DC Medical Cannabis Card

Easy Guide to Getting a DC Medical Cannabis Card

Welcome to the simple, stress free way to access legal medical cannabis in Washington, DC! Whether you’re new to cannabis or just new to the system, this guide will walk you through the process step by step.

An infographic about how DC residents and visitors can purchase cannabis legally in Washington DC

Who Can Apply?

✅ D.C. Residents (21+) – No doctor’s note needed! You can self-certify your need for medical cannabis right on the application.

✅ Residents (18-20) – You’ll need a recommendation from a healthcare provider.

✅ Minors (Under 18) – A parent or guardian must apply for you with a doctor’s recommendation.

✅ Out-of-State Visitors (21+) – You can apply for a temporary card (valid for 3 to 365 days) or use an existing medical card from a state with reciprocity (most U.S. states work!).

DC Resident Apply Here
Out of State Apply Here

Step 1: Gather What You Need

:You’ll need just two things:

  1. A clear face photo (like a passport photo)
  2. Identification: D.C. REAL ID or Government photo ID + proof of DC residency (utility bill, bank statement, etc.)

Step 2: Apply Online in Minutes

  • Go to DC Resident Registration or Out of State Registration
  • Choose “Adult Patient Application” (D.C. residents)
  • Select “Self-Certification” if you’re 21+ (no doctor needed!)
  • Upload your photo and ID documents Sign electronically, certifying that cannabis will be used for medical purposes only

Step 3: Recieve Your Instant Approval

  • Receive a temporary digital registration in your email
  • Works immediately at any licensed dispensary
  • Your temporary card is Valid for 90 days
  • Your permanent card will arrive via email once approved, valid for 2 years

Why Choose the Legal Medical Program?

  • 100% legal purchases
  • Lab-tested, safe products
  • Regulated dispensaries
  • Higher purchase limits

Information Privacy Concerns?

ABCA does not disclose personal data submitted by patients or caregivers to any government or private entity.

  • Sales Tracking System: Purchases are tracked by  patient number only. No personally identifiable information is used or stored.
  • HIPAA Protection – Patient and caregiver information is protected under HIPAA and not disclosed to DC or federal agencies. 
  • Employers: The Cannabis Employment Protections Amendment Act of 2022 prohibits employers from firing, failing to hire, or taking other personnel actions against participants of the Medical Cannabis Program. certain exceptions apply.

What Are the Fees?

  • DC residents: Free for 2 years
  • DC residents: $10 for optional physical card
  • Out of State Residents:

    $10 – 3 days
    $20 – 30 days
    $50 – 90 days
    $75 – 180 days
    $100 – 365 days

How Much Can You Purchase?

Within a 30 day period you can legally buy:

  • Cannabis Flower: up to 8 ounces
  • Concentrates: Up to 240 grams for patients 21+ years
  • Concentrates: Up to 60 grams for patients between 18 and 20 years old
  • Edibles/Vapes: Up to 600,000 mg total THC
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