• Basics of the Washington DC Law

Washington DC (District of Columbia) passed a law to legalize medical cannabis in 2010 through an Amendment Act that was approved in a 13-0 vote. The law allows qualifying patients to possess 2-ounces of marijuana. Cultivation of is not allowed. District of Columbia residents who wish to obtain cannabis for medical use must submit a “District of Columbia Medical Marijuana Program Application” that includes a written authorization from a physician, physician assistant, advanced practice registered nurse, dentist, or naturopathic physician verifying that he or she suffers from one or more qualifying medical conditions. Currently you cannot use medical ID cards from other states to obtain cannabis in Washington DC.

  • Patients

Anyone applying for a medical marijuana card must pay a nonrefundable $100 application fee. The annual renewal fee is $100. Low income patients qualify for a reduced application and annual renewal fee of $25. A parent or legal guardian must register to serve as the primary a caregiver for minors submitting applications for marijuana use in DC.

Caregivers can care for only 1 patient.

  • Caregivers

Any patient who needs assistance with obtaining or administering medical cannabis can assign a primary caregiver. A parent or legal guardian must serve as the primary caregiver for a patient who is a minor. Primary caregivers must apply and pay a $100 application and annual renewal fee. Low income caregivers qualify for a reduced application and annual renewal fee of $25. Caregivers can care for only 1 patient.

  • Physicians

Physicians who are interested in making recommendations for marijuana in the District of Columbia must possess a current and unrestricted medical license. They must also have a bonafide physician-patient relationship and must perform a full assessment and physical exam within 90 days of their recommendation.  There is no special training that is required before a physician can recommend marijuana medical treatment.

  • Qualifying Medical Conditions

In-order-to qualify as a cannabis patient in the District of Columbia a resident must suffer from one or more qualifying medical conditions. These conditions include cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, decompensated liver cirrhosis, Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and severe muscle spasms or spasticity. If you need more information about the marijuana related law or licensing process visit the Washington DC Medical Marijuana website.