Everything You Need To Know About The D.C. Cannabis Scene

Our nation’s capital legalized cannabis back in 2014, but there’s no tax-and-regulate system in place, meaning there’s still a long way to go before D.C. becomes the District of Cannabis.

Here at Social Media Unicorn, our team is constantly keeping our fingers on the pulse of cannabis scenes across the nation and abroad. If you’re heading to the District as a cannatourist, here are some tips you need to know.

Dispensaries Are All But Non Existent

Unlike California, Nevada, Colorado, and Oregon, all states where those 21+ can legally consume cannabis, D.C. cannabis laws are a bit more ambivalent. Today residents and visitors alike are bound by frustrating laws that allow possession, but prohibit sales. In short, scoring legal weed in D.C., while pretty easy, gives off the feel of an old school street deal, and arrests for still-illegal deals have hit pre-legalization levels.

The Facts on D.C. Cannabis Laws

It is legal for a person who is at least 21 years old to possess two ounces or less of marijuana, transfer one ounce or less of marijuana to another person who is at least 21 years old, however so no payment or any other type of exchange of goods or services.

Statistics from the District of Columbia’s Metropolitan Police Department show a large increase in the number of distribution busts in 2016, with the 220 arrests more than doubling the number seen in 2013, the year before residents voted to loosen pot laws.

So, Selling Cannabis Is Still Illegal?

In short, yes. While residents are welcome to cultivate up to six marijuana plants and possess marijuana-related paraphernalia – like bongs or rolling papers, congress has blocked regulated dispensaries. So how do visitors legally obtain cannabis if you can’t buy it?

Tech Has Taken Care of That

“Marijuana events are going on all the time now,” the Gentleman Toker, a D.C. cannabis blog explained. Also, so-called weed “search engines” like LeafedIn also offer a way to find opportunities to get the gift of cannabis.