Deciphering cannabis laws in D.C. for a burgeoning industry

Introduction

Cannabis is a potent, versatile substance with a long history of medicinal and recreational abuse.

The drug has been used as an analgesic for thousands of years, but only recently has it gained popularity in states where it's now legal for recreational use.

And while laws surrounding marijuana are constantly changing, there are still plenty of questions about how you can enjoy cannabis without breaking the law, especially when traveling to another district or state.

In this article, we'll take a look at some common questions about cannabis laws in D.C., including:


One of the distinguishing factors between marijuana and hemp

There are two types of cannabis: marijuana and hemp. Hemp is a variety of plant species Cannabis sativa that contains less than 0.3 percent THC (the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis), while marijuana can contain up to 30% THC.

The differences between the two have led to much confusion about what can be considered a legal product and how you might use it.

Marijuana is used primarily for its psychoactive effects, while hemp's lower levels of THC make it an acceptable food or fiber crop in many countries worldwide.


Marijuana

is still termed as a Schedule 1 drug under federal law in Washington.

Meaning it is illegal for anyone to possess or use it within the jurisdiction of the United States.

The most dangerous drugs are classified as Schedule 1 and have no medical value. This classification puts marijuana in the same category as heroin, LSD, and ecstasy.

The federal government can prosecute anyone who uses marijuana on its soil regardless of state laws allowing recreational or medicinal use of cannabis.

Recreational marijuana uses by people over 21 is legal and regulated similarly to alcohol.

Adults can purchase from a dispensary, grow or possess up to two ounces at home, and consume marijuana in private locations as long as it's not visible to the public. The district does not allow for public smoking or the use of edibles.

Legislation passed in 2014 allows for medical marijuana use under specific conditions.

To be eligible, you should have a qualifying condition for medical cannabis listed in the D.C. Department of Health's Medical Marijuana Program.

The conditions include cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, and other chronic or debilitating diseases that cause severe pain, nausea, or seizures.

Individuals with any condition may register as authorized caregivers if they do not want to obtain a medical marijuana card.

A key basic of the program is allowing patients and caregivers access to medicinal marijuana at home with no limit on how much they can possess at one time (for example, 20 grams per ounce). In addition, they are allowed to grow their plants if they choose this option instead of purchasing from dispensaries throughout D.C.

Under regulations passed by Congress in 2014 — which President Trump later repealed — states were required to establish medical marijuana programs within two years or risk losing federal funding for schools and housing projects for low-income people who receive public assistance benefits such as Medicaid or Section 8 vouchers from HUD (U.S. Department Housing and Urban Development).

The goal was to give states enough time so that when any changes happened regarding cannabis use policies, there would be some law protecting these groups from losing access because their eligibility depended on living within certain areas where recreational use was legal. Still, medical use wasn't allowed yet."

Hemp grown outside of the 2014 Farm Bill pilot program guidelines is illegal.

Hemp is an annual plant with less than 0.3% THC, the psychoactive component found in marijuana. In 2018, hemp was legalized for commercial cultivation in the District of Columbia and then for personal use by residents with a medical marijuana card.

But there's confusion among farmers about whether they can grow hemp outside of the 2014 Farm Bill pilot program guidelines or not, said Joel Williams, founder, and CEO of Grow Hemp D.C., which distributes seeds to growers around the country, including here in Washington.

"Unless [hemp] comes from a seed that's been approved by either DEA or FDA or USDA," he said on his way through security at Dulles International Airport on Friday afternoon (Nov 15), "it's illegal."

Conclusion

We hope that this breakdown of cannabis laws in D.C. helps you make more informed decisions about your consumption and cultivation practices.

Remember that the law is always changing, so don't rely on one source for information about marijuana legislation in your area. Always check multiple sources before making any decisions.

 

Blog by Weed Stop
  • Categories: Industry