Yes, Delta 9 THC is legal in Washington, D.C., under the District’s cannabis laws, but its sale and possession remain tightly controlled by the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA), which enforces the Medical Cannabis Program and Initiative 71. Adults 21+ may possess up to two ounces of cannabis flower or its equivalent, including products containing Delta 9 THC derived from hemp, provided they are not sold commercially. Unlicensed sales remain prohibited, and the 2026 regulatory framework under the Safe Cannabis Sales Act will further restrict unregulated operators, mandating licensed dispensaries for all THC sales.
Key Regulations for Delta 9 THC in Washington, D.C.
- Possession Limits: Adults may possess up to two ounces of cannabis flower or 16 ounces of infused products, including Delta 9 THC, but public consumption remains illegal under D.C. Code § 48-904.01.
- Sales Restrictions: Only licensed medical cannabis dispensaries (regulated by ABCA) and future adult-use retailers (licensed post-2026) may legally sell Delta 9 THC products; unlicensed gifting schemes are prohibited under Initiative 71’s narrow allowance.
- Hemp-Derived Delta 9: Products containing Delta 9 THC derived from hemp (≤0.3% Delta 9 by dry weight) are permitted for personal use but cannot be marketed as cannabis unless sourced from licensed cannabis cultivators.