D.C. voters approved recreational cannabis in 2014 (Initiative 71), with personal possession and home cultivation becoming legal February 26, 2015. However, Congress has repeatedly blocked D.C. from establishing a regulated retail market, creating a unique "gifting" economy.
2 oz on person
Active
6 plants per person (3 mature)
Moderate
Medical Patients
4 oz
per month
Recreational (21+)
2 oz
on person
Home Cultivation Permitted
Plant limit: 6 plants per person (3 mature)
Must be 21+
Card Cost
$100/year
Renewal
Annual
Processing Time
30 days
Dispensaries
10+
Legalized
2014
Sales Started
2015
Age Requirement
21+
Purchase Limit
N/A — no regulated retail sales
Delivery
Not allowed
Public Consumption
Prohibited.
Congress has blocked D.C. from establishing regulated retail sales. A "gifting" economy exists where cannabis is given away with the purchase of another item. This is a legal gray area.
Some protections for off-duty use.
D.C. law provides some protections for employees who use cannabis off-duty. Federal employees are not protected.
DUI laws apply. No per se THC limit — impairment standard.
2023: Congress continues to block retail sales
2024: Medical program expanded
2025: Retail legalization efforts ongoing
Official State Resource
Always verify current laws with the official state cannabis authority.