Cannabis law in District of Columbia (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Adults aged 21 or over may possess up to 2 ounces of marijuana and grow up to 6 plants (3 mature) at home. Selling marijuana and consuming it in public places are not permitted. DC has a licensed medical cannabis programme, and the adult-use rules do not depend on residency.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Possession for personal usePersonal use by an adult | Permitted within limits [1] |
| Quantity limitsPersonal use by an adult | Adults aged 21 or over may possess marijuana weighing 2 ounces or less. They may transfer 1 ounce or less to another adult aged 21 or over without payment. [1] |
| Growing at homePersonal use by an adult | Permitted within limits [1] |
| Sale to consumersPersonal use by an adult | Prohibited [2] |
| Use or carrying in public placesPersonal use by an adult | Prohibited [2] |
| Medical cannabisPersonal use by an adult | Legal for medical use [3] |
| VisitorsPersonal use by an adult | Foreigners expressly covered [1] |
| Minimum agePersonal use by an adult | 21 years [1] |
| Driving after cannabis usePersonal use by an adult | No one may drive or be in physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or any drug. The law sets no fixed THC limit. [4] |
Notes
- Initiative 71 (D.C. Code 48-904.01) makes possession lawful within the limits. Federal law still applies on federal property, where federal officers can arrest for any amount.
- Plants must be grown at the person's principal residence. The marijuana produced may be kept at that residence.
- The statute states that it does not make it lawful to sell marijuana or plants, so there is no licensed adult-use retail market. Transfers of up to 1 ounce between adults are lawful only without payment, goods or services.
- The prohibition covers public space and any place to which the public is invited. Property owners may also restrict use on their property.
- The medical programme is run by the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) and sells through licensed retailers.
- The statute applies to any person aged 21 or over, without a residency condition. Federal property remains subject to federal law.
Sources
- Council of the District of Columbia: D.C. Code § 48-904.01 (Prohibited acts A; penalties) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia: Information on the District's Marijuana Laws (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA), District of Columbia: Medical Cannabis Program (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Council of the District of Columbia: D.C. Code § 50-2206.11 Driving under the influence of alcohol or a drug (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States
| Possession for personal use | Criminal offence (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
|---|---|
| Growing at home | Prohibited (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
| Sale to consumers | Prohibited (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
District of Columbia and neighbouring states
| State | Possession for personal use | Growing at home | Sale to consumers | Use or carrying in public places | Medical cannabis | Visitors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | Legal for 21+, up to 2 oz | Yes, up to 6 plants (3 mature) | No adult-use sale permitted | Banned in public places | Yes, licensed medical programme | Any adult 21+, no residency test |
| Maryland | Legal for adults 21+, within limits | Yes: 2 plants per household | Licensed dispensaries only | Smoking banned in public places | Medical programme (card needed) | Out-of-state adults 21+ may buy |
| Virginia | Legal for adults 21+ within limits | Up to 4 plants per household | No legal sales until 1 July 2027 | No consumption in public places | Practitioner certification | Not addressed (21+ only) |
More rules in District of Columbia
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 20 mph (default) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 20 mph (default)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceEarliest age to drive a car supervised: 16 (learner permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsMinimum age: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (fountains, cones, sparklers only)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: No folding rule; 'dangerous weapon' ban applies · Locking or one-handed knives: Switchblade: possession banned
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $18.40 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, all seats · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, all seats
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Any amount (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.