Origins:
Medical Marijuana was approved by Washington, D.C. voters in November 1998, although implementation was blocked by the U.S. Congress until 2009. The D.C. Council passed regulations for the medical marijuana program in 2010 and the first legal sales took place at Capital City Care in July 2013.
Qualifying Conditions:
Under current law, D.C. residents are eligible to receive medical marijuana for any health condition with the approval of a D.C.-licensed physician. Though originally limited to patients suffering from cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, and severe muscle spasms, the program was expanded by the D.C. Council after its first year of operation.
Patient Access:
Licensed dispensaries are approved and regulated by the Department of Health. Approved patients must select a dispensary where they will make purchases and may obtain up to 2 ounces within a 30-day period. The Department of Health also approves and regulates cultivation centers, which manufacture products for the dispensaries.
Getting a Medical Card:
Any D.C.-licensed physician can submit a medical marijuana recommendation on an official form available only to doctors from the Department of Health. Patients must submit a separate patient application form. Once the physician recommendation and patient application are processed, the patient will receive their medical card in the mail and can then begin making purchases. Patients who need assistance obtaining a medical card are encouraged to contact Capital City Care for assistance.
Additional Information:
For more information, visit Capital City Care’s FAQ page or click here to visit the D.C. Department of Health Medical Marijuana Program page.