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Washington DC dispensaries are a thing thanks to the numerous laws put in place by the government. However, these laws have a tight grip on things so it’s important that you abide by certain guidelines to keep yourself out of trouble. But one thing to note is that the DC weed laws are not only there to ensure the regulated flow of marijuana, they also guarantee the safety of everyone who wants to acquire weed in the DC area.
This guide contains helpful information that can help you get weed in DC as a resident or tourist, risk-free, and without breaking any laws.
Finding the Best DC Weed Shop
The medical dispensaries are the ones that follow all the existing weed laws and also offer top-quality weed to their customers. So be aware which smoke shop to visit and which to stay away from. Here is a helpful checklist for finding legal smoke shops:
How are the reviews on Google?
Is it located in a safe neighborhood?
Do they offer in-store shopping?
It’s essential for you to find a dispensary in Washington DC that ticks off all these boxes, lucky for you – we already know one.
Do I Need to be a Washington DC Resident?
Fortunately, you don't need to be a resident of Washington to get weed within the DMV area. You are absolutely free as both a tourist & resident to acquire weed legally. Here are a few rules to follow if you want to find marijuana in DC:
You must have a Medical Cannabis Card & a government ID.
Avoid smoking on federal property such as military grounds, public places such as parks, and your car.
The sale of marijuana for recreational use is prohibited.
Abide by the rules set by Initiative 71 (You'll get to know more about initiative 71 in the next section).
You can acquire weed in DC for either medical or recreational purposes. To acquire weed for medical reasons, you have to sign up for a medical marijuana card. Medical marijuana cards are similar to I.D.s. They help medical dispensaries verify that you need cannabis, not for recreational purposes but medical reasons.
What is Initiative 71?
Initiative 71 was a Washington, D.C. voter-approved ballot initiative that legalized the use of cannabis recreationally. The short title of this initiative was "Legalization of Possession of Minimal Amounts of Marijuana for Personal Use Act of 2014" - so much for a short title.
I71, as it's commonly called, was approved by 64.87% of voters on the 4th of November, 2014, and it went into full effect on the 26th of February, 2015.
The I71 laws allow D.C. persons over the age of 21 to possess up to two ounces of marijuana, grow up to three mature & three immature marijuana plants in their homes, and transfer up to one ounce of marijuana to another individual. Also, I71 does not support the sale of weed.
For DC Residents: How to Get a Medical Cannabis Card
Prepare Your Documents
DC Driver’s License or
Proof of DC Residency (e.g., utility bill) + a government-issued ID
A clear photo of your face
Self-Certify Online
Fill in your information.
Upload your ID, proof of residency (if required), and your photo.
(If you have a DC Government ID, proof of residency is not needed.)
Receive Your Temporary Card
Within 5–10 minutes of submitting your application, you will receive a Temporary Medical Cannabis Card via email.
This card is valid for 30 days, allowing you to shop immediately while your permanent card is processed.
Permanent Card
Pending approval, your Permanent Medical Cannabis Card, valid for up to 6 years, will be emailed to you within 30 days.
For Non-DC Residents: How to Get a Medical Cannabis Card
Check Reciprocity
Ensure your home state participates in DC’s medical cannabis reciprocity program and that you hold a valid medical cannabis card.
Prepare Your Documents
A government-issued ID
A clear photo of your face
A copy of your medical cannabis card
Self-Certify Online
Fill in your information.
Upload your ID, photo, and medical cannabis card.
Select Card Duration and Pay
Choose how long you want your card to be valid:
3 days: $10
30 days: $20
90 days: $50
180 days: $75
365 days: $100
Complete the payment process online.
Receive Your Temporary Card
Within 5–10 minutes, you will receive a Temporary Medical Cannabis Card via email, valid for purchases at licensed dispensaries.
Best Rated Smoke Shop in Washington DC
The team at Aligned DC understands how hard it is to find a dispensary in DC that meets all the requirements stated by the law.
That is why we have positioned ourselves as one of the Most Trusted & Top Rated Cannabis Stores in DC.
Aligned DC
At Aligned DC, we offer a wide variety of premium cannabis products for in-store pickup or shopping. Simply browse our online menu, place your order, and we’ll notify you when it’s ready for pickup. You can also visit our store on Macomb St for an in-person shopping experience.
We accept cash and credit/debit card payments for purchases over $50 (21+ ID required & Medical Cannabis Card).
Aligned DC has become a go-to destination for cannabis enthusiasts in D.C., and we’re proud to maintain a five-star rating on Google Reviews.
Ready for premium cannabis products? Shop online or call us at (202) 740-6670 to place your order today. Visit us in-store at 3715 Macomb St NW Suite 201, Washington, DC 20016, or enjoy the convenience of curbside pickup. Stay connected with us on Instagram for the latest updates and tips on cannabis in Washington DC!
*Top Level is now Aligned DC. While our name has changed, our commitment to providing premium cannabis products and excellent service remains the same. Thank you for your continued support!
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