DC Smoke Shop - Finding the Best Weed Store in DC 2021

Where to Smoke Weed in D.C.

where to smoke in dc

Marijuana has changed the fabric of Washington, D.C., in the past few years. Being one of the first places on the East Coast to legalize cannabis for recreational use, it has become a cultural hub for cannabis consumers from all around. 

The district first legalized medical marijuana, then came the initiative to allow possession of it (in small amounts) for recreational purposes.

However, before you come to D.C. and smoke anywhere, you need to know where to smoke weed in D.C. The capital has stricter legalization laws concerning cannabis than some other places, but you’ll be good to go once you understand them. 

This article will teach you everything you need to know about Washington, D.C.’s marijuana laws. We’ll look at where to avoid smoking and the best places to light up and get high

Smoking is not permitted on federal property or in public. We’ll look at what constitutes public space and the marijuana laws that govern its use in the city.

Now lets get into what the Nationals Capital has to offer!

What You Need to Know About DC’s Marijuana Laws

If you are traveling or moving to Washington, D.C., you may ask, “Is it legal to smoke weed in D.C.?”

The good news is that, yes, smoking weed recreationally is legal in Washington, D.C. 

In 2015, Washington, D.C., legalized smoking recreationally with the enactment of Initiative 71, or I71. This law allows adults 21 and older to possess and consume marijuana on private property. The sale of marijuana is still technically illegal here, but with the loophole you can find I-71 shops that gift cannabis, which is allowed and completely legal. Gifted curators is one of our top picks when it comes to an 1-71 compliant dispensary. They offer a wide range of cannabis products that will meet your needs.

We’ll dive into the nitty gritty of I-71 a bit later. But first, check out some places where you can roll up.

Places to Smoke Weed in D.C.

If you are visiting the Nation’s Capital for the first time and are excited to smoke marijuana, you will want to know where you can smoke without dealing with law enforcement. Unfortunately, you can’t just light up anywhere you want to. But the good news is that there are some areas around D.C. where you can smell the sweet aroma of weed and know that there are a few fellow tokers nearby. One well-known area is Adams Morgan. 

Let’s check out some other safe spots to smoke in Washington, D.C.

Safe Spots to Smoke

smoking safe spots in dc

Smoking weed on private property or in your own home is the best way to smoke without worries. However, smoking outside under the moonlight or in the bright sun can make for a better experience sometimes.

While it is still illegal to smoke weed in D.C., some public places seem to be more tolerant than others. 

Although these local areas are still considered public places, many smokers have come here to smoke without getting into trouble. They include:

Night Clubs 

Some nightlife areas or rooftop bars allow smoking weed. You have a better chance when there is a rooftop section, as they may be more relaxed with you smoking up there at night.

Northwest D.C.

Many people come here to smoke, particularly on U Street. U Street is a public area with a party vibe. There are bars, nightclubs, and a cultural hub in the area where smoking buds can be found.

Georgetown

There are many smoking spots in Georgetown. Georgetown waterfront is a well-known smoke spot.

you can enjoy the beautiful view while lighting up. Generally, it is safe to smoke up near the water.

Eighteenth Street Lounge

This is a local place where smokers can usually blaze up without trouble.

The Alley Ways of U Street

You can smoke in the alley if you want a more private toke session. It is a popular choice, so you may also see other smokers lighting up. 

The Congressional Cemetery 

Located in Southeast D.C., this place attracts many THC smokers because of its peaceful vibes and quiet atmosphere.

Weed-friendly Hotels

weed friendly hotels in dc

If you are traveling to Washington, D.C., and you smoke, you will want to know if any hotels will be okay with you smoking outside and that you won’t get tossed out of your room.

Unfortunately, hotels will not advertise that you can smoke pot at their hotel. However, some hotels have private balconies so you can enjoy cannabis responsibly and discreetly. Airbnbs are also a great choice! There are plenty of 4/20 friendly bnb’s in DC.

