Cannabis Laws in District of Columbia

Is weed legal in District of Columbia? Yes — recreational and medical cannabis are both legal here for adults 21+.

Under Initiative 71 (effective 2015), DC adults 21+ may possess up to two ounces, grow a limited number of plants at home, and gift up to one ounce, but a congressional budget rider blocks DC from licensing or taxing commercial adult-use sales. As a result there is no legal recreational retail market, only a persistent gray-market 'gifting' scene. Licensed medical dispensaries operate normally, and adults 21+ can self-certify to buy from them.

Federally, cannabis is still a controlled substance nationwide — but that status is in flux. See where rescheduling stands →

Regulated by Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration.

Last reviewed 2026-06-19. This is general information for adults 21+, not legal advice — cannabis laws change frequently. Confirm current rules with Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration before acting.