About 150 million people consume marijuana around the world, making it one of the most popular recreational drugs on the planet. Despite having a bad rap in the past, recent studies have proved that marijuana contains therapeutic cannabinoids that can help manage symptoms such as nausea and chronic pain among patients suffering from cancer and similar diseases.
Efforts to legalize marijuana have been ongoing for decades. Although medical cannabis was decriminalized back in 2011, the legalization of recreational cannabis in DC was only realized in February 2015. Initiative 71 allows DC state residents over 21 years old to legally own two ounces of marijuana. They can also grow three mature marijuana plants and three immature plants within their homes. In fact, you can apply for a DC Medical Marijuana card at http://420dc.com/ to purchase two ounces of marijuana each month.
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However, is smoking marijuana in DC legal? The answer isn’t quite as black and white. Although D.C. citizens are allowed to own, grow, and share subtle amounts of cannabis, it’s still illegal to buy, sell, and publicly consume marijuana within the district.
How can people in DC get weed?
DC marijuana laws might sound strict, but there’s a clever circumvention you can use. If you’re 21 years old or above, you may transfer one ounce of marijuana to someone else who is over 21. This workaround provides the green light for vendors to provide marijuana freely as a “gift” when one buys another product. Today, there are many places where these clever marijuana exchanges take place. These include bars, workshops, restaurants, and festivities.
In the past, marijuana was peddled as rolled-up weed and smoked just like cigarettes. However, times have changed. Many “ganjapreneurs” in DC sell marijuana in different forms which include edibles, vapes, concentrates, creams, and cannabis buds. This remarkable variety caters to people from all walks of life. Vendors also use an assortment of messaging apps to contact marijuana buyers and to receive orders without having to disclose their actual location.
Can you use marijuana legally in DC?
Within DC city limits, you can legally consume marijuana at home, your friend’s house, or in any private property. However, using cannabis in public spaces (like in communal parks and eateries) is a criminal offense that can land you in jail. To avoid ruffling the feathers of DC law enforcers, steer clear of consuming marijuana in any public area. Using cannabis is actually a federal offense. If you’re found smoking ganja or using cannabis products in any federal land, you can be arrested and charged. As such it’s important to steer clear of DC federal lands.
There have been persistent efforts by the DC Council to fully regulate and tax marijuana. However, Congress has blocked these efforts time and again. Their rulings have been buoyed by the DC Cannabis Business Association and numerous cannabis attorneys within DC.
The future of recreational marijuana
In May 2019, the mayor of DC introduced an act that permits the licensing of marijuana retailers, cultivators, and manufacturers. This act which was titled the Safe Cannabis Sales Act received immense support from DC residents who hope that the sale of recreational marijuana will commence soon.
