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Get Your Washington, D.C. Medical Marijuana Card
See a DC-licensed medical marijuana doctor online in minutes and get the cannabis care you deserve.
Quick and Easy Process
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The key benefits of a Washington DC medical marijuana card
Access to dispensaries
Having a medical card is the only way to legally purchase cannabis at a medical marijuana dispensary in Washington D.C.
Lower age restriction
Patients 18+ can qualify for a medical card.
Minors can also apply for a medical card with an approved caregiver.
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Getting approved for a Washington D.C. medical marijuana card has never been easier. With our online platform, you can register, consult with a doctor, and receive your certification in just a few minutes. Our process is designed to be quick, easy, and convenient, so you can get the relief you need without the hassle. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, anxiety, or another qualifying medical condition, our streamlined system ensures you can access medical marijuana swiftly and efficiently.
1. Sign Up
Register with Leafwell on any device to speak with a healthcare provider about medical marijuana use.
2. Get Certified By Leafwell
This certificate is only required if you are under 21. It says your healthcare practitioner recommends you become a medical cannabis patient. If you’re a DC resident over 21, you may self-certify.
3. Complete the D.C. Application
Once certified, you need to register with the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration. Complete the form in your Leafwell approval email, including adding the recommendation number on your certificate and the name of your physician.
4. Get Your Medical Cannabis Card
You’ll receive a digital and physical state medical card once your adult patient application is complete. Your card will be valid for two years from the date of issue.
A few more questions about the process?
Watch this video to learn more about getting a valid medical marijuana card in Washington D.C.
How much does a Washington D.C. medical card cost?
D.C. medical marijuana patients save more with Leafwell. Get your money back if not approved.
How to qualify for a D.C. medical cannabis card
With medical marijuana legal in Washington, D.C., adults aged 18 and up are now eligible to apply for the district’s medical cannabis patient registration process.
Under DC law, new medical cannabis patients aged 18-20 must register for a consultation with a district-licensed healthcare provider and receive a written recommendation to qualify. That consultation can take place online via telemedicine.
There are no specific qualifying medical conditions to be eligible for a state medical card in Washington, D.C., and your provider does not need past medical records. Instead, it is up to the certifying healthcare provider to decide whether medical cannabis is a good option.
Please note: People over 21 can self-certify with the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration and do not need to see a physician to apply for a medical marijuana card.
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3 documents needed to apply for the Washington D.C. medical marijuana program
To apply for a medical marijuana card in Washington D.C.you must follow a few essential steps to ensure your eligibility and successful registration.
- Proof of Identity
You will need a 2″ x 2″ current face photo and a government-issued photo ID, such as a Washington, DC driver’s license, ID card, or U.S. passport. Out-of-state ID cards are accepted with two proofs of residency. - Proof of Residence
Acceptable proof of residence shows your current address, such as a copy of your D.C. DMV REAL ID with the included address matching the one used in your application, proof of payment of D.C. personal income tax for the tax period closest in time to the application date, a property deed for a D.C. residence showing the applicant as an owner or co-owner, or any other reasonable form of verification deemed by the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration or the Alcohol Beverage Control Board or your designated agent to demonstrate proof of current residency. - Medical Marijuana Recommendation
A healthcare provider’s recommendation with a date of issuance within two years of the application date is only required for patients under 21. Those 21 and older may self-certify on their medical card application.
Next steps after approval
Adults who are at least 21 years of age may self-certify their application instead of getting a healthcare provider recommendation.
Congratulations! A Leafwell healthcare provider has approved you. The next step is to apply to the DC Cannabis Program.
- If you are a new patient, select “”Initial”” as the application type.
- If you renewed your card, select “”Renewal”” as the application type.
Before you start your application, gather the following information and documents:
- Recommendation (issued within 2 years of application submission)
- One (1) current face photo, 2″” x 2″”
- One (1) copy of DC DMV REAL ID OR
- One (1) proof of DC residency and
- One (1) copy of government-issued photo ID
- Caregiver Application (Optional)
- Reduced fee proof of income documentation (Optional)
Getting Your Washington, DC Medical Marijuana Card
These registration instructions are for DC residents only.
- Download your Leafwell recommendation. You will use the recommendation number on your certificate to apply. Keep it as a reference until you receive your medical card.
- Apply to the Medical Cannabis Program using the Adult Medical Cannabis Patient Application.
- Fill out all required information and upload relevant documents.
- Answer the reduced application fee eligibility question.
- Optional: If you have a caregiver, upload the Caregiver Application form to your application.
- Click the box to agree to the terms and conditions, type in your first and last name, then click Submit.
- Upon submission, you will be sent a confirmation of receipt email. If your application needs additional documentation, you will receive an email with the necessary documents requested.
- You will receive a second email detailing payment options within three (3) business days if your application is approved. (If you don’t receive an email, check your spam/junk folder.)
- Standard fee: $100
- Reduced fee: $25
- Note: Fees are currently waived.
- To ensure prompt receipt, please add the state’s email address (ABCA.CannabisInfo@dc.gov) to your safe senders list, address book, or contact list.
- Receive a digital letter (valid for 2 years) within 14 business days. If you would like a physical card, there is an additional $10 fee.
