Is Weed Legal in DC in 2026? What Adults 21+ Need to Know

Is weed legal in DC? For adults 21 and over, the short answer is yes, with important limits. Under DC law, adults can possess and use small amounts of weed on private property, but the District has no licensed recreational stores. The legal way to buy weed in Washington, DC is through a licensed medical cannabis retailer with a valid patient registration, which adults 21 and over can get by self-certifying with the District. Here is what that means in 2026.

The quick answer

• Adults 21 and over may possess up to two ounces and use it on private property.

• Selling weed outside the licensed medical cannabis program is illegal.

• Using weed in public and driving under the influence remain criminal violations.

• Federal law still prohibits marijuana, and federal officers can enforce it anywhere in the District.

• Legal purchases happen at licensed medical dispensaries, like Best Stop, with a DC registration or an out-of-state registration DC recognizes.

What Initiative 71 allows

DC voters approved Initiative 71 in November 2014, and it took effect on February 26, 2015. According to the Metropolitan Police Department, a person who is at least 21 may:

• Possess two ounces of marijuana or less.

• Transfer one ounce or less to another adult who is at least 21, as long as no money, goods or services are exchanged.

• Grow up to six plants inside their residence, with no more than three of them mature.

• Possess related paraphernalia.

• Use marijuana on private property.

For the full backstory, read From Initiative 71 to Licensed Cannabis.

What is still illegal in DC

MPD lists conduct that can still lead to arrest, including:

• Selling any amount of marijuana to another person (licensed medical cannabis sales operate under a separate District program).

• Possessing more than two ounces.

• Operating a vehicle or boat under the influence of marijuana.

• Consuming marijuana in public space, such as a street, sidewalk, alley, park or parking area, in a vehicle on any of those, or anywhere the public is invited.

Initiative 71 did not change the law for anyone under 21: possession is still illegal for them. MPD also notes that federal law continues to prohibit any amount of marijuana, so federal officers may arrest anyone in DC for possession or use. That matters in a city with so much federal land, from the National Mall to many parks. If you are planning a night out, read our guide to cannabis and driving in DC.

Why there are no recreational weed stores in DC

Initiative 71 allowed possession and home growing, but it did not create a retail market. Since then, Congress has kept a budget rider, often called the Harris rider, in DC's spending laws that stops the District from using its funds to set up regulated recreational sales. A Congressional Research Service legal sidebar explains how the rider works, and DC's delegate to Congress reported that a House spending bill for fiscal year 2026 again included it. Federal and local policy can change, so check ABCA for the latest.

You may see shops that claim to include weed for free when you buy something else, such as a sticker or a T-shirt. Those shops are not licensed by ABCA. Learn how to tell the difference in our guide to verifying a licensed DC cannabis dispensary.

How to buy weed legally in DC

Legal purchases go through the District's medical cannabis program, run by ABCA. According to ABCA, DC residents 21 and older may self-certify instead of getting a healthcare provider's recommendation, and resident applicants receive a temporary digital registration, valid for 90 days, that can be used right away while the application is processed.

Visitors can buy too. ABCA's non-resident page explains that non-residents 21 and older may apply for a temporary registration, which requires self-certification, and that a valid registration from a state or territory DC extends reciprocity to can also be used. The steps look like this:

• Apply through ABCA's online portal and choose self-certification if you are 21 or older.

• Bring your registration and a valid government-issued photo ID; see our first-time patient checklist.

• Shop in store, order online for pay-in-store pickup, or use licensed DC delivery if you are eligible.

For step-by-step help, read how to get a DC medical cannabis card or the visitor registration guide. Registered patients also have purchase and possession limits under the medical program; ABCA posts the current numbers.

Visiting from Maryland or Virginia

Many of our shoppers live in Maryland or Virginia. Cannabis laws differ from place to place, and cannabis must never be taken across state lines. Plan to use what you buy on private property in DC where it is allowed, and remember that Best Stop delivery stays inside DC.

Shopping at Best Stop Dispensary

Best Stop is a licensed medical cannabis dispensary at 3439B 14th St NW in Columbia Heights, a few blocks north of the Columbia Heights Metro on the Green and Yellow lines. We serve eligible registered patients and caregivers 21 and over. If you are not registered yet, our staff can walk you through DC self-certification at the counter in about 2 to 3 minutes; the registration itself is completed directly with the District. Browse weed, pre-rolls, vapes, edibles and concentrates, then order ahead for pickup or check our delivery areas. Our visit page has directions.

Is weed legal in DC? FAQ

Is recreational weed legal in DC?

Possession and private use by adults 21 and over are legal under DC law, but there are no licensed recreational sales. Buying requires a medical cannabis registration, which adults 21 and over can get by self-certifying with ABCA.

How much weed can I have in DC?

Under Initiative 71, adults 21 and over may possess up to two ounces. Registered patients have separate purchase limits set by the medical program; check ABCA for current figures.

Can I smoke weed on the National Mall or in a park?

No. Public consumption is illegal under DC law, and the Mall and many parks are federal land where federal law applies.

Do I need to be a DC resident to buy weed?

No. Non-residents 21 and over can get a temporary registration from ABCA or use a recognized out-of-state registration.

Can I take weed home to Maryland or Virginia?

No. Do not take cannabis across state lines.

This article is general information for adults 21 and over. It is not medical or legal advice. DC rules can change, so confirm current requirements with the District's Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA).