Is weed legal in Washington, D.C.?
Medical marijuana is legal, and adults 21 and older may legally possess and consume small amounts of recreational cannabis, but recreational dispensaries are not allowed.
In other words, you can legally use cannabis in the District of Columbia, but you cannot buy it from a dispensary unless you're a registered medical marijuana patient.
A federal budget restriction known as the Harris Rider has prevented Washington from regulating adult-use sales since 2015. Instead, the district operates a robust medical cannabis program, which has expanded significantly in recent years to serve both patients and everyday users through medical dispensaries.
Find Washington medical marijuana doctors and dispensaries, or order medical weed delivery from local retailers on Weedmaps.
What's new
In 2025, District of Columbia authorities ramped up crackdowns on unlicensed “gifting” shops, shutting down over 50 illegal sellers through April 2025. The district also expanded its medical program, increasing individual purchase limits from four to eight ounces per month of dried medical cannabis.
Dozens of new dispensaries have also opened, and new policies allowing any adult 21 and older to “self-certify” as a medical user make getting a medical card significantly easier than before.
However, Congress continues to renew the Harris Rider each year, so Washington cannot enact an independent and regulated recreational sales system. The only legal retail access to cannabis in the district remains through medical weed dispensaries.
Quick facts: Washington, D.C. cannabis laws
Legal status
Medical cannabis is legal.
Adult recreational consumption, possession, and home cultivation are legal, but a Washington-specific federal mandate has prohibited recreational sales.
Purchase limits
Purchasing weed in Washington is only possible through licensed medical dispensaries. The district does not allow recreational cannabis dispensaries.
Medical patients 21 and older can purchase up to eight ounces of cannabis flower, 240 grams of concentrates, or medical cannabis in any form containing a combined total of 600,000 mg of THC. Medical patients between 18 and 20 can purchase up to 60 grams of concentrates.
Possession limits
Both adults 21 and over and medical patients can possess up to two ounces of cannabis and may gift up to one ounce to another adult as long as no payment is involved. Possessing more than two ounces is a criminal offense.
Home cultivation
Each adult can grow up to six cannabis plants at home and have up to three mature plants at a time. Washington caps the total number of plants per household at 12, with a maximum of six mature plants.
Home-grown cannabis may be gifted (up to one ounce), but home growers cannot sell their weed.
Basic consumption rules
Weed consumption in Washington is only permitted on private property. The district bans all smoking, eating, or vaping of cannabis in any public place or vehicle. Property owners, like landlords and hotels, also have the right to ban cannabis use on their premises.
“Gifting” shops
Unlicensed gifting shops, businesses that exchange cannabis as a “gift” with purchases of other items, are illegal. Washington regulators and police are actively shutting down these operations.
Cannabis purchase, sales, and consumption in Washington, D.C.
The legal path to cannabis in Washington, D.C.
The medical marijuana program is the only legal way to purchase cannabis in Washington. All legal district dispensaries operate under medical licenses from the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) and may only sell to registered patients. Fortunately, the program is very accessible to both locals and visitors.
Any adult who wants to buy cannabis in Washington can do so by registering as a medical marijuana patient.
Washington residents aged 21 and older can self-certify to obtain a medical card, without requiring a doctor's visit. (Non-residents can apply here.)
Why you can't buy recreational cannabis in Washington, D.C.
In 2014, Washington voters approved Initiative 71 to legalize personal cannabis use and home cultivation, but not sales. Shortly afterward, Congress enacted the Harris Rider, a federal restriction to prevent Washington from licensing or taxing adult-use marijuana sales. This federal restriction, renewed each year since 2015, is why recreational dispensaries cannot operate in Washington.
In short, adults may possess and use cannabis recreationally, but any attempt to sell it commercially is illegal. Unless and until Congress removes the Harris Rider, medical dispensaries remain the only legal source of cannabis in Washington
Washington's gifting gray market explained
Banning recreational sales through the Harris Rider led to an unregulated gifting market that proliferated across Washington. Businesses would sell something like a sticker or a key chain, then give “free” cannabis with the purchase. It's illegal since it's essentially a sale in disguise. Earlier this year, Washington authorities began actively shutting down these businesses (over 50 shut down through April 2025).
