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.