One of the most accessible programs for obtaining medical cannabis in America can be found in Washington DC, and one thing about this program makes it extremely special because it is the only legal way to buy cannabis in Washington DC. If you have ever had a felony conviction and want to know if you can get a medical card in Washington DC, then the answer is yes. Washington DC is very forgiving when it comes to criminal background checks, and never has its program easier than now.
The Direct Answer: Felons Can Qualify as Patients in DC
DC Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) regulates the Medical Cannabis Program in DC through the Legalization of Marijuana for Medical Treatment Act of 2010, which has been extensively amended in 2022 with the DC Medical Cannabis Amendment Act of 2022. There is no criminal history screening as part of the patient registration process. It does not matter whether you are a felon or not for patient registration purposes.
A Unique Feature: Self-Certification for Adults 21 and Older
The DC Medical Marijuana Amendment Act of 2022 stipulates that adults aged 21 years or above have the sole authority to certify themselves for a medical card, without seeing a physician. Adults aged 18-20 years will be required to get an in-person recommendation from a health care practitioner before getting their first medical card; telemedicine will not be allowed. Renewal of their cards may, however, be done using telemedicine.
The Registration Fee Is Now Free
By 2025, there is no fee charged for the registration of patients who are qualified for a medical card. This is because a two-year card has been introduced for free use. There will, however, be a fee of ten dollars to have a printed card along with the electronic card. The fee charged to out-of-state applicants varies based on how long they intend to use the medical card; it ranges from ten dollars (3 days) to one hundred dollars (365 days).
Why a Medical Card Is the Only Legal Way to Buy Cannabis in DC
The possession of adult-use marijuana was legalized in DC in 2015 with the passage of Initiative 71. However, the annual renewal of the Harris Rider, a provision in the federal budget bill, prohibits DC from regulating and taxing marijuana retail operations for recreational use. There are no dispensaries for recreational marijuana in DC. Adults 21 and older can possess a maximum of two ounces and cultivate six marijuana plants (with three being mature). The only legal method of obtaining marijuana in DC is purchasing from a medical dispensary after registering as a qualified patient.
No Qualifying Condition List
After the DC Medical Cannabis Amendment Act of 2022, DC no longer has a list of medical conditions that qualify an individual as eligible for medical marijuana. A qualifying condition is one that the designated practitioner determines can be treated using medical marijuana or which the adult 21 or older believes can be treated using medical marijuana.
Caregiver Rules in DC
Caregivers can be designated by patients under Section 601 of the DCMR. These individuals need to be at least 18 years old, apply separately for ABCA, and cannot take care of more than five patients. DC doesn’t have a publicized list of felonies that can disqualify one as a caregiver, although the ABCA performs a background check, so those who have been convicted of violent felonies or drug trafficking cannot register as caregivers. If you want to become a caregiver and you have a felony, consult a DC attorney first.
2025 Program Expansion: Purchase Limits Doubled
In 2025, DC increased the number of monthly ounces that can be purchased for recreational purposes from four to eight ounces of dried medical cannabis. In addition, DC started enforcing its new regulations against unlicensed cannabis gifting establishments and put an end to the operation of over 50 unlicensed businesses by April 2025.
Legal Considerations for Felonsu
Federal Law and DC’s Unique Status
The administration of DC includes partial administration through laws passed by Congress, and Congress has control over the budget of DC. Cannabis use is regulated by the federal government. For felons, the following considerations apply:
- Probation/Parole by the Federal Government: There is an extremely slim chance that the cannabis use will conflict with the rules for release formulated by the Federal Government, regardless of the DC registration.
- Federal Housing: The city of DC has many houses that are federally funded. Cannabis use can conflict with the terms of the contract.
- Federal Employment: The Federal Government happens to be the largest employer in DC. The policy for employees of the federal government is anti-drugs.
State Probation
The probation terms that DC itself sets forth often involve being drug-free. Registration alone will not satisfy the terms of one’s probation. One should always seek out legal advice when registering while on probation.
Firearms
According to federal law, no one who uses marijuana can buy a firearm, even if they are using marijuana for medical reasons. This is another matter for the felon with gun restrictions.
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Washington DC
Step 1 – Self-certify or see a provider (age-dependent)
If you are above 21 years old, you can self-certify on the online platform of ABCA. There’s no need to visit a physician here. For ages between 18 and 20, arrange an in-person visit to a physician licensed in DC first.
Step 2 – Apply through the ABCA portal
Register as a patient using the online portal provided by ABCA. This requires proof of residence in DC (DC driver’s license or ID) and a passport photo.
Step 3 – Receive your digital and physical card
On approval of the registration, you’ll receive a digital and physical card. As of 2025, your registration will be valid for 2 years for free.
Step 4 – Visit any licensed DC dispensary
Show your registration, along with your photo identification, to any authorized medical marijuana dispensary. From thereon, you can buy eight ounces monthly.
Bottom Line
A felony is not a disqualification for obtaining medical cannabis certification in Washington DC. Self-certification, lack of a list of conditions, a free two-year card, and doubling of purchase quantities are among the factors that make this program for 2025 easier to comply with than ever before. The Harris Rider stipulates that this certification becomes the sole means by which to obtain cannabis legally within DC.
These factors, together with federal oversight, terms of DC probation, and the large number of federal workers, make the situation difficult. Always speak to a lawyer before consuming cannabis while supervised.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Washington DC check criminal records when you apply for a medical marijuana card?
No. The ABCA does not perform a criminal background check on patient applicants. Any adult over the age of 21 may self-certify online without a doctor’s involvement, meaning that Washington, D.C.’s registration process is the easiest of all the cities in this list in terms of accessing medical marijuana products. You do not need to be honest about your criminal record while applying for medical marijuana.
Can a felon self-certify for a DC medical marijuana card without seeing a doctor?
Yes, if you are 21 years old or older. Washington, D.C. allows all adults aged 21 or over to register themselves as medical marijuana patients without needing a recommendation from a physician or healthcare provider. Anybody between 18 and 20 needs to undergo an initial evaluation with a licensed healthcare professional.
Why is a medical card the only way to legally buy cannabis in DC?
As per the Harris Rider, which is included each year in Congress’s budget for the District of Columbia, no money can be spent on regulating or taxing cannabis for recreational use. Because of this, no recreational dispensaries can be legally operated in the District. Only medical dispensaries can sell their marijuana products to patients.
Is the DC medical marijuana card free in 2025?
Yes. According to current information, Washington DC has waived patient registration fees by 2025. A two-year medical card is provided for free. An additional $10 fee is incurred if you require a physical card in addition to the online card. There are tiered fees for non-residents depending on how long they would like their temporary registration to last.
Can I use my DC medical card while on probation?
This depends on your conditions. The terms of DC probation always have a drug-free requirement, and a medical registration doesn’t cancel these conditions. When you are on federal probation or parole, as is common practice in Washington DC due to the city’s dual jurisdiction, cannabis usage is probably strictly forbidden. Discuss this matter with your supervision officer and lawyer to be sure.
Can non-DC residents get a medical marijuana card in Washington DC?
Yes. Any person who is 21 years or older and is not a resident of the District can get a temporary patient registration for a tiered fee: 3 days ($10), 30 days ($20), 90 days ($50), 180 days ($75), and 365 days ($100). Tourists are allowed to use their state’s medical cards from other states where the DC has extended reciprocity to make purchases from DC-licensed dispensaries.