Avoid any so-called “I-71” gifting shops. To stay safe and compliant, purchase only from licensed dispensaries, as unlicensed products lack testing and quality oversight.
Where you can consume cannabis in Washington, D.C.
Cannabis use in Washington is restricted to private residences. You may consume on private property, such as at your home or a friend's place.
It is illegal to consume marijuana in any public space, which includes streets, sidewalks, parks, outdoor dining areas, bars, or anywhere the public is invited. Avoid using weed in a vehicle, even if you're a passenger. Violating the public use ban can result in arrest or fines.
Importantly, federal property within Washington is completely off-limits for cannabis. Much of the district is federal land, including the National Mall, Capitol grounds, federal buildings, and national parks. Federal law still classifies marijuana as illegal, and federal law enforcement agencies can arrest anyone for possession or use of cannabis on federal property.
Possession limits
Washington law allows adult users 21 and over to possess up to two ounces of cannabis flower on their person. Adults may also share up to one ounce with another adult 21 or older, as long as no money, goods, or services change hands in exchange for the weed.
Despite the greater purchase limits for medical patients, a medical patient, like any adult, may only possess up to two ounces on their person in public.
Growing cannabis in Washington, D.C.
District law permits home cultivation of cannabis for personal use. Adults 21 and older can grow up to six marijuana plants at their primary residence, with no more than three in the mature (flowering) stage at any time. If multiple adults live in the same household, they can grow up to 12 plants total, with a maximum of six mature plants, per residence. These plants must be grown indoors at a private residence.
All home-grown cannabis is for personal use only. Selling home-grown weed is illegal, but adults can legally gift up to one ounce to another adult. Just as with other possession rules, avoid carrying more than two ounces when moving your harvest.
Medical marijuana in Washington, D.C.
Who qualifies as a patient?
Any Washington resident 18 or older can qualify as a medical cannabis patient. Adults 21 and older can self-certify their medical use without a doctor's recommendation, while Washington locals aged 18 to 20 require a doctor's approval. Minors can enroll as patients with a parent or guardian as their registered caregiver.
There is no set list of qualifying conditions.
Non-residents from eligible jurisdictions can use their home state's medical cards at Washington dispensaries, thanks to the state's reciprocity policy. If you don't have a card, Washington allows visitors to obtain a temporary medical registration during their stay.
How to get a medical marijuana card in D.C.
Obtaining a medical marijuana card in Washington is very straightforward.
If you're 21 or older:
- You can apply online through the ABCA portal and self-certify your need for medical cannabis without going to the doctor
- Provide proof of Washington residency (like a driver's license or ID) and a passport-style photo
As of 2025, the registration fee has been waived. Washington now issues the standard two-year medical card free of charge. After approval, you'll receive a digital card and a physical card by mail.
Non-DC residents can get a temporary patient registration by filling out a quick online form and paying a fee (takes about 10 minutes to get your digital card), or you can use your existing medical card from another state if DC recognizes it through reciprocity.
Where to buy medical marijuana in D.C.
Washington allows only licensed medical cannabis dispensaries to sell medical cannabis legally. There are no recreational dispensaries, meaning medical retailers serve the entire market of patients, including self-certified adults.
As of 2025, Washington has dozens of dispensaries across the city – the number of licensed retailers expanded to over 50 as of Fall 2025.
Washington medical dispensaries can operate between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m., though hours vary by location.
When you arrive at a dispensary, you must present a valid government photo ID and your medical marijuana card. Inside, you'll find a range of lab-tested and certified products, from various strains of flower and pre-rolls to vape cartridges, concentrates, edibles, tinctures, and more.
Medical dispensaries serve both District of Columbia residents and out-of-state patients alike.
Browse Weedmaps' list of dispensaries in Washington to learn more.
