Today, we do almost everything online, or at least have the option to. We can visit our doctor online, study for a degree, buy groceries, and even purchase clothes all on the internet. You’re even reading this on the internet right now.
As cannabis laws continue to change, many places even allow people to purchase cannabis products online.
Shopping online offers many benefits, especially as we continue to adapt to a world with COVID-19. When shopping for cannabis online in Washington, D.C., you can browse to find the store that offers the strain or cannabis product you want at the best price.
But, if you are new to navigating the cannabis world in Washington, D.C., you may not be sure where to start or even how to purchase cannabis. We’ll break down what you need to know about buying cannabis online and offer tips to help you find the right cannabis dispensary in Washington, D.C.
Is Cannabis Legal in Washington, D.C.?
The rules and regulations around purchasing and using cannabis in Washington, D.C., are a little tricky.
You should know that right now: It is illegal to use cannabis in public. So be sure you light up in a private place. If you are visiting the area, check to make sure the place you are staying allows cannabis use in the room you are in.
Know that it is legal for persons over 21 to possess up to 2 ounces of cannabis. But, you can’t purchase it unless you have your medical marijuana card and purchase it from a medical marijuana dispensary.
Although you can’t purchase it without a card, you can transfer 1 ounce to another person as a gift. Some Washington, D.C., dispensaries will also gift you some weed with a purchase of another item as a way to get around the selling of weed restrictions. But, if you have your medical cannabis card, you can purchase from one of seven medical marijuana dispensaries in the area.
Finally, Washington, D.C., also has regulations around how many plants residents can grow and have flowering at a time. But, weed grown in basements is usually not as high quality as that purchased from a dispensary.
Tips for Buying Weed Online
Before you make any online purchase, whether you are buying cannabis or clothing, you want to make sure you are getting a quality product at a reasonable price. So, how can you be sure what you are getting is of the highest quality? We have some tips to help you make the best decision.
- Find a cannabis dispensary directory. These sites make it easy to find stores in your area, look at requirements, and even compare prices. You can also narrow down your results to find dispensaries that meet your requirements, such as medical marijuana dispensaries or ones that are currently open.
- As you look to buy cannabis online in Washington, D.C., you’ll want to look to see if the store has a minimum order amount. While some dispensaries may require you to make a minimum purchase for delivery, others have no such requirement.
- Check to see if they deliver and service your area. Some dispensaries only operate within certain borders, while others may travel the entire D.C. area. Before you buy, make sure you are in their delivery area.
- See if they have the strain or product you want. If you have a specific strain or even type of cannabis plant (such as indica or sativa) you want to use, make sure the dispensary offers it or the product you prefer, such as gummies or other edibles.
- Check the ratings on each strain offered. Although not regulated by the government (after all, cannabis is still illegal on a federal level), online dispensaries have adopted a rating scale to indicate the quality of their cannabis. A is the lowest, while AAAA and AAAAA are the absolute highest. AA and AAA products are still good quality weed. It’s important to remember that the rating scale will give you an idea of the quality of the plant, not the type of effects you’ll experience.
- Read online reviews of both the dispensary you are thinking of purchasing from and the products themselves. Reading these reviews will help you get an idea of the quality of the product and the level of service the dispensary provides.
Choosing the Right Cannabis Product
If you are new to cannabis use, you may not know where to start. After all, there are many different cannabis strains and products on the market today. Which one is the best option for you?
There are a few ways you can choose the right cannabis strain for you:
- Ask a friend and fellow weed enthusiast for recommendations.
- Contact the dispensary and ask the budtender to help.
No matter what strain or product you try, remember to start with a low dose for the first time. You can always take a little more the next time if you don’t quite get the effects you intended.
Final Thoughts
Cannabis laws in Washington, D.C., can be confusing for visitors and locals alike. Remember that you cannot use cannabis in public areas, must be over 21 to use it, and cannot possess more than 2 ounces at a time.
Buying anything other than medical marijuana from a licensed dispensary is also a bit of a gray area. While technically illegal, many dispensaries have found ways around that, offering weed as a gift with another purchase and other methods.
If you are visiting or you live in D.C. and needing to purchase some cannabis, you have options. Online cannabis dispensary directories make it easy to find the cannabis strain you want to buy and compare prices to ensure you are getting the best deal possible.
We know that making any purchase online can be a little scary. Do some research on each dispensary before you make your purchase. Read reviews from other users and look to see if they operate in your area or have minimum purchase requirements.
