Feb 11, 20215 min read

Complete Guide to Buying Weed in DC: How to Find Weed (Legally)

Updated: 4 days ago

If you're here, you've probably been wondering why it's so hard to find weed in DC. Weed was already legalized for recreational use years ago, so why are tons of people still getting persecuted by the law for owning weed?

Well, to answer this question correctly, we will have to shed some light on how DC weed laws operate. Unlike other states, the laws are very strict and require you to follow them to a tee. Don't freak out though, this guide will inform you of the current rules and the proper ways of buying weed in DC – legally.

D.C. Cannabis / Weed Laws

As a D.C. resident or tourist, it is important to know some of the laws guiding the use of marijuana in D.C. We don't want to be caught slipping up, do we? Some of these DC Marijuana laws include:

Age Requirement: You must be 21 years or older to legally possess or use cannabis.
Possession Limits for Recreational Use: Individuals may possess up to 2 ounces of cannabis at a time.
Possession Limits for Medical Use: Medical cannabis patients with a valid card can legally possess up to 8 ounces of cannabis.
Where You Can’t Smoke: Avoid consuming cannabis on federal property (such as military grounds), in public places (like parks), or in your car.
Prohibition on Sales: The sale of marijuana for recreational use is illegal.
Follow Initiative 71 Rules: Initiative 71 outlines key regulations, including personal cultivation and gifting. (Learn more about Initiative 71 in the next section.)

Breaking DC weed laws are regarded as a severe offense and can get you jail time. If you're caught driving under the influence of marijuana, you might end up with a $300 fine or up to 90 days in jail. And this is for first-time offenders, crazy, right?!

What happens if you're caught with more than 2 ounces at a time? Well, this is also regarded as a misdemeanor and can bag you up to 6 months in jail and a $1000 fine.

Initiative 71

Initiative 71 (I71) is a D.C. voter-approved ballot (64.87%) that legalized the use of cannabis for recreational use. No matter how boring it may sound, this initiative allowed the legalization of small amounts of marijuana. Initiative 71 came into effect in 2015, and since then, weed enthusiasts have been able to toke up in D.C.

How to Find Weed in D.C. Legally

If you’re wondering how to buy weed in D.C. without running into legal trouble, the good news is that it’s entirely possible when done the right way. While buying weed in D.C. may not be as straightforward as in other states, the process is simple when you rely on licensed dispensaries.

Below, we’ll explain everything you need to know about purchasing cannabis in D.C. legally, including how dispensaries make it a hassle-free experience.

Buying Weed in DC from a Licensed Dispensary

There are typically two reasons why people search for ways to buy weed in D.C.:

For medical purposes.
For recreational enjoyment, whether with friends or solo.

If you’re purchasing cannabis for medical reasons, the process is simple and straightforward:

Present Your Medical Marijuana Card: When you visit a licensed medical dispensary, show your valid medical marijuana card to the budtender.
Make Your Purchase: Medical cannabis patients can legally purchase and possess up to 8 ounces of cannabis at a time.

For recreational use, while the sale of cannabis for non-medical purposes remains prohibited in D.C., dispensaries like ours offer a seamless and compliant experience for those who are eligible.

Buying Weed in D.C. for Residents and Tourists

If you’re a D.C. resident or a tourist visiting the city, here’s what you need to know:

Age Requirement: Adults 21 and over can legally purchase cannabis from licensed dispensaries.
Variety of Products: Licensed dispensaries offer a wide range of premium cannabis products, including flower, edibles, tinctures, and more.
Compliance Guaranteed: When you buy weed in D.C. from a licensed dispensary, you can trust that the process is safe, legal, and compliant with all local regulations.

At Aligned, we’re committed to making buying weed in D.C. a seamless experience for both residents and visitors alike. Whether you’re here for medical relief or just looking to unwind, our knowledgeable staff and high-quality products ensure you’ll find exactly what you need.

For DC Residents

Prepare your documents: A DC Driver’s License or Proof of DC Residency (utility bill) + government-issued ID, and a clear photo of your face.
Go to the application link: Visit this link to begin the process.
Fill out the form: Provide your personal information and upload your ID, proof of residency (if needed), and photo.
Receive your temporary card: Check your email within 5–10 minutes for a Temporary Medical Cannabis Card valid for 30 days.
Forward your card: Email your Temporary Medical Cannabis Card to info@alignedwellness.com.
Get your permanent card: Receive your Permanent Medical Cannabis Card via email within 30 days.

For Non-DC Residents

Prepare your documents: A government-issued ID, a clear photo of your face, and (if applicable) your medical cannabis card from a reciprocity state.
Go to the application link: Visit this link to begin the process.
Fill out the form: Provide your information and upload your ID, photo, and medical cannabis card (if applicable).
Select card duration and pay: Choose a card duration (3 days: $10, 30 days: $20, etc.) and complete the payment.
Receive your temporary card: Check your email within 5–10 minutes for a Temporary Medical Cannabis Card.
Forward your card: Email your Temporary Medical Cannabis Card to info@alignedwellness.com.

Key Rules and Regulations for Buying Weed in DC

Buying weed in D.C. shouldn't be too much of a problem if you're familiar with the D.C. weed laws guiding its use. If you are over 21, buying medical cannabis will be like you are in Colorado or Washington with just one quick extra step of self-certifying. You can receive a medical card for free or for as little as $10 and shop with Aligned today. And there are laws that are meant to be followed in order to avoid confrontations with the cops. Always keep in mind that:

General Laws for Cannabis Use:

Smoking Restrictions: It’s illegal to smoke cannabis on federal property or in public places. Since approximately one-third of D.C. is federally owned, be mindful of where you consume.
Age Requirement: Only adults aged 21 years or older can legally purchase or possess cannabis in D.C.
Gifting Cannabis: Adults aged 21+ can legally gift up to 1 ounce of cannabis to another adult who is also 21+.
Possession Limits for Recreational Use: You can possess up to 2 ounces of cannabis at a time for personal recreational use.
Recreational Sales Prohibited: The sale of cannabis for recreational purposes remains illegal in D.C.

Medical Cannabis Benefits and Rules:

Higher Possession Limit: Medical cannabis patients can legally possess up to 8 ounces of cannabis with a valid medical card.
Legal Purchasing Access: Medical cardholders can purchase cannabis directly from licensed medical dispensaries like Aligned.
HIPAA-Compliant Privacy: All medical cannabis transactions are protected under HIPAA, ensuring your privacy and confidentiality.
Employee Protections: Medical cannabis patients are protected from being fired solely for using medical cannabis outside of work hours.

Shop online or call us today at (202) 740-6670 to place your order. Check out our menu here. Enjoy in-store shopping or get easy curbside pickup! For Aligned DC hours, please check our website.