If you are a cannabis enthusiast residing in or visiting Washington, DC, you may wonder how to buy weed in DC. You’re not alone!
Since Initiative 71 was approved, recreational marijuana use is now permissible, and consequently, many dispensaries, delivery services, and growers have opened up in the city. Thus, people in the area can now readily and responsibly purchase cannabis products from trusted stores.
Read on to learn the rules regarding recreational marijuana use in Washington, DC, and the most effective way to acquire weed.
Laws and Regulations To Understand Before Trying to Buy Weed in DC
Keep in mind that you can’t simply buy recreational weed in DC or any other state for that matter.
Instead, rules and regulations are in place to ensure safe and responsible use.
So, if you want to remain on the safer side of the law, bear these facts in mind before buying any weed in Washington, DC.
Medical Marijuana Card
A medical marijuana card is an identification card issued by a state government, verifying that a person is legally allowed to purchase and use cannabis for medicinal purposes.
Although there are dispensaries in the DC area, they cannot legally sell cannabis to individuals who do not possess a marijuana card.
You won’t get into trouble for having or using it; however, the store will face criminal charges if authorities discover they’re selling marijuana to someone without a valid medical card.
Qualifications
Only individuals with qualifying medical conditions in Washington, DC, are eligible for a medical marijuana card.
These are some of the most commonly diagnosed health conditions approved by a referring DC marijuana doctor:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Cancer
- Chronic Intractable Pain
- Crohn’s Disease
- Epilepsy and Persistent Involuntary Muscle Spasms
- Glaucoma
- Parkinson’s disease
- Terminal illness
Obtaining A Medical Marijuana Card in DC
If you have one of the aforementioned medical conditions and are a legal adult, you may be eligible to obtain a medical marijuana card in DC. To do so, simply follow these steps:
- Step 1: Visit your doctor or physician and get an authorized referral for cannabis therapy.
- Step 2: Apply online at the Washington DC Department of Health (DOH) website.
- Step 3: Submit your application in person or via mail to the DOH office and pay the non-refundable fee.
- Step 4: Wait for approval from a DC marijuana doctor, which can take up to 15 days.
- Step 5: Once approved, you will receive an official medical marijuana card in the mail.
Initiative 71 (I71)
Since you’re still reading, it’s safe to assume you plan to consume cannabis in Washington, DC, and you don’t have a medical marijuana card. Whether you want a quick and easy preroll, fresh flowers, or some delicious edibles in DC, you will want to understand Initiative 71.
Initiative 71 was approved in 2014, legally permitting the possession and use of cannabis for recreational purposes.
The initiative allows adults over the age of 21 to possess up to two ounces for personal use and grow up to six plants in their homes.
Furthermore, it allows individuals to give away marijuana but strictly prohibits its purchase and sale. Those caught selling weed face up to 180 days in jail and a maximum fine of $1,000.
However, Initiative 71 does not establish a regulatory system for the sale or taxation of cannabis.
As a result, no licensed dispensaries are selling recreational weed in Washington, DC.
If there are no dispensaries, is weed legal in DC? How can you get your hand on some recreational weed?
This is where things can get a little tricky. Because no regulated dispensaries are selling recreational marijuana in Washington, DC, you must be creative.
Initiative 71 still prohibits the “sale” of marijuana. However, you can receive it as a gift. For example, if you buy a $230 frisbee, you may be entitled to a free 1/2 ounce of cannabis flowers.
Alternatively, you can receive marijuana edibles as a “thank you” for your donation.
Other Important DC Cannabis Laws You Need to Know
Here are some key things to remember when consuming cannabis in Washington, DC:
- You must be 21 years of age or older.
- You can possess up to two ounces of cannabis.
- You can grow up to six cannabis plants (no more than three can be mature at a time).
- You can gift up to an ounce of cannabis, but you cannot receive anything of value in return.
- You can consume cannabis in your home or on private property. Smoking weed or appearing intoxicated in public is still illegal, and you could be subject to a fine.
- Driving while under the influence of marijuana is still illegal, and you could be subject to a DUI.
The protections of I71 cover both DC residents and visitors. So, whether you live here or are just visiting a 420-friendly hotel, you can enjoy buying weed 100% legally!
The Best Ways To Buy Weed in DC
Now that you know the basics of DC marijuana laws, it’s time to explore how you can buy and consume marijuana legally in Washington, DC.
Getting your hands on some great cannabis products isn’t as difficult as it may sound –– even if you don’t have a medical marijuana card.
These are your best options:
Delivery Services: A Convenient Option for Acquiring Weed in DC
Since no regulated dispensaries are selling recreational marijuana in the area, the best way to purchase cannabis legally is through a weed delivery DC service.
A weed delivery service is an online platform that allows you to order cannabis products from the comfort of your home.
You can go online, find a strain or product you want, and then place your order for delivery directly to your door.
Delivery services are becoming increasingly popular in Washington DC as they provide customers the following benefits:
- Quality: All products are lab tested and certified to ensure quality.
- Convenience: You don’t have to leave your house in order to buy weed!
- Discretion: Your delivery will be discreet, fast, and secure. No one has to know where you got it from!
DMV 42 Zero: Best DC Delivery Service Provider
At DMV 42 Zero, we are a group of like-minded individuals passionate about cannabis and dedicated to helping others find the best weed in DC.
We offer a safe and convenient way to order cannabis online, within all DC weed laws, and have it delivered right to your door.
Plus, our customers can access exclusive deals and discounts on cannabis products.
With our easy-to-navigate e-commerce weed gift shop, you can fill your cart with your favorite cannabis products (and some you want to try!).
After browsing through our selection, complete the checkout by selecting your preferred delivery date, time, and location.
Buying Cannabis Products at “Local Dispensaries”
Although you cannot buy cannabis products at local recreational dispensaries, you can purchase them from licensed establishments.
These establishments are referred to as “gift shops,” as they provide customers the opportunity to get free cannabis products with a purchased item such as a T-shirt or a hat.
For instance, if you search “weed near me” in Google Maps, you will find some Street Art Galleries and Clothing Shops that generously offer free weed whenever you purchase a $300 Pokemon card.
These gift shops operate legally under Initiative 71, providing a great way to get “free” cannabis products.
However, please note that, unlike medical marijuana dispensaries, these are not regulated businesses, and there is always the risk of getting ripped off or getting into trouble with the law.
Attend a Local Weed Event
If you’re looking to meet like-minded people who share the same passion for cannabis and learn more about the industry, then attending a local weed event is the way to go.
The Washington DC area is full of exciting events such as “420” festivals, educational seminars, and other get-togethers where you can connect with other cannabis enthusiasts and entertain yourself.
These events are great opportunities to learn more about the growing industry, meet local vendors, sample strains, and purchase cool weed-related merchandise. Plus, some of them even offer free samples!
Don’t miss attending these popular DC weed events:
- The High Times Cannabis Cup
- The National Weed Day Rally
- Hempfest
Smoke Weed Responsibly!
In conclusion, it is possible to legally purchase and enjoy recreational cannabis in Washington DC –– even if you don’t have a medical marijuana card.
The best way to buy weed is through a delivery service such as DMV 42 Zero or attending one of the many local cannabis events.
Regardless of your choice, it’s important to remember to always practice responsible cannabis use. Smoke safely and enjoy!
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