Washington DC has one of the most unique cannabis programs in the country — operating under the oversight of the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) rather than a traditional state health department. Adults 21 and older can even self-certify for medical cannabis without a doctor’s visit. But for pediatric patients, the rules are very different. If you are a parent asking can minors get a Medical Marijuana Card in Washington DC, the answer is yes — through a more structured process that requires physician involvement, a completed Minor Application Form, and a registered caregiver.
Here is everything families in the District need to know in 2026.
Washington DC’s Medical Cannabis Program: Key Background
Medical cannabis became legal in the District of Columbia when the Legalization of Marijuana for Medical Treatment Initiative Act passed in 1998. After years of Congressional delays, the program officially launched in 2013 with the first legal dispensary purchase.
Since then, the program has grown substantially. As of March 2, 2025, new medical cannabis patient registrations are issued for two-year periods (previously six years). As of July 17, 2025, temporary patient and caregiver registrations are valid for 90 days while applications are under review, and new registrations no longer require a passport-style photo — just a government-issued ID.
These recent changes have made the program more accessible and easier to navigate. However, minor patients and their caregivers still require a separate offline process.
Can a Minor Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Washington DC?
Yes. A DC resident under the age of 18 can qualify for the District’s medical cannabis program — but the process is more hands-on than for adult applicants.
Here is what makes minor patient applications different:
- Online applications are not available for minors. Parents or guardians must submit a completed Minor Application Form and a Medical Cannabis Caregiver Application Form to the ABCA by email, mail, or in person.
- A physician recommendation is required for all minors. Unlike adults 21 and older who can self-certify, minors must have a DC-licensed healthcare practitioner issue a formal recommendation.
- The parent or legal guardian must consent to the minor’s cannabis use and agree to serve as the primary caregiver.
- Once the ABCA approves the application, the minor and their caregiver both receive digital registrations.
The ABCA’s office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at 899 North Capitol Street NE, Suite 4200-A, Washington DC, 20002. Applications can also be emailed to ABCA.CannabisInfo@dc.gov with “Patient Application” in the subject line.
At KIF Doctors, our physicians who practice in DC can evaluate minor patients and issue the required medical recommendations for ABCA submission.
Who Can Issue a Recommendation for a Minor in DC?
The District permits the following healthcare practitioners to issue medical cannabis recommendations:
- Physicians (MD or DO)
- Physician assistants
- Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners (ARPNs)
- Dentists
- Naturopathic physicians
All recommending practitioners must be in good standing to practice medicine in DC and must have a bona fide practitioner-patient relationship with the patient. This means they must have assessed the patient’s medical history and current condition within the previous 90 days before issuing a recommendation.
Unlike adults 21 and older who can self-certify without a physician visit, minors cannot bypass this step under any circumstances.
Qualifying Conditions in Washington DC
The District previously maintained a set list of qualifying conditions. However, DC has since removed that restriction, allowing any licensed practitioner to recommend cannabis for any condition they determine is debilitating enough to benefit from medical cannabis treatment.
Common conditions for which DC practitioners recommend cannabis to pediatric patients include:
- Cancer and its side effects
- HIV/AIDS
- Epilepsy and seizure disorders
- PTSD
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Severe pain and muscle spasticity
- Inflammatory bowel conditions
- Palliative or terminal care
Because there is no fixed qualifying condition list, the physician’s clinical judgment is what drives eligibility. If a practitioner believes cannabis could genuinely help a child, they can issue a recommendation.
The Caregiver Role in Washington DC
Washington DC requires caregivers for all minor patients. The ABCA mandates that persons under the age of 21 have caregivers listed on their registration.
Key rules for caregivers in DC:
- A caregiver may only be designated by one qualifying patient at a time.
- Caregivers can be DC residents or non-residents.
- Caregivers can possess up to 2 ounces of dried medical marijuana or the equivalent in other forms.
- They can purchase up to 8 ounces of cannabis in any 30-day period on behalf of their patient.
- The caregiver must apply alongside the minor using the Medical Cannabis Caregiver Application Form.
Once approved, the caregiver receives their own digital registration that must be presented alongside the patient’s registration at licensed DC dispensaries.
Pricing: Costs for Minor Patients in Washington DC in 2026
DC has made medical cannabis registration significantly more affordable in recent years:
- Digital registration (patient and caregiver fees): Currently waived for both patients and caregivers.
- Physical registration card: $10 for both patients and caregivers.
- Reduced fee option: Available for Medicaid or DC Alliance recipients, or low-income patients with verified income documentation.
- Physician evaluation fees: Vary by provider — see KIF Doctors’ pricing page for current rates.
Cannabis products are not covered by insurance. Patients are responsible for all dispensary purchases out of pocket.
Privacy Protections for Minor Patients in DC
A common concern for families is privacy. The ABCA is required to keep all patient and caregiver information strictly confidential. Purchases are tracked by patient number, not by name. Employer notification does not happen — the ABCA does not share patient records with employers, and DC’s Cannabis Employment Protections Act generally prevents most employers from taking action against off-duty medical cannabis use (with exceptions for safety-sensitive roles and federal workplaces).
Patient and caregiver information is also protected under HIPAA.
When a Minor Turns 18 in Washington DC
At 18, a patient in Washington DC can apply for a medical marijuana card as an adult. They still need to provide a healthcare recommendation number in their application — adults between 18 and 20 are not permitted to self-certify. Full self-certification becomes available at age 21. When transitioning from minor to adult registration, the patient applies through the standard ABCA adult online portal or in person.
Find more state-specific medical marijuana guides at KIF Doctors’ blog.
Take Action Today
Can minors get a Medical Marijuana Card in Washington DC? Absolutely — through physician recommendation, a Minor Application Form, and a registered caregiver. The ABCA has streamlined many aspects of the 2026 program, but minor patient applications still require offline submission and physician involvement.
Schedule a consultation with KIF Doctors and get your child’s evaluation done with a DC-credentialed physician today
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a minor’s parent submit the DC medical marijuana application online?
No — minor patient applications must be submitted by email, in person, or by mail to the ABCA; the online portal is only available to adult applicants.
Is a doctor’s recommendation required for a minor in Washington DC?
Yes — all patients under 21, including minors, must obtain a healthcare practitioner’s recommendation; self-certification is not an option for minors.
How long is a minor’s medical marijuana registration valid in DC?
As of March 2, 2025, new registrations are issued for two-year periods.
Can a caregiver serve multiple minor patients in DC at the same time?
No — DC caregivers can only be designated by one qualifying patient at a time.
Is the digital registration enough to purchase at a DC dispensary?
Yes — digital and physical registrations are accepted interchangeably at all licensed DC retailers.
Authoritative Sources
- DC Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration – Patients (DC Residents)
- ABCA – