Is weed legal in DC ?
If you are following marijuana legalization actualities and living on the East Coast, you probably already asked yourself : is marijuana legal in DC ? Well, the short answer is yes, weed is legal in DC. but there are many things to take into consideration.
As several states in the US are slowly decriminalizing the use of marijuana, the District of Columbia has already made it legal to acquire and smoke weed. Back in 2014, Initiative 71 was passed by DC voters, which legalized the possession, use, and cultivation of marijuana in DC. However, there are some important things you need to know before you light up.
Is weed legal in DC? Initiative 71
Since 2014, under Initiative 71, it is legal for adults who are 21 years and older to possess marijuana and cultivate plants at home.
While Initiative 71 has brought about a form of legalization, it’s essential to note that it doesn’t mean complete freedom to use marijuana without consequences. There are still laws surrounding marijuana use and possession that can result in penalties and fines, particularly when it comes to public consumption or possession on federal land.
How can I acquire recreational Marijuana in DC?
While Initiative 71 legalized the possession and cultivation of marijuana in DC, it did not legalize the sale of marijuana. This means that you cannot legally purchase marijuana from a dispensary in the District of Columbia.
However, many businesses like Giving Tree have found a solution by offering marijuana as a “gift” with the purchase of another product or service. These gifting shops are completely legals often advertise on social media and can be found through a quick online search. It’s important to note that the sale of marijuana is still illegal in DC. So be wary of any business that is openly selling, and always acquire your marijuana from a gifting shop.
Where can I smoke marijuana in DC?
Under Initiative 71, it is completely legal to smoke marijuana in a private residence, but not in public spaces. This includes parks, sidewalks, public transportations, and other areas that are accessible to the public. But you can carry a small portion of marijuana with you in public, without smoking it.
However, smoking AND possessing marijuana on federal land is forbidden. So if you are in possession of weed, avoid federal lands in DC such as the National Mall and federal parks is still illegal and can result in penalties and fines. Here is a map of all national parks and federal lands in DC.
What are the requirements for growing marijuana in Washington DC?
Initiative 71 allows every adult to cultivate up to six marijuana plants in their own home, as long as they are not visible from a public space. This number can go up to twelve plants if you live with another adult.
But remember, you can possess more than 6 marijuana plants which are mature (ready for consumption), even if you are living with more than one adult.
It’s important to note that landlords and building managers may still prohibit the cultivation of marijuana on their properties. Last but not the least, you can’t legally grow weed at home in DC if you live within 1,000 feet (0.3 km) of a school, youth center, swimming pool, library, or other public building. If it is your case, then you should rely on Gifting Shops such as Giving Tree to acquire your marijuana ! So take a look at our exclusive gifts collection.
Are there any limitations on the amount of marijuana I can possess in DC?
Under Initiative 71, and if you are at least 21 years, you are allowed to possess up to two ounces of marijuana for personal use. But note that possession with intent to distribute is still illegal and can result in penalties and fines.
Two ounces at a time is largely enough for the casual smoker. Remember that an ounce of marijuana is enough to roll up between 50 and 100 joints ! Owners of medical marijuana cards can even carry over 4 ounces of weed.
In the end, the legalization of marijuana in DC under Initiative 71 has brought about many changes to the city, from a growing “gifting” economy to new discussions about drug policy.
This led to the growth of new gifting stores as Giving tree DC where visitors can get cannabis as a gift for the purchase of digital art.
