Cannabis Regulations in Washington, DC (2026)
3 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
In Washington, D.C., a licensed dispensary or cultivation center cannot locate in a residential district, and must stay at least 300 feet from any preschool, school, or recreation center.
Washington DC Dispensary Zoning Rules
Significant RestrictionsD.C. Code § 7-1671.06(g)
A dispensary or cultivation center shall not locate within any residential district or within 300 feet of a preschool, primary or secondary school, or recreation center.
Buffer Zones
D.C. bars medical cannabis retailers and internet retailers from locating in a residential district or within 400 feet of a preschool, primary or secondary school, or recreation center. Applicants who applied before December 17, 2024 remain under the older 300-foot buffer instead.
DC Medical Cannabis School Buffer Rule
Some RestrictionsD.C. Code § 7-1671.06(q), (q-1)
(q)(1)(A) A retailer or internet retailer shall not locate within any residential district or within 400 feet of a preschool, primary or secondary school, or recreation center; except, that a license holder or an applicant who has applied prior to December 17, 2024, shall not be permitted to locate within 300 feet of a preschool, primary or secondary school, or recreation center. (2) A retailer...