Getting registered for legal medical cannabis access in Washington DC starts with the District’s own system, run by the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA). The right path depends on whether you live in DC, are visiting, or already hold a medical card that DC recognizes.
Start with ABCA, not an old blog post
DC moved new patient and caregiver registrations into a newer digital portal on August 18, 2026. If you have a valid registration from the old system, ABCA says to keep using it until it is time to renew. Everyone else should start at the MyABCA customer portal and follow the instructions on ABCA’s patient page.
If you live in DC
Registration is free and lasts two years. Adults 21 and over can self-certify. People aged 18 to 20 need an eight-digit recommendation number from a healthcare practitioner. You will need a DC REAL ID, or another government photo ID plus proof of DC residency such as a utility bill, bank statement or lease. When you submit, you get a temporary digital registration valid for 90 days that you can use right away while ABCA reviews the application.
If you are visiting
Visitors 21 and over, including international visitors, can buy a temporary non-resident registration. You choose how long it lasts, from 30 days up to a year, and ABCA lists fees from $10 to $100 depending on the period. Non-resident registrations are digital only.
If you already have a medical card
DC retailers can accept registrations from most U.S. states, territories and some tribal nations. Check ABCA’s reciprocity list before you travel, and bring your card or digital credential with a photo ID.
A few things worth knowing
- Registered patients can buy up to 8 ounces within a rolling 30-day period.
- All licensed retailers accept digital registrations.
- Retailers track purchases with a random patient number, not your name, according to ABCA.
Next steps
Read our DC Cannabis Pass guide for the detail, see the visitor checklist, or browse the live menu before you visit us at 1526 U Street NW. We are open Monday to Saturday 11 AM to 8 PM, and Sunday 11 AM to 7 PM.
Written and reviewed by the Doobie District Editorial Team. Last reviewed October 9, 2026. Regulatory details are checked against official ABCA guidance. Nothing here is medical advice.