Washington, D.C. Recreational & Medical Marijuana Laws
What's the real status on Washington, D.C marijuana laws?
Do you need to know the real story on Washington recreational marijuana and medical marijuana laws? Or, were you looking for tangible information and details on whether CBD and CBD products are legal within Washington? Here are other ways you may have found this page on Washington marijuana and CBD laws:
Washington, D.C. Marijuana Laws
In November 2014, the district voters approved the legalization of minimal possession of marijuana for personal use (known as Initiative 71). The capital’s new marijuana law became effective in February 2015. The district joined Alaska, Colorado, and Washington in making the drug legal.
Washington, D.C. Law on Medical Marijuana Use
Medical marijuana law has never been enforced, though, due to the unique rules that govern our nation’s capital. The District of Columbia differs from the states in that Congress has authority over the laws of the District of Columbia. Congress blocked the passage of Initiative 59 into law, and this prohibition lasted until December of 2009.
In 2010, recognizing the people’s will, the Metropolitan Council introduced new legislation to replace Initiative 59. This legislation is called the Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative 2010. This law is governed by District of Columbia municipal regulations, or “DCMR.” These lists are about 120 pages long and quite complex. However, despite the time it took the District of Columbia to pass this law, the medical marijuana program, and the lengthy and complex regulations that accompanied it, the people’s will was finally fulfilled.
The district is now a fully functioning and regulated medical marijuana program.
Washington, D.C. Law on Recreational Use
At the federal level, the sale and the possession of the marijuana are illegal under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. However, Alaska, Colorado, the District of Columbia, Oregon, and the state of Washington have enacted laws that legalize recreational marijuana use. In these five jurisdictions, an individual age 21 or older can own a limited amount of marijuana.
In Alaska, Colorado, and Washington, the individual can own up to one ounce of marijuana. In the District of Columbia, the individual can own up to two ounces; in Oregon, an individual can hold up to eight ounces. This map explores recreational marijuana laws that are currently in effect and identifies the government agency that regulates recreational marijuana, sale and possession restrictions, applicable tax rates, licensing for retailers and growers, and other issues surrounding recreational marijuana.
Washington, D.C. Law on the Use of CBD Oils
Yes, you can legally buy CBD oil in Washington, DC. The District of Columbia legalized marijuana for recreational use in November 2014, so CBD oil is legal regardless of its source. The government passed Initiative 71 on November 4, 2014, which decriminalized the cultivation, sale, and use of recreational cannabis.
Adults age 21 or older can purchase the marijuana and its derivatives, including CBD oil, at a state-licensed dispensary, with possession limits of up to one ounce per transaction. This limit has been increased to 72 ounces for CBD oil because it is classified as a liquid infused with marijuana.
Marijuana Penalties in the Washington, D.C.
A person arrested for smoking or eating marijuana in public can be punished with up to 60 days in prison or a fine of $500. In addition, restaurant owners and businesses who allow patrons to use marijuana can lose their business license and certificate of occupancy.
The penalty for possessing more than two (2) ounces of marijuana is a misdemeanor offense and can result in up to six (6) months imprisonment and a $1,000 fine. Selling any quantity of marijuana to another person; Possession of more than (2) ounces of marijuana; operating a vehicle or boat while under the influence of marijuana; smoking, eating, or drinking marijuana—or carrying or carrying a lighted roll of paper or other lighted smoking equipment filled with marijuana—in any public place, such as any street, sidewalk, alley, park, or parking area; in a vehicle in any lane, path, parking or parking area; Or wherever the public is invited.
Washington Marijuana Laws in relation to the US Federal Government
As stated before, the US federal government still considers marijuana use illegal for United States citizens, immigrants and tourists. While the federal government still calls marijuana an illegal drug, they have left most enforcement of marijuana law to the US States, partly because the federal government has more important things to deal with on a daily basis. This gives Washington the power to mostly set and enforce its own marijuana laws regarding recreational and medical marijuana usage, possession and distribution.
Washington Law and other US States
Washington's marijuana and CBD laws and penalties are unique to Washington. Other U.S. States have different legal rules for medical and recreational marijuana usage within the state, as well as CBD. The states that prohibit certain aspects of marijuana also have varying penalties for violation of their laws.
The best thing to do is to be informed and visit our United States marijuana law pages and our individual US state profile pages regarding marijuana and CBD.
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