Washington, D.C. Medical Marijuana Laws
Washington, D.C. Medical Marijuana Program
Government of the District of Columbia Department of Health
The Washington, D.C. Medical Marijuana Program allows qualified patients with certain medical conditions to buy and use medical cannabis. Qualifying medical conditions include, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), glaucoma, cancer, and conditions persistent and severe muscle spasms, like multiple sclerosis, to name a few. Also, patients who are being treated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or are using azidothymidine or protease inhibiters qualify for medical marijuana treatment. To apply for the medical marijuana program and obtain a marijuana patient registration identification card, you must first get a recommendation for medical marijuana through a licensed physician in good standing to practice medicine or osteopathy in the District of Columbia. A licensed physician may recommend the use of medical marijuana if they have a bona fide physician-patient relationship with the patient and have completed a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s current medical condition and medical history. This assessment will need to include a physical examination which must be performed no more than 90 days prior to the physician making the recommendation. The MJ doctor has a responsibility for the ongoing treatment and care of the patient not limited to the primary purpose of medical marijuana consultation or use. The MJ doctor must also review other approved treatments and medications that may provide relief from a qualifying medical condition. The MJ doctor must keep a medical record for qualifying patients which delineates the evaluation treatment of the patient. Many MJ doctors are offering telemedicine for marijuana as an option. You’ll also want to check to see what medical documents the physician may need to evaluate your medical condition before your appointment.
Due to COVID-19, telemedicine is allowed for renewals in Washington, DC.
Yes
Patients who possess a physician’s recommendation may legally possess and obtain up to two ounces of medical cannabis provided by state licensed dispensaries. Patients under the age of 21 are not permitted to consume herbal forms of cannabis. Inhaling herbal cannabis is not permitted by adults in the presence of a pregnant woman or a child age 14 or under. Dispensaries may not provide cannabis-infused food or drink products with more than 10mg of THC.
No
Yes
Yes. A “caregiver” means a person who is at least twenty-one (21) years old who has agreed to assist with a qualifying patient’s medical use of marijuana and has qualified for and obtained a caregiver identification card issued by the Department of Health. The Department may limit the number of qualifying patients a caregiver may assist at one time and the number of caregivers that a qualifying patient may have at one time.
No
After you have a medical marijuana recommendation from your doctor, you may apply for your patient marijuana card. The form you complete will depend on which type of physician referred you to the Washington, D.C. Medical Marijuana Program. The application may be completed and submitted online. When you apply, you should be prepared to upload a recent passport-type photo which meets certain conditions, a copy of a U.S., state or District government issued photo ID used to prove your identity, the physician recommendation number, proof of District residency, Social Security Number, and, if applicable, proof that you qualify for a reduced application fee. Once you complete your application, you must submit the application fee along with the confirmation document to the address provided. It’s recommended that you keep track of your marijuana product usage, so you can determine which medical marijuana products work best for you. National Medical Marijuana Card Services provides a patient journal in which you may chronicle your experiences. Log in to use it.
Find a licensed marijuana doctor nearby to get your recommendation for a medical marijuana card.
Marijuana DoctorsIn Washington, D.C. medicinal marijuana and low-THC cannabis are available for qualified patients. Each state dictates which medical marijuana products are allowed. Legal marijuana products can include, vape products, flower, capsules, tinctures, and marijuana CBD oil.
Find Medical Marijuana Use Registry User information and Instructional Guides. These include general FAQs, approved medical conditions, steps to take to participate in the Washington, D.C. MMJ program as a patient, registration, and medical marijuana card renewal information.
DC Health