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.
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See how Washington's public marijuana use rules stack up against other locations.
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