Legal history of Washington, D.C. cannabis laws
November 1998: Initiative 59:
- Washington voters approve medical marijuana through Initiative 59
- Congress uses the Barr Amendment to block legal weed from immediately launching in the district
- Medical law remains dormant until Congress lifts the ban in 2009, and Washington's first legal medical dispensaries open in July 2013
November 2014: Initiative 71
- Voters pass Initiative 71, legalizing adult possession and home cultivation of marijuana in Washington
- Allows adults 21 and older to possess up to two ounces, grow a limited number of plants, and gift up to one ounce of flower. Initiative 71 did not create any legal recreational weed sales or commercial recreational market
2015: Congressional rider
- Following Initiative 71's passage, Congress inserts the Harris Rider into federal budget bills forbidding Washington from using local funds to legalize or regulate adult-use marijuana sales
- Prevents Washington from launching any adult-use cannabis market, despite voter support
- Remains the main obstacle to recreational sales in Washington to date
2021 to 2022: Medical expansion
- Washington enacts the Medical Cannabis Amendment Act of 2022
- Expands the medical program, creates new license categories, and allows district patients 21 and older to self-certify as medical marijuana patients
2024: Major moves to cut down illegal sales
- Washington ends its leniency toward the gray market
- ABCA and police impose fines and immediately padlock unlicensed “gift” shops
- City warns of illicit operators to shut down or seek medical licenses by March 31, 2025
2025: Crackdown and licensing
- In April 2025, ABCA enhances its enforcement against remaining gray-market shops, closing over 50 unlicensed stores
- The number of dispensaries in Washington increases to over 50
- Washington's City Council extends conditional license expiration dates
- A regulated recreational market remains on hold until Congress lifts its Harris Rider ban
Out-of-state visitors
Medical patients visiting Washington, D.C.
The District offers reciprocity for medical cards from 40 states and U.S. territories. Just bring your out-of-state medical card and ID to a Washington dispensary.
Adult visitors (21+) without a medical card
While adult visitors can legally carry up to two ounces and even receive up to an ounce as a genuine gift from another adult, you can't purchase recreational weed until you get a medical card.
Washington allows you to apply for a temporary patient registration as a visitor by paying a fee and filling out a short form. This digital temporary card allows you to make legal purchases at Washington dispensaries during your visit.
Federal property warning
Always remember that federal law prohibits all cannabis, even in Washington.
Large portions of the district, including the National Mall, government buildings, and national parks, are owned by the federal government. If police catch you using marijuana on federal land, it could lead to an arrest and criminal charges. Play it safe by never carrying or using cannabis on any federal property, including places like national monuments, parks, federal offices, and airports.
Transport restrictions
Avoid taking cannabis outside Washington, D.C.
It's still against the law to transport weed from Washington to another state, even if you're traveling somewhere where cannabis is also legal.
No cannabis in vehicles
It is illegal to drive under the influence or use cannabis in any vehicle, including as a passenger. Local law also bans open containers of marijuana in a car.
FAQ
Can you buy recreational marijuana in Washington, D.C.?
No. While adults 21 and older can legally possess up to 2 ounces, retail sales for recreational use are banned. The medical marijuana program is the only legal retail pathway.
What are gifting shops, and are they legal?
Gifting shops that sell items and provide cannabis as a “gift" are illegal operations. Washington's ABCA has shut down more than 50 unlicensed businesses this year. Purchase only from licensed medical dispensaries.
Do I need a doctor's recommendation for medical marijuana in D.C.?
Individuals 21 and older can self-certify for medical marijuana without a physician's recommendation. Out-of-state patients may also use a valid medical card from their home state (Washington accepts cards from 40 reciprocal states).
What is the Harris Rider?
A Congressional budget provision renewed annually since 2015 that prohibits Washington from using local funds to regulate or legalize cannabis sales. This blocks the district from creating a legal retail market despite voter approval.
Can I use my medical card from another state in Washington?
Yes. Washington accepts medical marijuana cards from 40 U.S. states and territories through reciprocity agreements. Out-of-state cardholders can purchase from licensed Washington dispensaries with a valid medical marijuana card and a government-issued ID.
The information contained in this site is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical or legal advice. Weedmaps makes no representation that the content contained here is current, accurate, or without errors. This page was last updated on December 3, 2025.