In 2014, the passing of Initiative 71 led to the legalization of recreational cannabis possession in the District of Columbia. However, that doesn’t mean that DC residents are free to light a joint up wherever they like. In fact, there are more places within DC’s limits where smoking weed isn’t legal under current cannabis statutes.
It’s essential to know where you’re allowed to enjoy cannabis before breaking out your grinder and rolling papers. But don’t worry, we’re here to help break it down—learn about the relevant weed laws in Washington, DC, and find out where you can safely and legally enjoy your cannabis goods. By the end, you’ll be on your way to a stress-free session.
Can You Smoke Cannabis in DC?
Yes, as long as DC residents and visitors are over 21, they’re free to legally enjoy cannabis in DC. Here, you can possess up to two ounces of cannabis flower at any given time, and you’re also allowed to “gift” one ounce of weed to another adult, provided there’s no value transfer (e.g. you can’t sell cannabis for money), and you can even grow your own plants. Any accessories or tools are also legal, including dabbing rigs, glass bongs, and rolling papers.
However, there are restrictions on where you can smoke weed within the nation’s capital. Anyone caught smoking cannabis in public areas like sidewalks, parks, and federal monuments could face fines and jail time. It’s also illegal to use any cannabis product in a vehicle, even if your car is parked in a lot.
Where Can You Smoke Weed in DC?
While you can’t pass a joint with friends on the street or in a public green space, DC adults can legally partake in some places. Thanks to DC’s growing acceptance of cannabis culture, more and more legal options are becoming available, and this trend will likely persist as attitudes toward cannabis continually shift.
Just keep in mind that it’s still illegal to smoke weed in public. Under DC law, it’s illegal to consume cannabis in places or businesses where the public is invited, including bars, nightclubs, and even lounges advertised towards cannabis consumers. Though more people are bringing their joints and pre-rolls to these places, they are breaking DC’s cannabis code.
So where can you safely, and legally, smoke weed in DC?
Inside a Private Residence
DC consumers are allowed to enjoy cannabis in private residences, such as a home or an apartment. This is the safest option for your session, as it’s well within DC’s legal code. If you live in an apartment building or a rental unit, there may be further restrictions on smoking inside your home, so be sure to know any policies applicable to your living situation.
On Private Property
You don’t technically have to be inside to smoke cannabis in DC. Although private residences are within the law, you can savor your favorite strains on any form of private property, such as a backyard.
At Select Medical Marijuana Dispensaries
Currently, only regulated medical marijuana dispensaries are allowed to sell cannabis in Washington, DC. Although “gifting shops” have operated in a legal gray area since the passage of I-71, DC lawmakers are requiring these unlicensed businesses to apply for medical licensure.
Instead, adults in DC can buy weed from registered medical dispensaries like Takoma Wellness, provided patients have a valid medical marijuana card. Medical cannabis cards can be issued instantaneously to both patients and visitors through DC’s new self-certification process. Sign up online or visit us in store and we’ll help you certify right then and there.
Medical patients can also enjoy their cannabis in medical dispensaries that are licensed as safe-use treatment facilities. These special consumption areas give MMJ cardholders over 21 a controlled and monitored environment to legally use the cannabis products they purchase on-site. Registered caregivers are also allowed to enter these rooms, and patients can take whatever cannabis they didn’t finish home afterwards.
To liven up the atmosphere in these safe-use facilities, DC lawmakers allow dispensaries to play background music and sell non-alcoholic beverages and non-cannabis-infused food. However, MMJ patients can’t use other substances like alcohol and tobacco in these areas, nor are they allowed to play games or host events where cannabis is a reward.
Takoma Wellness looks forward to opening an on-site safe-use consumption space in early 2025, so stay tuned for more updates!
Shop DC’s Top Cannabis Brands at Takoma Wellness
If you’re in Washington, DC, and you’re searching for a place to stock up on quality cannabis products, look no further. Takoma Wellness is one of the oldest and most respected dispensaries in the area. With DC’s new self-certification for medical cannabis, both visitors to the DC area and local residents can quickly and easily find quality, lab-tested products on our dispensary shelves, and our knowledgeable staff is here to provide a helping hand and to ensure your comfort and cannabis needs are met.
Stop by our shop or browse our online menu for premium flower, pre-rolls, concentrates, and more. Choose in-store pickup or spring for convenient delivery and have all your cannabis products delivered right to your door.