In Washington D.C., adult-use medical marijuana possession and consumption are legal. Cardholders with qualifying conditions are allowed to possess up to 2 ounces of marijuana for personal use under the law. Patients who meet the criteria can also have up to six plants in their home, three of which must be flowering at any given time. Even if you have a D.C. medical marijuana card, it is still illegal to buy or sell marijuana in the district.
Washington D.C. Medical Marijuana Program
The application process for a medical marijuana card in Washington D.C.'s medical cannabis program is relatively straightforward. Patients must first gather the necessary documentation, which includes proof of residency in Washington D.C., a government-issued photo ID, proof of a qualifying medical condition, and a completed application form. The patient application form can be downloaded from the D.C. Department of Health's website.
Once you've gathered all of the necessary documentation, you'll need to submit it to the Department of Health, along with a $100 non-refundable application fee.
You can appoint a designated caregiver to submit an application on your behalf if you are a minor (under 18 years old) or otherwise unable to do so yourself.
If your application for a medical marijuana card is approved, you will be given a one-year card. In order to continue using medical marijuana, you must renew your card every year.
Washington D.C. Public Consumption Laws
Public consumption of marijuana is illegal for both registered patients and recreational users. You cannot use cannabis anywhere that is open to the public, including parks, businesses, or other communal spaces.
You cannot consume cannabis in medical marijuana dispensaries or other medical facilities. You cannot consume adult-use cannabis in a vehicle while it is in motion or in a car parked on the street either.
Washington D.C. Cannabis DUI Laws
Washington D.C. has a zero-tolerance policy for impaired driving. A driver is legally impaired if a law enforcement officer observes that their ability to operate a motor vehicle is altered. There is no legal intoxication level and no exception for medical marijuana patients.
First offenses are punished by up to a $300 fine and 90 days imprisonment. Subsequent offenses are subject to harsher punishments, including a minimum $2,000 fine, a minimum of 10 days imprisonment, and a two-year suspended license.