Washington DC is one of the most progressive states in the US when it comes to cannabis legalization. Though weed dispensaries in DC are not as prevalent as they are in states like Colorado or California, there is a large and thriving cannabis culture in the district.
Also, cannabis popularity has ushered in several DC weed laws that can be tricky to navigate for newcomers. The DC weed laws ensure that only licensed dispensaries can circulate cannabis in the state and that people don't abuse their privileges.
So, basically, if you want high-quality cannabis from a dispensary in DC, you must learn about the DC weed laws. Luckily, this guide will cover everything you need to know about obtaining recreational weed from dispensaries in DC. We will explore the DC weed laws and talk about how to get high-quality cannabis products.
Can We Buy Weed In DC?
One thing to know about DC is that you can possess weed but cannot "buy" weed. This may sound confusing initially, but it is an essential distinction to make. You see, under the Initiative 71 bill, passed in 2014, it is legal for adults 21 and over to possess up to two ounces of cannabis for personal use. It is also legal to grow up to six plants in your home (with only three mature ones).
However, there are no laws in place to establish a legal market for the sale of cannabis. So, how do people get weed? The most common way is through gifting. You can gift someone up to an ounce of cannabis as long as there is no exchange of money. This means weed lovers cannot get cannabis in the commercial sense.
Breaking these DC policies, like selling or buying cannabis from a dispensary, can result in jail time and expensive fines. So, it is best to familiarize yourself with the gifting system before indulging in DC weed.
Is Marijuana legal in Washington, DC?
Yes, marijuana is legal in Washington, DC. However, the DC weed laws apply to medical and recreational cannabis differently. Here are some of the common differences between medical and recreational marijuana in DC:
Cannabis Ounces
Medical marijuana patients can typically possess more ounces of cannabis than recreational users. Medical cannabis users are allowed more ounces because they need cannabis for medicinal purposes.
Identity Card
You need a medical marijuana card to obtain cannabis from a dispensary if you use it for medicinal purposes. Recreational users do not need a card but must be at least 21 years of age to purchase from a dispensary.
Qualifying Conditions
You must have a qualifying condition to get a medical marijuana card. Some common qualifying conditions include cancer, HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, and chronic pain. Recreational users do not need to have a qualifying condition.
What Is Initiative 71?
Initiative 71 is a voter-approved ballot initiative that made it legal for adults 21 and over to possess up to two ounces of cannabis for personal use. The initiative also legalized the cultivation of up to six plants in your home (with only three mature at a time). This DC weed law allows you to possess and consume weed on your private property. However, using cannabis in public spaces or selling it is illegal.
Initiative 71 was passed by a wide margin in 2014, with 65 percent of voters approving it. The DC Council then passed a series of laws to implement the initiative. One of these laws established a nine-member Cannabis Board to oversee the regulation of the cannabis industry in DC.
Initiative 71 went into full effect in February 2015. Since then, cannabis use has been on the rise in DC. The passage of Initiative 71 was a significant step forward for cannabis reform in the United States. It showed that a majority of Americans are now in favor of legalizing weed.
Does Washington DC have Recreational Weed?
Yes, Washington, DC has decriminalized recreational weed, and dispensaries across the state have found creative ways to navigate the laws and serve the cannabis community. While it is not legal to sell recreational weed, many dispensaries offer "gifting" services where you can purchase other products like edibles or t-shirts in exchange for a "donation" of weed. Others are run as non-profit collectives where members grow and share cannabis.
The best way to find a recreational weed dispensary in DC is to acquire it from a gifting shop. You can also find a list of dispensaries in DC that offer "gifting" services on the DC Cannabis Campaign website.
Washington DC Rules To Operate Weed Dispensary
The District of Columbia has a set of precise rules and regulations to follow if you want to open up and operate a weed dispensary.
First, you must be at least 21 years old and have lived in DC for at least six months before applying for a dispensary license. You must also have a clean criminal record with no felonies or drug-related misdemeanors.
To get a license, you must fill out an application and submit it to the DC Department of Health, along with a non-refundable application fee. The department will then conduct a background check and inspect your proposed location. If approved, you will need to pay an annual license fee.
You also need to have a business plan that includes how you will operate your dispensary and ensure that only people 21 and over can access it. Once you have been licensed, you can begin operating your dispensary.
Where To Find The Best Weed Dispensary In DC
If you are looking for the best weed dispensary in DC, head to the Hidden Gym. We are your one-stop shop for the best cannabis goodies in Washington, and we comply with Initiative 71 by gifting premium weed products.
At Hidden Gym, we offer some of the best weed strains available in Washington, DC, like RocOG, super skunk, Lemon OG, Ghost Train, and MK Ultra. We also gift cannabis-infused products like Stoneo Cookies and Live Resin.
To get premium weed flower, edibles, and concentrates, call (202) 568-0094 for more information on how to place an order, or visit our online menu to pre-order online and skip the line!
* All our marijuana gifts are subject to availability. To see what products and strains we currently have in stock, please check our website *