Washington, DC, is known for many things, but it's also gained a reputation as a hub for good weed in recent years. The District's unique approach to weed legality under Initiative 71 has paved the way for a fascinating "gift economy" where you can receive cannabis as a gift for free, provided you purchase something of equal value. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to buy weed in DC, so you can enjoy our green legally and responsibly.
Weed Laws in Washington, DC
Under Initiative 71, recreational weed is technically legal in the District of Columbia. However, it's important to note that you can't simply walk into a dispensary and buy it like you would in other states. Instead, DC operates in a "gift economy."
Here's how it works:
You can receive weed as a gift, but to get that gift, you'll need to make a purchase of equal value.
For example, you might buy a sticker for $175 and receive an ounce of weed as a gift.
This same principle applies to various items, including artwork, mixtapes, advice, event tickets, t-shirts, and more.
How to Buy Weed in DC Legally
As we mentioned, buying weed itself isn't legal. You'll have to use the gifting lingo to get the goods. The first rule of buying weed in DC is not to ask for it directly at smoke shops. These establishments operate within the confines of Initiative 71, and direct sales of cannabis are not permitted.
Instead, ask to see the gift menu and inquire about what you need to purchase to qualify for a cannabis gift. The process is pretty simple. Since there isn't a lot of regulation on gifting businesses in DC, each company may have slightly different policies. It helps to check out their websites and listings to learn the rules and find a way to shop that works best for you. That might be visiting a store in person, ordering delivery, or placing an order online and picking it up in person. We'll explain how to go about each of those in the following sections.
How to Visit a Smoke Shop in DC
If you're wondering where to find recreational dispensaries in DC, smoke shops that comply with Initiative 71 are your closest bet. These businesses gift cannabis only to adults aged 21 and older and never directly sell it. While you might encounter a line, you'll have the opportunity to explore displays of cannabis gifts and ask questions. Over the years, this "gifting loophole" has become a reliable way to access weed in DC.
To find one, we suggest checking out 420DC and filtering your search for brick-and-mortar businesses. Once you find some results, take a look at each of their profiles and reviews to learn more about their business hours, whether or not they're appointment-only, and how to get in touch with them.
Once you find one you like, you can visit in person and shop. Remember to use the gifting lingo, but feel free to ask questions about the products. You should be allowed to see them and ask as many questions as you'd like. Remember, if they're hesitant to show you a product or don't use it themselves, it's best to look elsewhere. Since our cannabis industry is unregulated, you must make smart decisions about the products you use and buy. You never want to fall victim to fake products.
How to Order Weed Delivery in DC
Weed delivery services in DC are excellent for their convenience. The added benefit is that delivery drivers are usually super flexible and typically communicate with you via text. That means you can see pictures of the products and look at them before buying them.
Most websites gifting weed in DC provide specific instructions on how to make an I-71-compliant purchase on their website— including Flower Avenue. Delivery services with a website are usually preferred since you can place your order online and browse through real pictures of the products to ensure you're shopping confidently. There's nothing worse than meeting up for delivery and being handed a bag that looks like trash.
To place an order for delivery, you can start on a listing site like 420DC and browse delivery services. While delivery services without a website can still be good, it's easier to get a feel for the quality by checking a website and learning about the delivery guidelines. For example, most delivery companies charge a delivery fee or have a minimum order subtotal for delivery. They'll also have instructions for paying and remind you that they'll need to see your 21+ ID to get your order.
Once you've followed the guidelines, you can order online or call or text the service to place your order and set your delivery instructions. From there, you wait. Delivery typically takes between 40 and 70 minutes, and you may need to drive a short distance to meet your driver in a designated safe zone if you're outside of DC limits or within illegal distance of a school or public park.
Once your driver meets you, inspect the products before you hand over your cash or allow them to leave. If it looks bunk, it's usually hard to resolve it after the driver leaves. Make sure you have your ID ready and your cash in hand to help expedite the process.
How to Pick Up Weed in DC.
Some DC dispensaries offer a pickup option where you meet the business at a private location, such as a hotel room, apartment, house, or Airbnb. These services usually require an appointment made at least one or two hours in advance to give them time to get your order packed up and ready for you by the time you arrive.
To order pickup in DC, start by finding a smoke shop or delivery service that offers a pickup option. You'll find this information on their website or their listings in places like 420DC. From there, follow the instructions. Sometimes, you'll have to call or text them to place your order and schedule a pickup appointment. At Flower Ave, you can place your order online and schedule delivery at the same time, for added convenience.
Similar to visiting recreational dispensaries, pickups allow you to ask questions and take your time exploring your order before you take it home. You can pick up your orders at Flower Ave if it's more convenient than delivery.
FAQs: What You Should Know Before You Go Shopping
Q: How Much Weed Can I Carry in DC?
A: You can have up to two ounces of weed if you're 21 or older. Just remember to avoid smoking it on federal land or in prohibited areas.
Q: Can Tourists Buy Weed in DC?
A: Yes, tourists can have and use weed in DC if you're 21 with a valid ID. Delivery services can deliver your gifts to your hotel, and there are storefronts to explore in trendy neighborhoods while you're sightseeing.
Q: Is the Weed in Washington DC Good?
A: Weed quality varies, but DC offers fantastic options, including strains from I-71 gifting shops and delivery services like Flower Ave. Just be sure to ask questions and inspect everything you want before you receive it as a gift. While most of us are legit, there are a few bad actors out there looking to make a quick buck. Always do your research, read reviews, and inspect everything thoroughly before taking it home. If something gives you bad vibes, try again somewhere else.
Q: Is DC Weed Lab Tested?
A: Currently, there are no third-party laboratories within DC equipped for safety-based lab testing of the amount of recreational weed in DC. Some products may be lab tested if they were brought to DC, but for products grown and made in DC, it's up in the air. Our industry puts a lot of limitations on cannabis, so it's up to you to make sure you trust the person you're buying from and can see the quality before you buy.
Q: Where Is It Legal to Smoke Weed in DC?
A: Legally, smoking weed in public is not allowed in DC. Smoking in hotels and cars is discouraged, so we suggest looking for smoke-friendly Airbnb options or exploring discreet locations. You're usually good to go if you're on private property with permission from the owners and indoors. Just be smart about it.
How to Buy Weed in DC at Flower Ave
From an outside perspective, trying to figure out how to buy weed in DC can seem super sketchy with our city's weird laws and lack of regulation. That said, it's extremely important to trust the people you shop from. Look for real photos and videos of products, read reviews, and make sure the company you're working with is compliant and legitimate. We may be a little bit biased, but Flower Avenue offers one of the most straightforward services out there.
You can explore pricing and gift products on our site and view real pictures. We offer pickup and delivery, carrying everything from flower and edibles to magic mushrooms, vape cartridges, and more. Our service is one of the most affordable in the city, with some of the best quality to boot. Better yet, our reviews speak for themselves. So, if you're ready to get cannabis gifts in DC, start here.
At the end of the day, navigating the world of buying weed in Washington, DC, can be an exciting adventure if you understand the unique laws and culture. Always remember to consume responsibly and respect local regulations to make the most of your cannabis experience in the nation's capital.