The Best Method to Get Recreational and Medical Cannabis in Washington DC
If you're a cannabis user the process of moving to a new state can be a challenge. This is especially the case in the event that you aren't familiar with the laws in that state. It's even more challenging to do this in DC due to the stringent marijuana laws that govern recreational and medical marijuana.
The bright side is that marijuana is now legal in DC. But there's a caveat. Initiative 71 caused the explosion in medical cannabis dispensaries across the state. However, it does not permit the sale of marijuana for recreational use.
Do You Have the Ability to buy marijuana in DC?
The answer is yes you can. However, as was mentioned earlier there's a caveat. Patients who are medical marijuana can buy marijuana at any cannabis dispensary so long as they possess a medical marijuana card. Cannabis users who are recreational however are unable to purchase marijuana at any dispensary in DC.
The state permits you to grow your own marijuana. You are able to grow as many as six marijuana plants but you are limited to keeping the mature ones at one time. You are also able to pose as much as two ounces provided you're at least 21 years old. The state also permits marijuana users who are recreational to exchange one ounce, provided there isn't a cash exchange.
This means that you cannot purchase cannabis for recreational use in DC However, you can get it as a present in the event that it's less than one amount of an ounce.
So can you say that Marijuana Legal in DC?
Technically, yes. There is no penalty when you use recreational or medicinal cannabis in DC. However, the commercial sale of recreational cannabis is illegal. Also, it is worth noting that the medical use of marijuana in DC was approved in 1998 following the introduction of initiative 59. The recreational use of cannabis was, however, approved in 2015 after the introduction of the initiative.
The Best Way to Get Recreational Marijuana in DC
There is a lot of innovative recreational marijuana dispensaries located in DC. Here's how dispensaries that offer recreational marijuana are able to circumvent the marijuana laws of DC.
You can see that there are restrictions regarding the sale and use for marijuana within DC. The selling of recreational marijuana is prohibited in DC however; it doesn't mean that you cannot give it away as a present. To circumvent the restrictions recreational marijuana dispensaries can sell things that are commonly used, like souvenirs, art and even pencils and then give marijuana to give away as a gift. It's the nearest thing that we have to a marijuana dispensary that is recreational in DC.
The same concept applies to delivery services for marijuana. There are many marijuana delivery companies in DC which allow customers to purchase items such as rolling papers, ashtrays and T-shirts. Then, you can choose any marijuana strain that you prefer to give as a present.
How to get medical marijuana in DC
Before we go into the process of obtaining the medical cannabis you need in DC it is important to be aware of the laws regarding medical marijuana in DC. As mentioned previously the medical use of marijuana within DC was made legal in 1998 following the introduction of Initiative 59.
In 2010, the legislature in DC approved the legalization of marijuana to Treat Medical Conditions Amendment Act. This amendment clarified provisions of the legislation passed in 1998, and specifically the development of rules for dispensaries. With this new amendment, the limits on possession for patients who are medically ill were set at 2 pounds.
First medical marijuana dispensary for patients did not open until 2013. Nowadays, you must have medical marijuana cards to buy legal medical cannabis in DC. The law was also changed in 2014 to allow the medical marijuana card to cover any medical condition that medical professionals believe that a patient could benefit from using medical marijuana.
In 2015, the recreational marijuana law permitted medical marijuana patients to grow as many as the size of six marijuana plants that could be mature. Limits on the amount of marijuana that can be possessed were increased to 4 ounces in 2016.
The amendment of 2015 also permitted people with medical cannabis cards in different jurisdictions with similar programs to those offered by DC. To DC to get for medical marijuana in DC.
What are the criteria to be able to get a medical Marijuana Card in DC?
To obtain medical marijuana cards it is necessary to speak with a doctor, nurse or any others who are licensed medical professionals. When you meet with a medical professional licensed to practice, they provide you with an identification number. Once you have that number you will be able to send your request with the Department of Health Department of Health.
Also, keep in mind the medical marijuana card issued in DC can only be used for a year. When it expires it is necessary to apply for renewal.
Public Marijuana Consumption Laws in DC
It is unlawful to use cannabis in public areas in Washington DC. If you are caught, it could result in an unjustifiable conviction that can last between 60 and 60 days in prison or a fine that is not exceeding $500. However, as some parts of DC are federally owned which means that penalties can differ.
Do you think that using Marijuana while driving in DC results in a DUI?
When you drive in DC it is legally required to take the chemical test. If you don't undergo an examination, your license may be suspended in a period of up to twelve months. Refusal to take an examination could also be used as evidence in any legal court.
The penalties typically are based on the severity of the offense. A first offense can be punished with 180 days of imprisonment as well as a $1,000 fine and a fourth offense could lead to the minimum period of incarceration to be 45 days and a $2,500-$10,000 fine.
Our Conclusion
DC is home to some of the most difficult cannabis laws of the nation. The good news is that recreational and medical use is allowed. Marijuana dispensaries have found a way to bypass the laws. You'll surely locate a source; so long you are aware of where to search. But, it is important to be aware of the laws regarding marijuana possession in DC to ensure that you don't end up in trouble.