Overview  

DC residents may purchase medical cannabis from any licensed retailer in DC with a patient registration.  

Eligibility  

DC residents, including minors, are eligible for a patient registration.

Valid Period and Fees 

Patients and caregivers are required to have a valid registration to purchase medical cannabis. 

Effective Sunday, March 2, 2025, new medical cannabis patient registrations will be issued for two (2) year periods. Registrations issued with a six (6) year period will continue to be valid through the date included on the registration.

To Apply or Renew 

Adult applicants (18 years of age and older) must apply using an Adult Medical Cannabis Patient Application.

Persons at least 21 years of age may self-certify their application in lieu of receiving a healthcare provider recommendation. Online applicants can select the self-certification option under “Certification Type”. 

Persons between 18-20 years of age are not permitted to self-certify and must include a healthcare recommendation number in their application.

Online applications are strongly recommended but applications may be submitted in-person, mailed or emailed to [email protected] using “Patient Application” as the subject.  

Parents or guardians of minors (17 years of age 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 [email protected] using “Patient Application” as the subject. An online option is not available.

ABCA’s office is open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. and is located at 899 North Capitol Street, NE, Suite 4200-A, Washington DC, 20002. 

Of Note 

• Digital and physical registrations may be used interchangeably at licensed retailers.  

• Online applicants will promptly be emailed a temporary digital registration that they may use to purchase cannabis effective immediately for up to 30-days while their application is under review. A permanent digital registration will be sent to applicants if approved. 

• In-person applicants are issued a permanent digital registration during their visit if approved. Applicants are encouraged to submit an online application prior to their visit to expedite processing.  

• If you would like a physical card issued or replaced, a $10 fee applies. Select “Card Request” as the Application Type and you will receive a payment link when your request is processed. Once paid, your physical card will be sent to the address provided.

• To cancel a registration, email the name, date of birth and patient registration number to [email protected].