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
