ABCA Updates to DC’s Medical Cannabis Program
What’s new, what it means, and why it matters
The District’s medical cannabis program just got a refresh—and patients are going to feel the difference. From faster registrations to stronger privacy protections, ABCA’s 2025 updates are designed to make the system smoother, safer, and easier to navigate.
If you caught our First Timer’s Guide to Shopping a DC Dispensary, you already know the basics of how the program works. Now we’re back with the latest changes and what they mean for patients, caregivers, and even visitors shopping in the District. We pulled together the highlights so you don’t have to sift through rulebooks. Here’s what changed, why it matters, and what it means for you as a patient.
Who Can Register & How It Works
DC continues to expand access to medical cannabis, making it easier than ever for patients to join the program.
DC residents 21+: Adults can self-certify--no doctor’s recommendation required. Apply online, and you’ll receive a temporary digital registration right away, valid for 90 days. Once approved, you’ll be issued a registration good for 2 years.
Ages 18–20: Still require a healthcare practitioner’s recommendation and face lower purchase limits.
Minors (<18): Can qualify through a registered caregiver. Minors cannot self-certify. Patients and caregivers may each hold up to 2 oz of cannabis at any one time.
This shift toward self-certification reduces barriers and gets patients the access they need quickly and securely.
Patient-Friendly Changes in 2025
ABCA has introduced a series of updates designed to cut down on red tape and improve the patient experience.
Temporary cards last 90 days (not 30). Even cards issued between April–July 2025 that list shorter terms are automatically valid for 90 days. The goal is to prevent gaps in access while permanent cards are processed.
No more passport-style photo upload. All you need is a government issued ID (+ proof of residency if you do not have a DC ID)
2-year registrations. New cards issued after March 2, 2025 are valid for two years. Older 6-year cards remain valid through their original expiration.
Fees:
DC residents: Registration fees are waived through November 6, 2025. Physical cards are optional and cost $10.
Non-residents: Temporary registration fees range from $10 (3-day) to $100 (1-year).
Together, these changes make the program faster, less intrusive, and easier to navigate.
Non-Residents: Reciprocity & Temporary Cards
Visitors can also purchase legally through two routes:
Reciprocity: DC honors valid medical cannabis cards from most U.S. states and territories (special steps apply for Virginia).
Temporary DC patient cards: Available in 3-day ($10), 30-day ($20), 90-day ($50), 180-day ($75), or 365-day ($100) durations. Apply online, pay the fee, and get your card by email--usually within minutes.
Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, the system is designed to give visitors legitimate access without having to turn to unlicensed shops.
Purchase & Possession Limits
ABCA clarified the purchase limits, which apply on a rolling 30-day basis across all licensed retailers. Patients may buy up to:
8 oz of dried flower
240 g of concentrates (21+) or 60 g (ages 18–20)
600,000 mg of THC across all products combined
Patients and caregivers may each possess up to 2 oz of cannabis at any one time. Purchases are tracked electronically by patient number, not name, ensuring compliance while protecting privacy.
Privacy, Employment & Federal Rules
Concerns about confidentiality have been addressed directly by ABCA.
HIPAA protection: Patient and caregiver information is protected under HIPAA and not disclosed to DC or federal agencies. Dispensary systems track purchases by patient number only.
Employers: ABCA does not notify your employer. DC’s Cannabis Employment Protections Act generally prevents most employers from taking action against off-duty medical cannabis use, though exceptions exist for safety-sensitive roles and federal workplaces.
Firearms: Federal law still applies. The ATF considers marijuana use unlawful, regardless of state medical status. This can affect your ability to purchase or possess firearms, even though ABCA itself does not share your data.
The takeaway: your patient status is private at the city level, but federal rules remain in play.
Where & When You Can Buy
Only licensed medical dispensaries and delivery services can sell cannabis legally in DC.
Retail hours: Vary by location. 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m
Purchase limits: Apply across all dispensaries; shopping at multiple stores won’t reset your 30-day cap.
Enforcement: DC has stepped up closure of unlicensed “gifting” and gray-market shops. By spring 2025, dozens had been padlocked.
Licensed retailers remain the only safe, tested, and fully legal option.
Quick FAQ
How soon can I shop after applying?
Right away--you’ll receive a temporary digital registration valid for 90 days.
What if my temporary card expires before I get my permanent one?
ABCA extended the window to prevent gaps. All temps issued after April 18, 2025 are valid for 90 days.
Will dispensaries see my name in the tracking system?
No. Purchases link to an anonymous patient number.
What are the purchase caps again?
8 oz flower, 240 g concentrates (21+) / 60 g (18–20), or 600,000 mg THC across products in 30 days.
How much can I hold at once?
2 oz per patient or caregiver.
Bottom Line
DC’s medical cannabis program is becoming more accessible, streamlined, and patient-focused than ever. The emphasis on self-certification, privacy protections, extended temporary cards, and waived fees makes it easier for patients to get what they need without unnecessary delays.
Still, patients should be aware of the broader context: federal firearms restrictions remain, employer protections have limits, and unlicensed shops are being shut down.
For now, though, the message is clear: DC wants patients to have secure, legal, and confidential access to medical cannabis. Whether you’re a long-time cardholder or brand-new to the program, these updates are here to make your experience smoother—and safer.