Adult DC Residents Can Now Use Temporary Medical Marijuana Cards 'Immediately' After Applying

The DC Cannabis Trade Association (DCCTA) announced that DC residents 21+ may now purchase medical cannabis immediately upon applying for a medical cannabis card, according to the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA).

Once an application is submitted, a temporary registration card is issued which can be used to make purchases at any of DC's legal dispensaries while an application is under review. Temporary cards are valid for 30-days. Registration fees are currently being waived until September 30.

DC residents whose applications are then approved will be sent a permanent digital and physical registration prior to the expiration of their temporary registration. The registration number included in both the temporary and permanent registrations will be identical.

DC residents can also walk into any DC-licensed medical dispensary, apply, receive a temporary card and immediately make purchases.

Purchasing at a legal medical dispensary is the only way to legally purchase cannabis in the District of Columbia. It is also the only way to ensure the product is grown and cultivated locally in inspected facilities. All medical cannabis facilities and cultivation centers in the District of Columbia comply with ABRA's high standards to ensure sustainability, sanitation, and production of safe and tested products.

ABRA is currently waiving registration fees through September 30, 2022, meaning no cost for patients. Medical cannabis patients may purchase up to eight ounces of cannabis within a rolling 30-day period and possess up to eight ounces at any time.

Non-resident patients may purchase medical cannabis from DC dispensaries if their jurisdiction has been extended reciprocity and must present their digital or physical government-issued medical cannabis registration. Medical cards or documents issued by private companies, even if issued by a healthcare practitioner, are not eligible.

The DC Cannabis Trade Association is a coalition of legally licensed cannabis businesses.

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