Cannabis Laws in DC: What Initiative 71 Means for You
In 2014 DC voters passed Initiative 71. It went into effect in 2015 and it changed how people in the city could use and share cannabis. A lot of people hear about I-71 but still get confused about what’s actually legal. Here’s the breakdown in plain English.
What you can do if you are 21 or older
You can have up to 2 ounces of cannabis on you
You can grow up to 6 plants at home but only 3 can be mature at once
You can give up to 1 ounce to another adult but you can’t take money or trade anything for it
You can have cannabis gear like pipes, papers, and grinders
You can use cannabis in private at home
What you cannot do
You can’t have more than 2 ounces
You can’t sell cannabis for money or trade it for goods or services
You can’t smoke or consume in public places like sidewalks, parks, restaurants, or bars
You can’t drive while high
You can’t be under 21 with cannabis in your possession
You can’t bring cannabis onto federal land, which covers a lot of space in DC
The gifting shops
Because I-71 doesn’t allow direct sales a lot of shops popped up selling art, juice, or even stickers and then “gifting” cannabis with the purchase. That worked for a while but the city has been cracking down on unlicensed shops. Just know that gifting is legal between adults if nothing of value is exchanged but running a store around it is not fully protected.
Medical cannabis
DC also runs a medical cannabis program separate from I-71. Patients who qualify and register can buy from licensed dispensaries. If you are a patient this is the safe and official way to get what you need.
Why sales are still blocked
Even though voters said yes to legalization Congress has kept DC from setting up a regulated recreational market. Until that changes selling cannabis in DC outside of the medical program is still against the law.
Quick takeaways
If you are 21 and up you can have up to 2 ounces. You can grow a few plants at home. You can share with friends as long as it is a gift and not a sale. Stay private and stay under the limits. Do not smoke in public or on federal property.