Can non DC residents buy weed ?

Since the legalization of marijuana in Washington DC in 2015 with Initiative 71, one of the top questions asked by trevellers is : Can non DC residents buy weed ? In fact, the District of Columbia has become a hub for cannabis enthusiasts and weed dispensaries. However, with the legalization, many people wonder whether non-DC residents can also buy weed in the capital city.

This question is justified by the fact that you cannot actually buy weed in DC without a medical card… unless it is gifted to you ! That is why gifting stores like Giving Tree exist in the city.

To understand all of this, we will explore the legality of purchasing cannabis in DC as a non-resident. Here are all the things you should know before travelling to DC to acquire recreational or medical marijuana !

Understanding Initiative 71 in DC

Before going to Washington DC, you will need to understand the fundamentals of Initiative 71.

Initiative 71 is a law that was passed in Washington DC in 2015, which legalized the possession and use of small amounts of marijuana for adults who are 21 years or older. Under Initiative 71, you are allowed to possess up to 2 ounces of marijuana, and transfer up to 1 ounce of marijuana to another adult who is 21 years or older as long as it is done without payment.

To answer your question quickly : yes ! It is possible to legally acquire weed in DC, as long as you don’t smoke it in public. But to acquire weed, you will need to follow these important rules.

How to acquire weed for non DC residents ?

As we just said, It is essential to note that while Initiative 71 legalized the possession and use of marijuana in DC, it did not establish a legal framework for the sale of marijuana. This means that while you are allowed to possess and use weed, you cannot directly purchase it from a licensed dispensary or retail store.

But acquiring weed without buying it is extremely simple and perfectly legal, both for residents and non-residents ! To do so, you will need to find an I-71 compliant gifting store like just like Giving Tree.

Gifting stores operate by offering customers a “gift” with the purchase of other items, such as a t-shirt, artwork, or sticker, and then provide marijuana products as the “gift.” Then, you can enjoy your gift, even if you are not a DC resident.

The particular case of medical dispensaries

In Washington, D.C., medical marijuana dispensaries are regulated by the D.C. Department of Health and are licensed to provide medical cannabis to qualifying patients. These are the only dispensaries that are allowed to sell weed directly to the customer. But in order to purchase medical marijuana from these dispensaries, you must possess a valid medical card issued by the DC Department of health. 

This whole process can be tricky for a non DC resident. So if you are just looking for recreational marijuana while in the District of Columbia, we recommend visiting an I-71 compliant gifting store such as Giving Tree.

Giving Tree : I-71 compliant gifting store

Located at 1236 H Street NE, Washington DC 20002, Giving Tree is a I-71 compliant gifting shop offering a wide range of weed stains for the purchase of digital arts. Whether you are a resident, or a visitor simply coming by the capital, we got you covered. Visit our store and explore our art collection, featuring local artists who keep our community alive.

Welcome to the Giving Tree, we look forward to meeting you soon!