About Cannabis in DC
On Wednesday, March 22, 2023, the Medical Cannabis Amendment Act of 2022 (MCAA), signed by Mayor Muriel Bowser in January 2023, became law. The Act overhauls DC’s medical cannabis program which serves almost 29,000 unique DC resident patients and thousands of non-DC resident patients.
The DC Department of Health, referred to as the DOH MMP, enacted changed medical marijuana regulations back in 2014 which allowed medical dispensaries to begin receiving licenses to dispense medical marijuana in DC. The department of health has approved 5 medical cannabis dispensaries to operate.
In 2015, the Washington Legislature passed SB 5052, the Cannabis Patients Protection Act (CPPA), establishing official state regulations for the production, possession, sale and use of medical marijuana. Medical cannabis patients are allowed to purchase up to three times the current limits for recreational adult-use marijuana. Only cannabis patients in the authorization database, who have medical marijuana ID cards can purchase products free of sales and use taxes.
The law allows adults 21 and older to purchase in a single day: up to one ounce (1 oz.), or 28.35 grams, of usable marijuana; 16 ounces, or 453.59 grams, of cannabis-infused edibles in solid form; 72 fluid ounces, or 2.13 L, in liquid form; and 7 grams, or a quarter-ounce (0.25 oz), of cannabis concentrates.
Medical patients may purchase and possess 3 ounces of usable marijuana, 48 ounces of marijuana-infused product in solid form, 216 ounces of marijuana-infused product in liquid form, or 21 grams of marijuana concentrate.
Qualifying Conditions
Along with having a qualifying condition, a patient who lives in D.C. must prove their residency with a valid driver’s license or state identification card. Additionally, the patient must pay a $100 annual card registration fee that must be renewed every two years at the same price. The state does offer a reduced registration fee for patients who can prove they have a low annual income.
Becoming a Medical Cannabis Patient in DC
To become a medical marijuana patient in Washington D.C., it’s a three-step process. First, you book an appointment with a Veriheal doctor who will review your ailments and medical condition. Once you are evaluated and approved, you will receive a medical cannabis recommendation from our licensed MMJ doctor. Lastly, once you are approved for medical marijuana in DC, you can buy medical marijuana in Washington D.C. dispensaries.
The DC Department of Health referred to as the DOH MMP, enacted changed medical marijuana regulations back in 2014 which allowed medical dispensaries to begin receiving licenses to dispense medical marijuana in DC. The department of health has approved 5 medical cannabis dispensaries to operate.
While DC is home to medical marijuana products and MMJ dispensaries, there are also many tourist attractions in the nation’s capitol. Many residents like to visit the city of DC and view the new Waterfront built, aka The District Wharf, and also the monuments on the National Mall. The Smithsonian Museums bring visitors from all over the world to view the historic artifacts in all of the museums. Some of the most popular attractions being the White House, the Capitol Building, and the Library of Congress.
Registering a Caregiver in DC
Unlike many states that require a caregiver to be at least 21 years old, a D.C. caregiver can be 18 years old to assist a state-registered cannabis cardholder. However, D.C. caregiver’s are only allowed to assist one patient at a time. Along with being designated by the patient, the caregiver must prove they are a resident of D.C. with a valid driver’s license or state identification card.
Costs for a caregiver include paying for a mandatory background check and the annual card registration fee of $100. Once approved and all fees are paid, the caregiver can begin possessing and administering medical cannabis to who they assist. Like the patient, D.C. permits low-income caregivers to apply for a reduced registration fee of $25.
The steps for becoming a DC caregiver are as follows:
- Complete a Caregiver Application Form.
- Complete a criminal background check.
- Provide two demonstrating proof of Washington DC residency.
- Payment of a $100 application fee.
Growing/Cultivating Cannabis in Washington D.C.
Legalized marijuana growing in DC is one of the many steps towards legalization that the district has made. It also has an active medical marijuana program that approves the use of up to 2 ounces of marijuana for any debilitating condition.
While this was a big step for the district, the law did not allow home cultivation. Patients were required to purchase their marijuana from approved dispensaries, limiting access to those in pain. Luckily, things have changed and any adult can possess and grow a certain amount of marijuana legally.
It is legal for a person who is at least 21 years old to cultivate within their residence up to six (6) marijuana plants, no more than three (3) of which are mature.
Possession/Use Limits
It is legal for a person who is at least 21 years old to:
- Possess two (2) ounces or less of marijuana;
- Transfer one (1) ounce or less of marijuana to another person who is at least 21 years old, so long as there is no payment made or any other type of exchange of goods or services;
- Possess marijuana-related drug paraphernalia that is associated with one (1) ounce or less of marijuana;
- Use marijuana on private property.
The maximum amount of medical marijuana any qualifying patient or caregiver may possess at any time is four (4) ounces or the equivalent of four (4) ounces of dried medical marijuana when sold in any other form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You need to be a resident in Washington D.C. and show two proofs of residency.
To qualify for medical marijuana in DC you must be at least 18 years of age, have two proofs of residency, and have one of the qualifying medical conditions.
The first step is to meet with a DC doctor registered to recommend you for medical cannabis.
We provide the DC physicians for you. The most difficult part of the process has usually been trying to find a practitioner who will approve you that is registered with the DC Medical Marijuana Program.
The medical evaluation usually takes 10-15 minutes.
If you are not approved then your consultation is free. We entail a network of highly qualified medical practitioners who are willing to evaluate any patient to see if they qualify for medical cannabis. We have a 99% approval rate so if you are not approved, you are refunded in full.
Sign up using the form at the top of this page and we can get you approved in no time!
DC driver’s license, DC motor vehicle registration, DC voter registration; Utility Bill (not phone), Paystub that shows your address and DC withholdings; Mail from DC government with financial contributions or benefits on it; Lease or deed with your name and address on it; Tax documents with dc income shown; For students: a signed letter from your dormitory stating that you live there for the current semester
No, you can not. You can only get approved for medical marijuana from a practitioner that has registered with the Washington D.C. Medical Marijuana Program. And for that, we provide you a physician so you do not need to go through your primary care physicians.
Yes, it does! DC allows people with Chronic Pain to be approved for medical marijuana use.
Any condition qualifies. There are a broad range of symptoms which qualify that the doctor will approve. Ultimately, any chronic or debilitating medical condition will be approved. Most generally fall under the following categories:
Anxiety
Depression
Insomnia
Migraines
Allergies
Issues Sleeping
Chronic pain
PTSD
Yes, it does! DC now allows people with Chronic Pain to be approved for medical marijuana use.
The cost is $199 and that covers your medical evaluation, your consultation with a licensed Maryland practitioner registered with the MMCC, and an authorized certification for medical marijuana purchases. For $379 you and a friend or family member can both get your cards for a nice little discount.
Once you have received your recommendation, you can simply get to the dispensary of your choice and they will assist you in applying. You can call them before you arrive to see exactly what to bring.
DC has one of the most diverse medical marijuana programs, allowing all patients access to a variety of medical cannabis options. If you get your DC cannabis card, you get access to:
Dry Flower, Tinctures, Oils, Concentrates, Topicals, Edibles
Yes! Check our homepage for a list of active states.