Washington DC has always been a city of change. It is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the United States and is also home to some of the most forward-thinking policies around cannabis. In fact, the cannabis culture here is quite recent.
In 2014, Washington DC decriminalized marijuana, making it one of the first places in the country to do so. This led to an explosion of weed dispensaries throughout the city as residents and tourists alike began looking for a place to purchase quality cannabis products.
However, with many marijuana dispensaries popping up, it can be difficult for consumers to know which ones are trustworthy and legal. That is why it is important to do your research before buying any cannabis products in Washington DC. In this article, we will show you how to find a weed dispensary in Washington DC open near you.
Can I Buy Weed From A Dispensary In DC Open Near Me?
Purchasing weed in Washington DC is quite different from other states. In DC, you can't buy weed in the "commercial sense." That is, you can't pay cash in exchange for weed at a dispensary.
Instead, you can only purchase an item and get cannabis as a complementary product. For example, if you buy something like a t-shirt or art piece from a dispensary, they would give you a certain amount of weed to go along with it. This is because of the unique way DC's weed laws are set up. Weed is technically still illegal in the eyes of the federal government, but the state weed laws give dispensaries the ability to operate in a "gray area."
Washington DC's recreational weed law is called "Initiative 71," passed in 2014. The law decriminalized weed and allowed for its use in small amounts. It also legalized the cultivation of up to six marijuana plants per person.
While Initiative 71 did not make it legal to sell weed, it did make it legal to give away up to an ounce of cannabis as a "gift" to a person of 21 years and above. This is how dispensaries in DC operate; they cannot sell weed but can give it away as a gift or complimentary product.
How To Get Weed From A Weed Dispensary DC Open Near Me?
There are several ways to get weed from a dispensary in DC. You can either get medical marijuana from a medical weed dispensary or recreational cannabis from a recreational dispensary.
However, you should know that obtaining a medical marijuana card is a requirement for purchasing weed from a medical dispensary. If you want to get medical marijuana, you will need to have a qualifying condition that allows you to get a medical marijuana card.
You will also need a written recommendation from a licensed doctor and go through an application process. Once you have your card, you can visit any medical weed dispensary in DC and purchase the cannabis products that you need.
On the other hand, a recreational dispensary is much easier to access. You do not need a medical marijuana card to purchase weed from a recreational dispensary; all you need is a valid ID showing that you are 21 years or older. Also, keep in mind that dispensaries in DC don't sell weed but gift them as required by Initiative 71.
How To Get A Medical Marijuana Card?
As mentioned earlier, getting a medical marijuana card can be long and complicated because it requires several steps. Before you begin the process of getting your weed card, you need to make sure that you have a qualifying condition that allows you to get a medical marijuana card. Some of these conditions include:
- Cancer
- HIV/AIDS
- Severe muscle spasms
- Glaucoma
- Seizures
- Intractable pain
If you have any of these conditions, you can begin the process of getting your medical marijuana card by following these steps:
Step One: Get a Written Recommendation from a Licensed Doctor
In order to get your weed card, you need to get a written recommendation from a licensed doctor. The doctor will need to evaluate you and determine if you have a qualifying condition that can be treated with medical marijuana.
Step Two: Fill Out an Application
The next step is to fill out an application with the DC Department of Health's Medical Marijuana Program. You will need to provide some personal information as well as your doctor's written recommendation.
Step Three: Submit Your Application
After you have filled out the application, you will need to submit it to the DC Department of Health along with a $100 fee. You can submit your application online, by mail, or in person.
Step Four: Get Approved
Once your application has been reviewed, you will be notified of whether or not you have been approved for a medical marijuana card. If you are approved, you will receive your card in the mail.
Step Five: Register with a Dispensary
The last step is to register with a dispensary so that you can purchase your medical marijuana. You will need to provide your medical marijuana card as well as a valid ID when you register.
Once you have followed all of these steps, you will be able to get your weed from a dispensary in DC. Remember that it is important to only purchase your weed from a licensed and reputable dispensary.
Cannabis Dispensary DC: What to look for?
With several cannabis dispensaries in Washington, it may be challenging to know which one to choose. However, there are a few things that you should look for in a dispensary.
Following Legal Rules
First and foremost, you want to ensure that the dispensary is legal. Many dispensaries operate in a "gray area" and are not technically legal. While these dispensaries may be able to sell weed, they should follow all of the rules set forth by Initiative 71. This includes only giving away cannabis as a gift and not selling it. If a dispensary is breaking the law, it's a good sign that they are not a reputable or safe place to get weed.
Quality Of Marijuana
You also want to make sure that the dispensary is high-quality marijuana products. Standard dispensaries only offer cannabis that has been tested for safety and potency. They should also have various products like edibles, tinctures, flowers, concentrates, and topicals available.
Customer Service
Customer satisfaction should be paramount to any dispensary. You want to make sure that the staff is friendly and helpful. They should be able to answer any questions about their products. The dispensary should also have a clean and welcoming environment.
A reputable cannabis dispensary will make it hassle-free to obtain the weed you need without breaking the law. They will have easy pickup and delivery services as well.
Best Weed Dispensary In Washington DC Open Now
The Garden
We are a fully legal and licensed dispensary that sells high-quality cannabis products. We have everything from edibles to flowers to concentrates, and our staff is always happy to help. What's more, we don't require a medical marijuana card to purchase from us. All you need is a valid ID showing that you are 21 years or older.
We are rooted in a community that promotes growth, sews seeds of wisdom and connection, and harvests right action. So, if you're looking for a safe and reputable place to get weed, look no further than The Garden!
Kindly visit our website and call (202) 815-5663 for questions regarding Initiative 71's Gifting Process or buying weed in DC. Also, please check our website to see The Garden DC's operating hours and follow us on Instagram to learn more about 420-friendly and Initiative 71-compliant deliveries.