes, and cannabinoid-rich flowers, although widely available online and around the country in many states, are actually banned in D.C. following an ABCA ruling. These products are marketed under a perceived “loophole” in federal law that allows for hemp-derived cannabinoids. While these products can offer similar effects to cannabis, they are unregulated, which poses potential risks for consumers.
The hemp market has exploded in recent years, driven by the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp and its derivatives. Products like delta-8 THC, HHC, and even hemp-derived delta-9 THC have become popular alternatives for those seeking the effects of THC. However, without regulatory oversight, these products can vary significantly in quality and safety. Consumers might encounter inconsistencies in potency, presence of contaminants, or even mislabeling. While some reputable brands voluntarily adhere to higher standards, the lack of regulation means the market is rife with questionable products.
Legacy Market
Of course, the legacy (informal) market remains another source for cannabis. This market includes transactions with friends, acquaintances or local dealers who are not licensed. While some individuals might find high-quality cannabis from trusted personal sources, this market can be risky.
The legacy market varies widely in terms of quality and safety. Some individuals grow their own cannabis or have connections to small-scale growers who produce high-quality products. However, the lack of regulation means there is no guarantee of what you’re getting. The rise of synthetic cannabinoids and chemically processed products has further complicated this market. Unscrupulous dealers might sell low-quality flower sprayed with extracted cannabinoids to enhance its appearance and potency, posing possible health risks to consumers.
Moreover, the legacy market operates outside the legal framework, which means consumers have no recourse if they encounter issues with their purchases.
To Buy Weed Legally in D.C., Visit a Licensed Dispensary
With the current state of the D.C. market, the only way to acquire cannabis legally is by getting certified as a medical patient and purchasing it at a licensed medical cannabis dispensary. It may not be as easy as walking into an adult-use shop in a state with a fully legal market, but with the self-certification process, D.C. has made it easier for residents and visitors to access medical cannabis without a healthcare provider’s recommendation. And while the gifting model, hemp-derived THC, and legacy market may still be options for some, they do come with their own risks and legal uncertainties: wherever you choose to buy cannabis, it’s important to make an informed decision.
