Washington, D.C. has a unique cannabis landscape, where weed is legal for personal use but tightly restricted by federal oversight. Adults 21 and older can legally possess and grow marijuana under local law, yet commercial cannabis sales remain prohibited, creating a gray market built around gifting rather than retail transactions. This page explains D.C.’s current marijuana legality, including recreational use rules, medical cannabis access, possession limits, federal land restrictions, and how local laws differ from state-run programs elsewhere. For readers who want to compare how D.C.’s cannabis laws fit into the broader legal landscape, see our comprehensive breakdown of cannabis regulations by location across U.S. states, major cities, and countries worldwide in the Cannabis Laws by Location guide.
Table of Contents
Is marijuana legal in DC
1. Recreational Marijuana
- Legal? Yes (Initiative 71, passed in 2014)
- Who? Adults 21 and older
- Allowed:
- Possess up to 2 ounces
- Grow up to 6 plants (3 mature max)
- Gift up to 1 ounce to another adult (no money exchange)
- Not Allowed:
- Commercial sales (Congress blocks D.C. from regulating sales)
- Use in public (streets, parks, vehicles)
- Possession/use on federal property (still a federal offense)
2. Medical Marijuana
- Legal? Yes (regulated by the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration – ABCA)
- Access:
- Self-certification allowed (no doctor’s recommendation needed)
- Registered dispensaries available
- Possession Limits:
- More generous than recreational use
- Eligible Conditions: Broad; self-declared by patient
3. Gray Market
- Exists? Yes
- How? Cannabis “gifted” with purchase of unrelated items (e.g., art, clothing)
- Legal? Not officially sanctioned; subject to law enforcement crackdowns
4. Restrictions
- Public Use: Prohibited
- Federal Land: Cannabis is illegal (D.C. is 30% federal land)
- Employment: Employers can prohibit use, especially federal workers
- Housing: Landlords may restrict use
Summary
Cannabis is legal for personal possession, use, and cultivation in D.C., but sales remain illegal due to federal oversight. Medical cannabis is legal and more accessible. Public and federal property use is still prohibited.
