Washington, DC Cannabis Regulations: Home Cultivation (2026)
Key Facts
- Plant Limit
- 6 plants total, max 3 mature
- Age Requirement
- 21 years or older
- Possession Limit
- Up to 2 ounces
- Code Section
- DC Code Section 48-904.01 / Initiative 71
- Federal Property
- Cannabis prohibited on federal land in DC
Summary
Under Initiative 71 (effective February 2015) and DC Code Section 48-904.01, DC residents 21 and older may grow up to 6 cannabis plants at home, with no more than 3 being mature at any time. Home cultivation is for personal use only, and sales remain illegal.
Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, it shall be lawful, and shall not be an offense under District of Columbia law, for any person 21 years of age or older to:
(A) Possess, use, purchase, or transport marijuana weighing 2 ounces or less;
(B) Transfer to another person 21 years of age or older, without remuneration, marijuana weighing one ounce or less;
(C) Possess, grow, harvest, or process, within the interior of a house or rental unit that constitutes such person's principal residence, no more than 6 cannabis plants, with 3 or fewer being mature, flowering plants; provided, that all persons residing within a single house or single rental unit may not possess, grow, harvest, or process, in the aggregate, more than 12 cannabis plants, with 6 or fewer being mature, flowering plants;
(D) Possess within such house or rental unit the marijuana produced by such plants; provided that, nothing in this subsection shall make it lawful to sell, offer for sale, or make available for sale any marijuana or cannabis plants.
Full Breakdown
Initiative 71 legalized recreational cannabis possession and home cultivation in DC. Adults 21+ may grow up to 6 marijuana plants in their primary residence, with a maximum of 3 mature (flowering) plants at a time. Plants must be grown in an enclosed, locked space not visible from public areas. Individuals may possess up to 2 ounces of marijuana. Transferring up to 1 ounce to another adult without payment is permitted, but any sale of cannabis remains illegal under DC law. Federal law still prohibits cannabis on federal property, which includes much of DC (National Mall, federal buildings, etc.).
Violations & Fines
Growing more than 6 plants or selling cannabis can result in criminal charges. Cultivation visible from public areas or accessible to minors may result in enforcement. Possession or use on federal property carries federal penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow marijuana at home in DC?
Is cannabis legal on the National Mall or in federal buildings?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Washington
Compare Washington to another location·View the District of Columbia cannabis regulations overview
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