How to get a medical marijuana card in Washington, DC GET YOUR DC
MEDICAL CANNABIS
CARD.

Yes! Once you submit your application through the ABCA registration portal, you'll immediately receive your medical cannabis registration ID number and expiration date directly in the portal and via email. This allows you to start shopping at licensed DC medical cannabis dispensaries right away.

Just bring your registration information and a valid government-issued photo ID when you visit Green Theory.

For DC residents, the initial 90-day registration gives ABCA time to review your application. Once your application is approved, you'll receive updated registration information by email. Your registration ID number stays the same, but your expiration date will be extended.

In some cases, ABCA may contact you to request additional information before approving your application. Be sure to check your email and respond to any requests to avoid delays or interruptions in your registration.

DC residents: You can renew your medical cannabis registration through the official ABCA portal . Registration is currently free and can be valid for up to two years.

Non-DC residents: Temporary registrations are not renewed. Once yours expires, simply submit a new application and select your preferred registration period.

We recommend registering again before your current registration expires to avoid any interruption in your ability to shop.

Yes, but applicants under 21 must obtain a recommendation from an authorized healthcare practitioner rather than self-certifying.

For patients under 18, a parent or legal guardian must submit the Minor Medical Cannabis Patient Application , along with the required practitioner recommendation and caregiver information.

Yes. ABCA also accepts certain patient applications by email, mail, or in person.

For DC resident applications, contact [email protected] with the subject line "Patient Application" for assistance.

Check with ABCA for current submission instructions before mailing or visiting.

Yes! ABCA has specific privacy protections in place for medical cannabis patients. According to ABCA's privacy statement, personal registration information is not shared with other District or federal government agencies or third parties.

Cannabis purchases are tracked using a unique patient number rather than your name or other identifying information. Additionally, newly issued medical cannabis registrations no longer display a photo of the patient.

Yes. DC patients can request a physical medical cannabis card for a $10 fee.

Select "Card Request" as the application type. ABCA will provide a payment link when the request is processed, and the physical card will be mailed to the address provided.

Yes. Visitors ages 21 and older who do not have a recognized out-of-state medical cannabis registration can apply for temporary DC registration.

Registration periods range from 3 days for $10 to 365 days for $100. You can apply through the non-DC resident application .

Yes! Washington, DC recognizes medical cannabis registrations from many other states and jurisdictions. If your registration is recognized, you can shop at licensed DC medical cannabis dispensaries using your valid medical card and government-issued photo ID.

Not sure if your state qualifies? Check ABCA's list of recognized states before your visit. Additional documentation requirements may apply to certain states, including Virginia.

Yes! International visitors ages 21 and older can apply for temporary non-DC resident medical cannabis registration, subject to ABCA's identification and application requirements.

Visit the official non-DC resident registration form to get started.