Washington DC Patients Can Now Self Certify for Medical Marijuana Card

Washington DC has just passed legislation that will allow adults to “self certify” for medical marijuana, meaning they won’t have to see a doctor before applying for their med card.

Since Washington DC legalized medical marijuana twelve years ago, patients have been required to see a doctor and then get a government issued card which can cost as much as $100.

Dispensary owners have complained about losing customers because of the process and competition from stores that "gift" marijuana to customers to get around having a med card.

One dispensary owner, Linda Green of Anacostia Organics, said, "It's going to help us survive. We're very excited about it.”

Green said she saw a huge increase in sales when earlier this year, DC allowed all seniors age 65 and older to self certify.

DC Council Chair Phil Mendelson said this regulation is needed to put an end to those businesses that are circumventing med cards by using “gifting” of cannabis along with the purchase of another item like a tshirt.

He said, "The reality is there’s an illegal business that’s thriving and growing, and we need to put a stop to that.”

Mendelson also added that they will try to get harsh penalties passed later this year for those vendors that are illegally ‘gifting’ in this way.

​At this time, only residents of Washington DC will be allowed to self certify. All patients from other states must still have their own states medical marijuana card to purchase in DC.