What’s What?
For Qualified DC Residents Only… ABRA has approved new emergency ruling! Don’t miss out (again) on the chance to pay NOTHING for a DC medical cannabis card!
After the first emergency ruling on the matter expired on January 31, 2022, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board adopted a second emergency rulemaking on February 2, 2022. This basically extended the first emergency rulemaking, which waived the fee for patient and caregiver registrations (new and renewal) applications. New or renewal patient applications received (and thereafter approved) by April 24, 2022, will receive a registration valid for two (2) years from the date of issuance at no cost. Click here to read the full version of the notice of second emergency rulemaking. are received by April 24, 2022.
The fee for a replacement registration still applies. The replacement fee (for any changes other than address and withdrawal from program) is $90.
How To Become a Patient
When you start your application, you must first select the health practitioner who referred you to the DC Medical Cannabis Program: Physician (MD, DO), Advanced Practice Registered Nurse / Nurse Practitioner (APRN/NP), Dentist, Physician Assistant, or Naturopathic Physician.
You must also show proof of DC residency when you submit your application. Learn about the requirements for proof of DC residency here.
Find a Provider
This part was not the easiest for some reason but I eventually found a quality provider (details below). After finding a provider, the most important thing is to make sure the provider is registered with ABRA (they most likely are if they offer MMJ consults). Per the ABRA website, to be eligible to make a recommendation, qualifying healthcare practitioners must register with ABRA.
Dispensaries like Anacostia Organics and Takoma Wellness have information on how to become a patient on the websites and that’s where I eventually started my provider search. The provider I went to for my MMJ consult was Dr. Rachel Callens (located in Southeast, South, Southeast) and I highly recommend her. She’s a naturopathic practitioner and is currently offering virtual appointments, which was super convenient. From the time I scheduled my appointment, I loved the high quality (no pun intended) service provided by Dr. Callens and her office team. She was super professional, pleasant, knowledgeable, and affordable (however, not cheap). She asked all the right questions so I felt she wasn’t blowing me off and cared about my health concerns. I highly recommend Dr. Rachel Callens for anyone interested in holistic and natural healing methods and remedies.
Click here to begin the process of obtaining your DC medical cannabis registration (for new or renewal applications). You also must show proof of DC residency when you submit your application. Learn about the requirements for proof of DC residency here.
Individuals may request a new registration by:
Email. Include “Extended Registration Request” in the subject line, and the full name of the registrant, registration number, and mailing address in the email. Direct the request to medicalcannabis@dc.gov.
Mail. Include the full name of the registrant, registration number, and mailing address in the request. Mail to ABRA, Medical Cannabis Program, 2000 14th Street NW, Suite 400 South, Washington, DC 20009.
In-Person. Every Thursday through December 16, excluding Veterans Day and Thanksgiving Day, ABRA hosts Turnaround Thursdays. Walk-in customers approved for a registration will receive their physical and digital registration during their visit. Visit ABRA, 2000 14th Street NW, Suite 400 South, Washington, DC 20009. Service hours are 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
To see if you would qualify for a reduced fee for patient and caregiver registrations are available, learn more here.
What’s Luxe
Other Important Things to Note
Medical cannabis patients, including non-residents extended reciprocity, may purchase up to eight (8) ounces of cannabis within a rolling 30-day period and possess up to two (2) ounces at any time. Allowed formats include flowers, concentrates, edibles, transdermal products, seeds, and seedlings.
Federal laws continue to apply including the prohibition of transporting medical cannabis across state lines. The use of medical cannabis is not permitted in public.
older section of the article
On November 10, 2021, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board approved emergency rule making waiving the fee patient and caregiver registrations (new and renewal) for applications received by January 31, 2022. So that means, persons whose new or renewal patient application is received by January 31, 2022 will receive a registration valid, if approved, for two (2) years from the date of issuance at no cost.
Per the Alcohol Beverage Regulation Administration’s (ABRA) website:
Emergency legislation aimed at ensuring patients have uninterrupted access to recommended medical cannabis is now in effect. Key modifications include:
Patients whose registration expired or will expire between March 1, 2020 through January 31, 2022 will remain active and can continue to purchase medical cannabis using their previously issued digital or physical registration. Valid registrations are required effective February 1, 2022.
Persons whose new or renewal patient application is received by January 31, 2022 will receive a registration valid, if approved, for two (2) years from the date of issuance at no cost. Registrations issued on or before November 9, 2021 and on after February 1, 2022 are valid for one (1) year from date of issuance.
Persons who were issued a one (1)-year registration on or after November 10, 2020 are eligible to receive a new registration valid for two (2) years from the original issuance date at no cost. Previously paid registrations fees are non-refundable.
ABRA CADABRA website
excellent submit, very informative. I wonder why the opposite experts of this sector don’t realize this. You must continue your writing. I am sure, you’ve a great readers’ base already!
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