What is Initiative 71?
Initiative 71, officially known as the "Legalization of Possession of Minimal Amounts of Marijuana for Personal Use Initiative," was approved by 70% of DC voters in November 2014. It took effect on February 26, 2015, making Washington DC one of the first jurisdictions on the East Coast to legalize recreational cannabis.
The initiative was a landmark moment for cannabis reform in the nation's capital. However, because DC is a federal district (not a state), Congress has used its oversight power to block the DC Council from creating a regulated commercial sales framework. This is why DC's cannabis market operates differently from states like Colorado or California.
Despite this congressional restriction, Initiative 71 created a legal pathway for cannabis possession, use, home cultivation, and person-to-person transfers (gifting), which has become the foundation of DC's unique cannabis economy.
What's Legal Under Initiative 71
You CAN legally:
Possess up to 2 ounces of cannabis on your person
Grow up to 6 plants at home (3 mature, 3 immature)
Transfer (gift) up to 1 ounce to another adult 21+
Use cannabis on private property with the owner's permission
Possess paraphernalia like pipes, papers, and vaporizers
You CANNOT legally:
Sell cannabis without a license
Consume in public places, parks, or on federal property
Drive under the influence of cannabis
Possess more than 2 ounces outside your home
Use on federal property (National Mall, Smithsonian, etc.)
How to Actually Get Weed in DC
Since DC can't set up traditional retail dispensaries for recreational use (thanks to congressional restrictions), the cannabis market operates through what's known as the "gifting" economy.
The Gifting Model
Under Initiative 71, you can receive cannabis as a "gift." Cannabis providers sell a legal product or service and include cannabis as a complimentary gift. This is the most common way people obtain cannabis in DC.
Medical Dispensaries
DC has licensed medical marijuana dispensaries for patients with a DC medical marijuana card. These operate as traditional dispensaries with regulated products.
Home Growing
Initiative 71 allows you to grow up to 6 cannabis plants at home (3 mature, 3 immature). Plants must be grown in an enclosed, locked space.
Select Co-Op: DC's Trusted Cannabis Source
When it comes to finding premium cannabis in Washington DC, Select Co-Op stands out as one of the most established and trusted names in the Initiative 71 gifting community.
Operating as a cannabis gifting service in the DC area, Select Co-Op has built a strong reputation for quality products, a wide strain selection, and reliable service. They serve the greater DC area including Northern Virginia and Maryland.
Visit Select Co-Op →What to Avoid When Getting Weed in DC
Street dealers: Stick with established, reviewed providers. Random street offers often come with lower quality products.
Unverified delivery services: Look for providers with established online presence and reviews.
Federal property: Cannabis remains illegal under federal law. Don't carry or consume on the National Mall or federal land.
Crossing state lines: Transporting cannabis across state or district lines remains a federal offense.
Cannabis in Virginia (Northern Virginia)
Virginia legalized recreational cannabis in July 2021. For residents of Northern Virginia (Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William):
Virginia Cannabis Laws at a Glance:
Adults 21+ can possess up to 1 ounce of cannabis.
Home cultivation of up to 4 plants per household is allowed.
Public consumption is prohibited.
Retail sales framework is still being established.
Many NoVA residents access cannabis through DC's gifting services.
Cannabis in Maryland
Maryland voters approved recreational cannabis in November 2022, and retail sales began in July 2023.
Maryland Cannabis Laws at a Glance:
Adults 21+ can possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis.
Home cultivation of up to 2 plants is allowed.
Licensed dispensaries sell recreational products throughout the state.
Public consumption is prohibited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is weed legal in Washington DC?
Yes, recreational cannabis is legal in DC under Initiative 71. Adults 21+ can possess up to 2 ounces, grow up to 6 plants, and gift up to 1 ounce to another adult.
How do I get weed in DC?
Through DC's gifting system under Initiative 71. Trusted providers like Select Co-Op offer cannabis gifts alongside purchases of other products.
What is the gifting system in DC?
Under Initiative 71, adults can gift up to 1 ounce of cannabis to another adult. Providers sell legal products and include cannabis as a complimentary gift.
Can I use DC cannabis in Virginia or Maryland?
While all three jurisdictions have legalized cannabis, transporting it across state/district lines is a federal offense.
Where can I consume cannabis in DC?
Cannabis can only be consumed on private property with the owner's consent. Public consumption is prohibited.
Do I need a medical card to get weed in DC?
No. Initiative 71 allows recreational cannabis for adults 21+. A medical card is only needed for licensed medical dispensaries.
Ready to Get Premium Cannabis in DC?
Select Co-Op is DC's most trusted cannabis source. Browse their menu today.