How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Washington DC

How Old Must You Be to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Washington DC?

In Washington, DC, there is no single minimum age for medical cannabis patient registration. DC residents of all ages, including minors, can qualify for patient registration if they meet the program requirements. Adults 18 and older can apply using the Adult Medical Cannabis Patient Application. Patients ages 18–20 must provide a healthcare provider recommendation, while those 21 and older can self-certify instead of obtaining a provider recommendation.

Patients 17 or younger can also be registered, but a parent or legal guardian must submit the Minor Medical Cannabis Patient Application. The minor must have a healthcare recommendation and an identified registered caregiver. Minor applications cannot currently be submitted online.

What Is the Cost of a Medical Marijuana Card in Washington DC?

For DC residents, the current medical cannabis registration process does not list a standard patient registration fee on the District’s current patient information page. DC residents can apply for medical cannabis patient registration online, and once an application is submitted, a temporary digital registration is issued that can be used for up to 90 days while the application is reviewed.

Applicants should also consider the cost of obtaining a healthcare provider recommendation when one is required. DC-licensed healthcare practitioners authorized to recommend medical cannabis do not pay a fee to make recommendations, although a provider may charge the patient separately for an evaluation or consultation.

For non-DC residents, temporary medical cannabis registration fees currently range from $10 for 3 days to $100 for 365 days, depending on the registration period selected.

Can I Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Washington DC for Free?

Yes. DC currently waives the fees for initial and renewal digital medical cannabis patient registrations, so eligible DC residents can obtain a digital registration without paying a registration fee. The District currently issues new patient registrations for two years.

However, there may be other costs. For example, a physical patient registration card costs $10, and patients who are 18–20 must provide a healthcare provider recommendation, which may involve a separate provider consultation fee. Patients who are 21 or older can self-certify their applications instead of obtaining a healthcare recommendation.

Do I Need to See a Doctor in Person for Medical Marijuana Card Evaluation in Washington DC?

No. Washington, DC does not generally require an in-person doctor visit to register as a medical cannabis patient. Eligible DC residents can complete the patient registration process online. Applicants who are 21 or older may self-certify instead of obtaining a healthcare provider recommendation.

For applicants who do need a healthcare provider recommendation, the District’s rules do not require the evaluation to be conducted specifically in person. This means eligible patients may be able to complete the evaluation through a telehealth appointment, depending on the provider’s practices and applicable requirements. Always confirm the current process with your healthcare provider before applying.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Washington DC?

Getting a medical cannabis registration in Washington, DC, can be relatively quick. DC residents who apply online receive a temporary digital registration promptly after submitting their application. This temporary registration can be used immediately at licensed medical cannabis retailers while the application is being reviewed.

The temporary registration is currently valid for up to 90 days. Once the application is approved, ABCA issues a permanent digital registration, which is generally valid for two years for registrations issued since March 2, 2025.

Because application review times can vary, applicants should not assume that the permanent registration will be issued on a specific day. The key advantage is that eligible online applicants can begin using their temporary registration without waiting for the permanent registration to arrive.