Apply For Your Washington, D.C. Medical Marijuana Card

Qualifying Conditions

• Anorexia
• Appetite loss
• Cachexia, or wasting syndrome
• Cancer
• Chronic renal failure
• Crohn’s disease
• Epilepsy or other seizure disorders
• Glaucoma
• Hepatitis C
• HIV/AIDS
• Intractable/Chronic pain
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Nausea
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Spasticity disorders
• Traumatic brain injury

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:

1. Complete a Caregiver Application Form.
2. Complete a criminal background check.
3. Provide two demonstrating proof of Washington DC residency.
4. 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.

How to Renew Your Washington, D.C. Medical Marijuana Card with Veriheal

To renew your Washington, D.C. medical marijuana card through Veriheal, you’ll need to schedule a renewal appointment with one of our physicians. They can confirm that you still need medical cannabis for your qualifying condition and help you with the renewal process. We will remind you when it’s almost time for your renewal appointment, or you can reach out to our Customer Service Department so we can assist you and apply a renewal discount for you.

How Long Does a Medical Marijuana Card Last in Washington, D.C.?

A medical marijuana card in Washington, D.C. is valid for two years.