Is Weed Legal In DC?

Quick Summary of the Current DC Law on Cannabis

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The Metropolitan Police Department website [1] has a clear description of what has been legal in the District of Columbia (DC) since February 26, 2015 with regards to the possession of small amounts of cannabis. This legalization was the result of the self-enacting votes of DC residents relating to the Legalization of Possession of Minimal Amounts of Marijuana for Personal Use Initiative (commonly known as Initiative 71).

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For adults 21 years and older, the follow are now completely legal and no longer a criminal violations:

• To have two ounces or less of cannabis in one's possession;

• To transfer one ounce or less of cannabis to another person who is at least 21 years old, but with the complete prohibition of payment or any other type of exchange of goods or services being associated with this transfer;

• To cultivate up to six marijuana plants in one's residence, and of those six plants, no more than three can be already mature;

• To be in possession of marijuana-related drug paraphernalia required for handling one ounce or less of marijuana – such as accessories, cigar wrappers, cigarette rolling papers, and the like;

• To use cannabis on private property.

Given the clear wording of the law on what is now legal, it means the following are still illegal and imply a criminal violation that can be prosecuted for:

• Being in possession of any quantity of cannabis while under 21 years of age

• The actual sale of any amount of marijuana to another person

• Being of possessing of more than two ounces of marijuana contrary to permissible limits;

• Actual operation of a vehicle or boat while under the influence of cannabis; or

• The use of marijuana in any public space, and use includes the smoking, eating, or drinking  of marijuana, or even holding or carrying lighted smoking equipment filled with marijuana or just a roll of paper. Public spaces cover streets, sidewalks, alleys, parks, or parking areas, while in a vehicle on any street, alley, park, or parking area or any place to which the public is invited.

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