Is Medical Cannabis Card Legal in District of Columbia? (2026)

Key facts

Status

Legal

Permit required

Yes

Jurisdiction

District of Columbia

Last reviewed

2026-04-09

Medical Cannabis Card laws in District of Columbia

Section 7-1671.02 permits qualifying patients and caregivers to act only within the medical chapter and its rules. For treatment of a qualifying medical or dental condition or treatment side effects, it identifies an authorized practitioner's written recommendation within the last two years plus ABCA registration, with people 21 or older allowed to self-certify medical use on ABCA's form during registration, or enrollment in another jurisdiction's medical program. Self-certification does not remove registration or program conditions. Since April 1, 2023, the statute requires a valid registration identification card; the old March 2020–March 2023 extension does not excuse a currently expired card. Obtain medical cannabis and paraphernalia only from an ABCA-licensed retailer or internet retailer. A minor requires a practitioner recommendation, registration and the specified signed parental or guardian statement addressing condition, benefits and risks, consent and an adult caregiver controlling acquisition, possession, dosage and use frequency. Section 7-1671.05 requires program registration for the identified patients, caregivers and non-resident cardholders, with the stated other-jurisdiction enrollment exception. It provides nontransferable registration identification cards. The ABC Board may set license and registration periods of one, two or three years by rule; temporary non-resident card periods set by rule range from three days to no longer than one year, and a new application is permitted after expiration. This explanation does not choose a current application fee, promise same-day approval, or treat every card as having the same term. Under § 7-1671.03, eight ounces is the maximum dried medical cannabis a patient or caregiver may possess at one moment. Amounts in other forms are governed by Mayor-promulgated rule limits; the dried weight does not establish an eight-ounce concentrate allowance or an assumed conversion ratio. Administration is limited to the listed permitted residences, a consenting treatment facility, an ABCA-licensed safe-use treatment facility, or an enrolled school with a medication policy and a non-smokable form. Transport requires the labeled container or sealed package and manner established by rulemaking. Medical authorization does not permit negligent or professionally improper tasks or control of a motor vehicle, aircraft or motorboat while under the influence. The current Council publication of § 7-1671.01 includes emergency amendments that it says expire on October 28, 2026. Its current qualifying-patient definition includes District residents with a qualifying condition or treatment, non-resident cardholders and patients enrolled in another jurisdiction's medical program, subject to the published ABCA shortage or inactive electronic-records exclusion for the latter categories. Recheck the definition and operative registration rules after that expiration; this explanation does not promise that current emergency language continues afterward.

Frequently asked questions

Is medical cannabis card legal in District of Columbia for travelers?

For travelers visiting District of Columbia, medical cannabis card is currently legal. Section 7-1671.02 permits qualifying patients and caregivers to act only within the medical chapter and its rules. For treatment of a qualifying medical or dental condition or treatment side effects, it identifies an authorized practitioner's written recommendation within the last two years plus ABCA registration, with people 21 or older allowed to self-certify medical use on ABCA's form during registration, or enrollment in another jurisdiction's medical program. Self-certification does not remove registration or program conditions. Since April 1, 2023, the statute requires a valid registration identification card; the old March 2020–March 2023 extension does not excuse a currently expired card. Obtain medical cannabis and paraphernalia only from an ABCA-licensed retailer or internet retailer. A minor requires a practitioner recommendation, registration and the specified signed parental or guardian statement addressing condition, benefits and risks, consent and an adult caregiver controlling acquisition, possession, dosage and use frequency. Section 7-1671.05 requires program registration for the identified patients, caregivers and non-resident cardholders, with the stated other-jurisdiction enrollment exception. It provides nontransferable registration identification cards. The ABC Board may set license and registration periods of one, two or three years by rule; temporary non-resident card periods set by rule range from three days to no longer than one year, and a new application is permitted after expiration. This explanation does not choose a current application fee, promise same-day approval, or treat every card as having the same term. Under § 7-1671.03, eight ounces is the maximum dried medical cannabis a patient or caregiver may possess at one moment. Amounts in other forms are governed by Mayor-promulgated rule limits; the dried weight does not establish an eight-ounce concentrate allowance or an assumed conversion ratio. Administration is limited to the listed permitted residences, a consenting treatment facility, an ABCA-licensed safe-use treatment facility, or an enrolled school with a medication policy and a non-smokable form. Transport requires the labeled container or sealed package and manner established by rulemaking. Medical authorization does not permit negligent or professionally improper tasks or control of a motor vehicle, aircraft or motorboat while under the influence. The current Council publication of § 7-1671.01 includes emergency amendments that it says expire on October 28, 2026. Its current qualifying-patient definition includes District residents with a qualifying condition or treatment, non-resident cardholders and patients enrolled in another jurisdiction's medical program, subject to the published ABCA shortage or inactive electronic-records exclusion for the latter categories. Recheck the definition and operative registration rules after that expiration; this explanation does not promise that current emergency language continues afterward.

Do I need a permit for medical cannabis card in District of Columbia?

Yes, District of Columbia requires a permit or license for medical cannabis card. Contact the relevant state agency for application details.

Can I transport medical cannabis card through District of Columbia?

Transport laws for medical cannabis card 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 medical cannabis card violations in District of Columbia?

Penalties for medical cannabis card violations in District of Columbia vary based on the specific offense. Always verify current laws before traveling.