Cannabis Regulations in Washington, DC (2026)
6 verified cannabis regulations for Washington, District of Columbia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Home Cultivation
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.
Washington DC Home Cannabis Cultivation Rules
Few RestrictionsDC Code § 48-904.01(a)(1) (Prohibited acts A; penalties)
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, gr...
Dispensary Zoning
DC's medical marijuana program regulates dispensary locations under DC Code Title 7, Chapter 16B and 22-C DCMR. Dispensaries must be at least 300 feet from schools, recreation centers, and youth-serving facilities. Commercial sales for recreational use remain prohibited due to Congressional interference.
Washington DC Cannabis Dispensary Zoning Rules
Heavy RestrictionsBuffer Zones
Licensed DC medical cannabis dispensaries and cultivation centers must sit at least 300 feet from any pre-K, elementary, or secondary school, and may not cluster within 300 feet of another dispensary.
Cannabis Dispensary Buffer Zones Near Schools
Some RestrictionsCannabis Delivery Rules
Because the Harris Amendment blocks taxed retail sales, DC tolerates adult-to-adult gifting under Initiative 71, but commercial "I-71 gifting" delivery shops face crackdown under the 2022 Medical Cannabis Amendment Act.
Cannabis Gifting and Delivery Restrictions in DC
Some RestrictionsPersonal Cultivation Limits
DC Initiative 71 (2014) lets adults 21+ grow up to six cannabis plants at home, with no more than three mature flowering at one time, exclusively for personal use.
Personal Cannabis Cultivation Limits Under Initiative 71
Few RestrictionsLooking for District of Columbia county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Washington city rules.
Cannabis Regulations in District of Columbia →
Social Equity Licensing
The DC Medical Cannabis Amendment Act of 2022 created a social equity license tier reserving slots for residents with prior cannabis convictions or who lived in designated disproportionately impacted areas for at least five years.
Social Equity Cannabis Licensing in DC
Few Restrictions