District of Columbia Marijuana Information & FAQ

The approved medical conditions for the District of Columbia's medical marijuana program include: HIV, AIDS, cancer, glaucoma, sever muscle spasms, multiple sclerosis. Patients undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or using azidothymidine or protease inhibitors also can qualify.

Qualifying patients can complete an application form which requires proof of residency and submit it along with a formal physician recommendation.

A physician who is licensed in the District of Columbia to practice medicine or osteopathy can write a recommendation. Their license must be in good standing and have a bona-fide physician-patient relationship with the patient including having a responsibility for their ongoing treatment and care.

The application fee is $100 or $25 if the applicant is a recipient of Medicaid or DC Alliance or if applicant has other documentation showing the total gross income is equal to or less than 200% of federal poverty level.

Yes, minors can register in the program. Parent or legal guardian must also provide information and authorization.

The possession limit is 2 ounces.

Registration is mandatory for the legal protections outlined in the program since acquisition of medical marijuana is only allowed through licensed dispensaries.

No, DC has no reciprocity agreements with other states.

Applicants must designate a dispensary at the time of application. Patients can change to a new dispensary by filling out a change form.

Yes, a physician is required to notify the Department of Health within 14 days after notifying a patient that they no longer have a qualified condition or treatment.

Cards are valid for one year and qualified patients can re-apply through the normal application process with updated physician medical recommendations.

The Department of Health recommends you contact them within 24 hours (202) 442-5955 and submit the registration card replacement form along with a $90 fee.

It is important to recognize that these state marijuana laws do not change the fact that using marijuana continues to be an offense under Federal law.

A caregiver must be designated by a qualifying patient and register with the Department of Health by filling out an application and a criminal background check form. A caregiver is limited to serve as a caregiver for only one qualifying patient and must be at least 18. There is a $100 fee to become a caregiver.

No, only licensed cultivation centers can grow marijuana in D.C.

There are no restrictions for caregivers from being able to also register as a qualifying patient outlined, however, possession limits per person still apply.

The District of Columbia has a dispensary program. Patients are required to select their dispensary of choice during the application process and may only visit that dispensary for their medical marijuana needs. Dispensaries must be licensed and meet the criteria outlined in the regulations.

The limit of no more than 5 dispensaries is outlined, but the Mayor may increase the number to as many as 8 to ensure there is adequate access.

Only licensed cultivation centers can grow marijuana in DC.

Cultivation centers must apply and be approved to grow medical marijuana. Several additional requirements from zoning to security and others are necessary and are outlined on the application form.