Over a decade ago, a local poll found that 80% of residents supported either legalizing or decriminalizing marijuana. Shortly thereafter, the Council of the District of Columbia elected to decriminalize cannabis possession and in February 2015, voters approved the Legalization of Possession of Minimal Amounts of Marijuana for Personal Use Initiative (commonly known as Initiative 71).
Ever since, the nation’s capital has created what is called a “gifting economy,” whereupon cannabis is given as a gift whereas the legally defined “purchase” is a smaller item such as a sticker, shirt, or even haiku. So when you head into any DC dispensary, expect to get a little treat alongside your purchase, which always makes the experience just a little more pleasant.
To help you find the best places to get a little green gift, here are the best dispensaries in Washington DC.
Delivery Dispensary in Washington DC
Citywide
Whether you’re a homebody or just looking to partake in the important self-care ritual of rotting at home, DC Dash will deliver your weed for free. Delivery is available seven days a week from 12 pm to 8 pm, with standard wait times between one and three hours. The website is easy to navigate and order from, making this one of the more convenient options we have.
Dispensaries in Washington DC North of Dupont Circle
Dupont Circle
District Hemp Botanicals prides itself on offering “generous samples” and consultations to ensure that each customer leaves with the product that is best-suited for their needs. The dispensary also boasts a refund policy—which can be unusual for dispensaries. If you’re not happy with something you bought, the website says, the team will take it back within 30 days so long as there is at least 1/3 of the product left and it’s not a specially ordered item.
U Street
This dispensary remains true to its name, focusing on healing and holistic wellness. Led by Chanda Macias, MBA, PhD, the team prides themselves on their ability to assist patients with dosages and medical marijuana strains aligned to their needs. The Center also offers purchasing appointments and complementary (and complimentary) classes.
U Street
Whether you’re looking for weed or weed-related merch and gifts, you can find something at this dispensary. Place orders online for in-store pickup or of course, shop in-store, aided by what customers frequently laud as an extremely helpful staff.
U Street
Capital City Care is DC’s largest dispensary, and is the only one licensed to grow medical marijuana. That means it has an expansive collection of products in its homey, comforting storefront. You can shop in-stores or order online for pickup as well.
Columbia Heights
Lifted isn’t just a cannabis dispensary—instead, this Howard-adjacent retailer takes the DC gifting idea to the next level, selling coupons to Listen Vision Studios & Gift for studio time. Your cannabis, then, is just a great gift on top. They also run weekly promos to help you save a few bucks on your preferred flowers, and delivery is available throughout much of the DMV.
Takoma
DC’s first dispensary opened a decade ago in 2013, and features a large selection of flowers as well as pre-rolls, cartridges, edibles, and tinctures. Check out their menu for online ordering, or just to get a sense of what you’re in for before setting foot in the complex.
Silver Spring
The Silver Spring location of Rise is a cute little dispensary with friendly customer service, plenty of seating areas, and an almost boutique-esque feel to the space. Knowledgeable staff can help you think through the best strains for your needs, with everything from cartridges, pre-rolls, edibles, drinkables, extracts, topicals, and tinctures available.
Dispensaries in Washington DC South of Dupont Circle
Anacostia
This minority and women-owned medical cannabis dispensary is the first of its kind located east of the Anacostia river. With sleek wood and glass display cases, warm lighting, and simple white walls, the dispensary has a chic feel and some chic offerings, including some delightful chocolate edibles and local strains. And if you can prove that you’re from Ward 7 or 8, you’ll get 10% off your purchase.
H Street
This Black-owned luxury lifestyle and experience also serves as a dispensary with its own cannabis brand. The store boasts a wide selection of products that promise to set industry-leading standards for product quality, safety, and consistency.
H Street
This Capitol Hill-based dispensary provides premium natural CBD, cannabis, and hemp products, and also delivers to all 50 states in the US. You’ve likely seen their products before—their own brand of cannabis can be found in over 100 retail stores in a dozen states. The elegant space is also a hit with in-store customers.
Lulu Changis a contributor for Thrillist. Follow her onInstagram.
These recommendations are provided for informational purposes only. The legality of cannabis varies by state and is subject to change (and remains illegal under federal law as of the writing of this article). Readers are encouraged to check their local laws before purchasing and using any substances referenced herein and should consult a medical professional before starting any course of medical treatment.
