Although DC Initiative 71 legalized adult possession of small amounts of cannabis, public consumption remains illegal under DC Code 48-911.01 and federal land rules, with fines and possible arrest.
Initiative 71 (DC Code 48-904.01) legalized possession of up to two ounces and home cultivation for adults 21+, but it preserved a strict ban on consuming marijuana in public. DC Code 48-911.01 makes public smoking, vaping, or eating of cannabis a civil offense subject to a $25 fine, escalating to criminal charges for repeat or aggravated conduct. Federal land within DC, including National Mall, Rock Creek Park, and federal buildings, follows federal law where any possession remains illegal, exposing users to US Park Police citations regardless of DC reforms. Smoking is also prohibited everywhere DC's smoke-free workplace law applies.
First public-consumption offenses typically draw a $25 civil fine; aggravated, repeat, or federal-property violations can result in arrest, federal misdemeanor charges, and seizure of cannabis products.
Washington, DC
DC prohibits smoking in nearly all enclosed workplaces, restaurants, bars, and public buildings under DC Code 7-1701, with extended outdoor restrictions near...
Washington, DC
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...
See how Washington's public marijuana use rules stack up against other locations.
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