WHAT’S NEXT FOR i-71?

WHATS NEXT FOR I71?

Many Americans support the legality of cannabis now that science vouches for it; however, the laws surrounding marijuana aren't as flexible as they may appear.

It's been almost eight years since voters in Washington, D.C. approved Initiative 71, which allows anyone over the age of twenty-one to own or carry up to two ounces of cannabis. District residents are also permitted to grow and produce up to three marijuana plants on their own property, as well as share cannabis provided that no form of payment, products, or offerings is traded. This little stretch in the regulations calls for a celebration, and what better way to celebrate than to light up a pre-roll and smoke your worries away.

Sure, carrying two ounces of weed is permitted; however, you cannot go around cannabis dispensaries and purchase new strains like you’re buying candy. There are alternative ways you have to go about getting your cannabis safely. Initiative 71 only permits the exchange of marijuana as a gift. The gifting system allows vendors to offer cannabis as a gift along with the purchase of a product the vendors are selling. Therefore, you may still receive cannabis in a discreet way. Bit weird, eh?

Considering this legal requirement, D.C.’s cannabis connoisseurs have turned to entrepreneurship as their primary career choice. They're giving away anything and everything. This may include stickers, t-shirts, hats, and so on. Upon receiving a purchased product, you may receive up to one ounce of marijuana as a gift. According to the Washington Post, “storefronts sell everything from artwork to pizza as a pretext for “gifting” marijuana.” Ryan Ha, founder of Dreamy DC, even sells motivational speeches with marijuana gifted on the side. Let’s clear some grey areas around I-71.

WHAT IS LEGAL UNDER INITIATIVE I71 and DC MARIJUANA LAWS

Here comes the good news. The law is strictly designated to anyone who’s 21 or older. That being said, it advocates:

Regardless of age, no one should be found in possession of 2+ ounces of marijuana.

You are permitted to consume or grow marijuana within the vicinity of your private property.

You may only grow up to 6 plants of marijuana. However, please note that only 3 of them are permitted to reach the maturity age.

Transfer or gift of one ounce or lesser to anyone over the age of 21 is permitted.

WHAT IS CONSIDERED NOT LEGAL UNDER INITIATIVE I71 and DC MARIJUANA LAWS

The news regarding legalization must’ve sent you to cloud 9, but we’d like to bring you back to planet Earth. The law still prohibits the following:

Possession of more than two ounces of marijuana at once.

Consumption of marijuana in a public place or anywhere accessible to the general public.

Selling any amount of marijuana or receiving something (cash, product, service, etc) in return when you're gifting it.

Growing more than six plants of cannabis.

Obtaining more than 3 mature cannabis plants at home.

Driving a vehicle (boat, motorcycle, or car) under the influence of weed.

WHERE CAN CANNABIS BE BOUGHT FOR PERSONAL USE

As mentioned earlier, marijuana still can’t be sold openly in several states, including Washington D.C. To locate the best dispensaries in compliance with i71 , check out Lucky Chuckie on the Gentleman Toker website. You might just get your hands on a good deal! Otherwise, you may grow it at home and start a side business that the public needs on a day-to-day basis.

HOW DOES INITIATIVE I71 IMPACT THOSE UNDER 21

If the police encounter a person under the age of 21 in possession of marijuana, the commodity will be confiscated. If the amount of marijuana exceeds 2 ounces, it means you'll be breaking two laws. Therefore, it is likely that you will be apprehended.

IS IT LEGAL TO SMOKE IN A VEHICLE?

Nope. Your vehicle is most likely parked in a public place, which means you are smoking in public and breaking the law. Secondly, you are likely to drive the vehicle post marijuana consumption, which is breaking another law. Marijuana consumption is illegal anywhere beyond the boundary of your residence.

If you ever have any questions, please visit DC.gov or contact your local representative. Opinions are our own.