InterContinental Washington D.C., Wharf

InterContinental Washington, D.C., Wharf is a 5-star hotel just a mile from the Capitol. This hotel offers suites with balcony choices and breathtaking views of the river. You can smoke on the balconies if you stay in one of their suites with the balcony option. 

Hotel Madera

Located in Dupont Circle, Hotel Madera is a luxe hotel. This hotel offers a queen studio, with certain rooms equipped with weed-friendly balconies. Aside from being cannabis-friendly, the best part about this hotel is that if you are going to be traveling with any fur babies, this place is also pet-friendly.

The Washington Plaza Hotel

Located about half a mile from the White House, the Washington Plaza Hotel is a good choice for smokers. One of the cannabis-friendly hotels with a better budget rate, the hotel offers various rooms with 420-friendly balconies. The balconies also overlook their pool, so you can take a dip while staying. 

The Fairmont Hotel in Washington, D.C.

The Fairmont Hotel is located in the West End, close to Georgetown. A local magazine deemed this hotel the “Best Hotel for a Staycation” in 2022. They offer deluxe rooms that have balconies that overlook the courtyard. You can enjoy cannabis from these balconies and then enjoy a meal at their Juniper Restaurant.

The Watergate Hotel Georgetown

The Watergate Hotel has its very own spot in history in America. This hotel is located in the heart of Washington, D.C., near George Washington University. It offers deluxe rooms with balconies and can be a great place to enjoy cannabis.

Alternatively, you can check out some bed and breakfast areas or Airbnbs in D.C. that cater to cannabis users. 

Where You Can’t Smoke in D.C.

illegal spots to smoke in dc

Let’s go over some places where smoking weed is illegal. You definitely don’t want to be caught smoking in any of the areas listed.

Besides being in public, if you are caught smoking in some of these places, you will not get away with it. A good rule of thumb is to treat the use of marijuana in public the same as you would carrying around an open container of alcohol in public (POCA). The D.C. law on marijuana use is similar. It’s considered a criminal offense if you are caught smoking in some of these areas: 

  • Federal property

  • National parks

  • Vehicles

  • Public housing projects

  • Sidewalks

  • Parks

  • Streets or alleys

  • Parking lots

  • Restaurants

  • Clubs or bars

  • Stores

Can You Smoke in Public in D.C.?

You are not supposed to but there are safe spots all throughout DC. Your best bet aside from those designated areas is to smoke somewhere private. You can also ask locals for information and tips about specific areas or streets. 

If you burn, keep other people and children in mind and consume responsibly. But, again, the big no-no is federal land. The U.S. government considers marijuana a Schedule I drug, so it is illegal according to federal law if caught on any federal land. Washington, D.C., is 29% federally owned land, including the Smithsonian museums. So no blazing outside of the museums.

Rules for Smoking Weed in D.C.

Yes, weed is legal in the District of Columbia. However, there are still some rules, so let’s dig deeper into the D.C. laws. Some of the more basic rules according to the I71 law are:

  • Adults aged 21 or over can have up to 2 ounces of marijuana and the appropriate paraphernalia or rolling papers. 

  • You can’t sell it to another adult, but gifting is fine. You can gift an ounce or less.

  • No smoking in public. You can only smoke marijuana on private property and especially not on federal property.

  • You can get a DUI if you smoke in your car. Driving under the influence of marijuana is equivalent to an alcohol-related DUI, so no vehicle smoking is allowed. 

  • You can also grow your own, but only up to six plants, with three allowed to mature with buds. 

Conclusion

Now that you know where to smoke weed in D.C., let’s recap the laws around weed in D.C. 

You can carry up to two ounces.

It is best to smoke at a private residence.

You can’t buy any weed, but there are plenty of I71-compliant stores where you can find great cannabis gifts and still be within the law.

If you are visiting and looking for places to smoke, you now know better where you will be safe and have a good experience in town.

And if you’re looking for weed-friendly hotels, you should remember that most hotels have smoke-free policies. So make sure that you are on a balcony or a rooftop first.

If you are in the area, Gifted Curators is a reputable dispensary with premium pre-rolls, high quality flowers, edibles, and other high-quality gifts!