FAQs
1. When will Initiative 71 become law?
12:01 a.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2015.
2. What is legal under Initiative 71and DC’s Marijuana laws?
It is legal for adults 21 years of age or older to:
• Possess two ounces or less of marijuana;
• Grow within their primary residence up to six marijuana plants, no
more than three of which are mature;
• Transfer one ounce or less of marijuana to another person as long as:
(1) no money, goods, or services are exchanged; and
(2) the recipient is 21 years of age or older; and
• Consume marijuana on private property.
3. What will the law still prohibit?
Even with the enactment of Initiative 71, it will remain a crime for
anyone to:
• Possess more than two ounces of marijuana;
• Smoke or consume marijuana on public space or anywhere to which
the public is invited;
• Sell any amount of marijuana to another person; or
• Operate a vehicle or boat under the influence of marijuana.
4. What is the impact of Initiative 71 on persons under 21?
Anyone under 21 years of age is still prohibited from possessing any
amount of marijuana. If marijuana is found in the possession of a
youth under 21, police will seize the marijuana. If the person has
more than two ounces, the person can also be arrested.
5. How will Initiative 71 apply to federal property in the District?
It doesn’t. It will continue to be illegal to use marijuana in public
anywhere in the District of Columbia. Under federal law, federal law
enforcement officers may arrest anyone in the District for possession
of any amount of marijuana.
6. Is DC going to become like Amsterdam?
No, our law allows home use by adults 21 and over. Marijuana cafes are not permitted and neither is
the sale of any amount of marijuana.
7. Where can marijuana be bought for personal consumption?
Marijuana can be grown at home or shared; it can’t be sold. Home grown, home use.
8. I thought the District was going to tax and regulate marijuana?
Congressional interference means the District can’t enact any regulatory framework for the sale or
taxation of marijuana. So, for now, marijuana cannot be sold, or taxed.
9. How can I get some marijuana then?
Home cultivation is permitted of up to 3 mature plants or 6 mature plants in a household with
multiple adults who are 21 and over. Up to one ounce of marijuana can be shared so long as there is
no exchange of money, good or services.
10. Where is it ok to smoke marijuana?
Home grown, home use. Anywhere else isn’t allowed.
11. Can I smoke in my car?
You cannot smoke in public, even if the car is stopped. And, if you’re driving while under the
influence of marijuana, you are subject to arrest based on the District’s existing impaired driving
laws.
12. Is it legal to smoke marijuana on a restaurant’s patio or at a rooftop bar?
No, whether inside or outside, marijuana cannot be smoked in any public place, including
restaurants or bars.
13. What about at a cigar or hookah bar? Can I smoke marijuana there?
Like restaurants and bars, those are public places, too. So, marijuana use there isn’t allowed either.
14. Can I eat a marijuana brownie at a park? What about at a bus stop?
No matter the form it takes, marijuana can be consumed only in private homes. Home grown, home use.
15. Can members of private clubs smoke marijuana inside the club?
No. The Mayor will introduce legislation in the coming days to make it clear that, for the purposes of marijuana use, private clubs are treated like public places.
16. If individuals can smoke only inside private residences, does that mean that marijuana parties are ok?
Subject to existing restrictions on noise and occupancy levels, there is no prohibition on the use of marijuana by multiple people – each of whom must be 21 years of age or older – in the same residence. At no time, should there be two ounces or more of marijuana per adult.
17. I’m a renter, can I smoke marijuana in my apartment?
In most instances, that’s up to you and your landlord. But, if you live in public housing the answer is no.
18. Now that marijuana is legal, can I deny someone a job who has a prior conviction for marijuana use?
Employers may not inquire about a prior conviction until they have made a conditional offer of employment. Same goes for when you can ask a prospective employee to take a drug test.
19. Who is responsible for enforcing Initiative 71?
The Metropolitan Police Department will enforce criminal violations, such as selling any amount of marijuana, impaired driving, and consuming any amount of marijuana in public. The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs can revoke business licenses in certain circumstances. The Department of Health has some civil enforcement responsibilities as it relates to food products.
20. What training have MPD officers received with respect to marijuana enforcement?
Just as when the marijuana decriminalization law went into effect last year, MPD will issue policy for officers to follow, and will require officers to take online training. MPD officers will also have brief
information cards to share with community members.
21. This is my first time with it’s just weed. What do I do now?
Please visit our shop page where you can purchase a ticket to the party or a coupon which can be redeemed at any of our partner stores for an in store purchase which comes with an optional free gift. You can pick up your item at the store or have it delivered within the D.C. area.
Our partner stores share free weed up to an ounce per person only and it’s on a first come first served basis. The coupon is redeemable for any purchase in the store and the free gift is optional. The coupon is not redeemable for a free gift, only for in store purchase of any item of your choice.
Please bring your valid 21+ ID (from any
state) and wear a face mask! No cash exchange is allowed at the store. If you’d like to give a tip or support our community, please consider making a donation below.
22. Do I need to make an appointment or get an invite to the house party?
No. All walk-ins are welcome just bring your coupon! Get your coupon online while gift stocks last. We will hold your order for an hour after your set pick up time.
23. How do I know what gift is best for me?
Our team is happy to make recommendations after assessing your needs with a few follow up questions. Also, you can read a brief description under each gift coupon when you click on them on the “shop” page. You can also check other websites like Leafly.com for more information about different strains.
24. When do you change the menu?
We update our menu daily. Gifts will quickly run out before the day is over. Please reserve online to avoid missing out.
25. Do I need a medical card to buy weed in DC?
At our partnering stores, you don’t need a medical card for recreational use! If you visit one
of the DC medical marijuana dispensaries, then you will need to apply for a DC medical marijuana
card. The process is very easy and fast and you can also get a consultation on what cannabis
products are best for you.