Washington DC has made cannabis legal for age-appropriate people with the passing of the Legalization of Possession of Minimal Amounts of Marijuana for Personal Use Act of 2014, commonly known as Initiative 71. Even with its status, it can still be quite tricky to find and purchase safe and quality weed for personal use.

Rules of Initiative 71

The legislation may have passed, but there are still regulations that need to be followed. It allows adults over 21 years of age to possess and consume 2 ounces of marijuana. They can do this on their private property. It also allows the residents to grow their own cannabis, provided that it’s for personal use only. The number of plants is limited to six, and only three matured plants at a time. You are not allowed to drive when you’re under the influence and you can be arrested if you possess more than 2 ounces at a time.

The Gray Area

Initiative 71 has a caveat that makes it tricky to get your own cannabis. Unlike many legislation for recreational use of marijuana, it does not allow the sale of such substances. You can’t find dispensaries in DC. However, it can be traded or be given as gifts. That is why many cannabis brands sell a variety of stuff such as stickers, art, supplies, hats, and many more and give cannabis as gifts or a freebie. Some also accept donations and give cannabis as a gratuitous gesture.

Finding Weed

So how do you find weed in DC? There are some sources in DC where you can find some quality cannabis and partake in events in areas where they serve marijuana. Here are some ways to find weed in DC:

• Online Orders

This is the easiest way to gain access to cannabis in DC. With the rise of e-commerce, you can have your weed delivered to you, like a lot of things these days. This is perfect when you’re in the middle of binge-watching your favorite shows, too busy, or just not in the mood to get out of the house. You can arrange for a private meetup and deliver services. These companies have their products and strains listed on their website. You can call or text them to get the specifics of the delivery and availability. You can select from their wide array of strains and decide when you want them delivered. They’d appreciate a review when you’re done with your purchase, this will also maintain the quality of their products and promote transparency.

• Cannabis Events

Cannabis is widely popular in the DC area and every night you can find various weed events where you can partake and sample weed from different sources. The events can be a private dining event or a pop-up market. To join these DC Weed Events you should be 21 years old or over, but not necessarily from DC and have the need for medical marijuana. You can check the organizer’s Instagram and get the invite through direct messages or text messages. There are a number of these events, make sure to check online on where to find one. You can give and trade weed in these events which makes it a perfect occasion to try outstanding weed.

• Gifting Policies

If you want to get your weed the old-fashion way, you can get out and shop around for weed. Because of the Initiative’s policy, the “gift economy” has been a way for businesses, that involves weed, to get a workaround this no-sale rule. Consumers buy non-marijuana items and they get cannabis as a gift. Although DC is full of this type of shop, you still need to check the listings on where to find these establishments. Also, call ahead and inquire about their gift policy.

Smoke shops are stores that sell accessories for smoking weed and other novelties. They usually give marijuana as gifts, although some don’t. Also, some convenient stores that sell CBD products, hats, art, and other apparel give out free cannabis when you purchase from them. Some services use cannabis as their marketing strategy. If you buy coupons for their service they’ll throw in some cannabis as gifts.

• Storefronts

Although not as common as other suppliers, storefronts are getting some traction because they are safe with a better bud than some events. They usually are conventional establishments, with a security search before gaining entrance. Due to the provision of the Initiative, they don’t display their products, but they give you a menu of what’s available. This is a convenient way of getting your score of cannabis.

• Medical Marijuana

Although any adult is allowed to grow their own marijuana, not everyone has the ability nor the time to do it. Medical patients that need the medical properties of cannabis who can’t grow their own have access to licensed dispensaries. In DC, the medical marijuana program has progressed since the time it was passed. Doctors’ assistants, nurses, and even dentists can issue recommendations for cannabis. The patients can get their supply from more than one dispensary. DC has also been accepting out-of-state medical cards.

• Growing your own

This is probably the simplest way to get access to cannabis if you’re taking the law on its face value. Also, if you consume a lot of cannabis then it can be economical and easier to grow one in your own property. According to Initiative 71, an adult in DC can grow 6 plants with only 3 mature ones at a given time. You can buy seeds from local head shops or from hydroponic shops. Sometimes they are clones.

It can be complicated to navigate through the policy of no-sale of marijuana in DC, but if you know how to get the right sources, the law protects you to use them. The popularity of weed as an alternative to pain killers and other drugs is on the rise. Although there is still a long way to go for this plant to receive its due, there is a growing population that strongly advocates its use for medication and recreational use.