Is Cannabis/Marijuana Legal in District of Columbia? (2026)
It depends. In District of Columbia, cannabis/marijuana is restricted. District law permits specific adult marijuana activities with age, quantity, transfer and cultivation limits, while preserving public-consumption and other restrictions.. A permit or license is required.
Key facts
- Status
- Restricted
- Permit required
- Yes
- Jurisdiction
- District of Columbia
- Last reviewed
- 2026-04-09
Cannabis/Marijuana laws in District of Columbia
Section 48-904.01(a)(1) makes specified marijuana activities lawful under District law for a person 21 or older: possessing, using, purchasing or transporting no more than two ounces; transferring no more than one ounce to another person 21 or older without remuneration; and growing no more than six plants, at most three mature flowering plants, inside the house or rental unit constituting the grower's principal residence. The shared-household ceiling is twelve plants, at most six mature flowering plants. Possession of those plants' marijuana within that home is separately provided. This provision does not make selling, offering for sale or making marijuana or plants available for sale lawful. A transfer accompanying a payment is not certified as the statute's transfer without remuneration. Section 48-901.02 distinguishes marijuana plant material from extracted resin and resin compounds, which it defines as hashish. The two-ounce marijuana exception is therefore not presented as a blanket allowance for extracted concentrates, vape contents or products containing resin. The adult-use provision does not require workplace accommodation, prevent property owners or controllers from restricting cannabis conduct, or permit impaired driving. Section 48-911.01 separately prohibits smoking or otherwise consuming marijuana in public space, including the listed streets, alleys, parks, sidewalks, parking areas, vehicles in specified places and places inviting the public. Its public-invitation rule includes private clubs as defined, while excluding a private residence from that club definition. It also prohibits marijuana-related impairment that endangers persons or property on public or someone else's private property. These citations explain specified District marijuana provisions and their limits; they do not establish retail authorization, the eligibility of a particular cannabis product, or the retained legal-status and permit fields.
Frequently asked questions
Is cannabis/marijuana legal in District of Columbia for travelers?
For travelers visiting District of Columbia, cannabis/marijuana is currently restricted. Section 48-904.01(a)(1) makes specified marijuana activities lawful under District law for a person 21 or older: possessing, using, purchasing or transporting no more than two ounces; transferring no more than one ounce to another person 21 or older without remuneration; and growing no more than six plants, at most three mature flowering plants, inside the house or rental unit constituting the grower's principal residence. The shared-household ceiling is twelve plants, at most six mature flowering plants. Possession of those plants' marijuana within that home is separately provided. This provision does not make selling, offering for sale or making marijuana or plants available for sale lawful. A transfer accompanying a payment is not certified as the statute's transfer without remuneration. Section 48-901.02 distinguishes marijuana plant material from extracted resin and resin compounds, which it defines as hashish. The two-ounce marijuana exception is therefore not presented as a blanket allowance for extracted concentrates, vape contents or products containing resin. The adult-use provision does not require workplace accommodation, prevent property owners or controllers from restricting cannabis conduct, or permit impaired driving. Section 48-911.01 separately prohibits smoking or otherwise consuming marijuana in public space, including the listed streets, alleys, parks, sidewalks, parking areas, vehicles in specified places and places inviting the public. Its public-invitation rule includes private clubs as defined, while excluding a private residence from that club definition. It also prohibits marijuana-related impairment that endangers persons or property on public or someone else's private property. These citations explain specified District marijuana provisions and their limits; they do not establish retail authorization, the eligibility of a particular cannabis product, or the retained legal-status and permit fields.
Do I need a permit for cannabis/marijuana in District of Columbia?
Yes, District of Columbia requires a permit or license for cannabis/marijuana. Contact the relevant state agency for application details.
Can I transport cannabis/marijuana through District of Columbia?
Transport laws for cannabis/marijuana in District of Columbia depend on the specific item and your route. Generally, transport is allowed if you comply with state regulations. Always check states you pass through.
What are the penalties for cannabis/marijuana violations in District of Columbia?
Penalties for cannabis/marijuana violations in District of Columbia vary based on the specific offense. Always verify current laws before traveling.