How to renew your DC medical card
Need to renew your Washington, D.C., medical marijuana card? For patients 21 and older, seeing a healthcare provider is entirely optional. Here’s everything you need to know:
Steps to Renew Your Card
- If you want to speak to a healthcare provider, sign in or register as a renewal patient here if you’re new to Leafwell.
- Speak to a district-licensed physician online via telemedicine (or decide to self-certify).
- Once approved, complete the patient renewal application following the prompts and upload your certificate from Leafwell (if applicable).
- Pay the $100 district fee and submit your application online.
- You will receive a digital approval letter and a physical card within 10-14 business days.
For more information about the med card renewal process or to begin the process today, check out our Washington, D.C. renewal page.
Legal limitations for Washington D.C. medical cannabis cardholders
Below, you’ll find a few need-to-know medical marijuana laws enforced in Washington, D.C.:
No public consumption: Patients cannot consume cannabis in public places.
Patients cannot drive or operate other motor vehicles under the influence of cannabis.
No recreational sales: Recreational cannabis sales are currently illegal. Possession, cultivation, and use of cannabis on private property is allowed.
Cultivation is legal: Cannabis cultivation is legal for anyone 21 or older, but individuals may not have more than three mature marijuana plants at a given time.
Medical marijuana laws: The DC medical cannabis program is unique. In 2022, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser signed the medical marijuana self-certification emergency legislation into law. This emergency legislation enabled patients to self-certify for an adult patient application.
In 2024, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser signed a bill declaring April 20th a tax holiday on medical cannabis sales.
Medical records are not required as part of the Washington D.C. digital registration process for a medical marijuana certification.
How to become a caregiver in Washington D.C.
Washington, D.C.’s medical cannabis program, defines a caregiver as a person designated by a qualifying medical cannabis patient as someone authorized to possess, obtain from a licensed medical marijuana dispensary, dispense, and assist in administering medical cannabis.
Caregivers must be 18 years or older, registered as the qualifying patient’s caregiver, and may only serve one patient at a time. Licensed medical cannabis dispensary or cultivation center workers who administer medical cannabis are not eligible to serve as caregivers.
Caregivers may purchase up to eight ounces of usable marijuana in a 30-day period.
To apply as a caregiver, you must submit a Medical Cannabis Caregiver Application, undergo a criminal background check, and pay the district a $100 nonrefundable application fee. Caregiver cards are valid for up to two years.
Can I use my DC medical card in other states?
Washington, D.C., allows patients with medical marijuana cards issued by any state to purchase medical cannabis from district-licensed dispensaries legally.
Non-D.C. residents, including international visitors, may register for temporary patient registration or use their valid medical marijuana card from a U.S. state or territory that has been extended reciprocity.
The following states and territories recognize Washington, D.C., medical marijuana cards:
- Arizona
- Arkansas *
- Delaware
- Hawaii *
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Michigan (at the licensed dispensary’s discretion)
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey *
- New Mexico
- Oklahoma *
- Puerto Rico
- Rhode Island
- U.S. Virgin Islands *
- Utah * (up to two 21-day periods in a calendar year)
- Washington, D.C.
*Visitors must complete a visiting patient application process with the state program.
Minor patient information
Minors are required to have a provider recommendation prior to completing the state application process.
Minor patients will require a caregiver. Parents or guardians of minors (17 years or younger) must submit a Minor Medical Cannabis Patient Application that includes a healthcare recommendation number and an identified registered caregiver.
Applications for minor patients and caregivers must be submitted in person, mailed, or emailed to medicalcannabis@dc.gov using “Patient Application” as the subject. An online option is not available for minor applicants.
FAQs
What do I need to know about applying for my medical cannabis card in Washington DC online?
- Register with Leafwell and speak to a healthcare provider licensed in Washington, D.C., online. Consultations cost $99, and you'll only be charged if approved.
- Complete the state patient application. If self-certifying, simply select "Self-Certification" under "Certification Type." If entering a recommendation number, select "Recommendation".
- Pay and submit any state application fees.
- You will receive a digital approval letter and a physical card from the state in 10-14 business days.
How do I apply for the state program in Washington DC?
- Recommendation (expires 90 days after issuance)
- One current face photo, 2″ x 2″
- One copy of DC DMV REAL ID* OR
- One proof of DC residency and
- One copy of government-issued photo ID
- Caregiver Application (Optional)
- Reduced fee proof of income documentation (Optional)
- Download your Leafwell recommendation. You will use the recommendation number on your certificate to apply. Keep it as a reference until you receive your medical card.
- Apply to the Medical Cannabis Program using the Adult Medical Cannabis Patient Application.
- Fill out all required information and upload relevant documents.
- Optional: If you have a caregiver, upload the Caregiver Application form to your application.
- Click the box to agree to the terms and conditions, type in your first and last name, then click Submit.
- Upon submission, you will be sent a confirmation of receipt email. If your application needs additional documentation, you will receive an email with the necessary documents requested.
- You will receive a second email detailing payment options within three (3) business days if your application is approved. If you don't receive an email, check your spam/junk folder. (Fee is currently waived.)
- To ensure prompt receipt, please add the state's email address (ABCA.CannabisInfo@dc.gov) to your safe senders list, address book, or contact list.
- Receive a digital letter (valid for two years) within 14 business days. If you would like a physical card, there is an additional $10 fee.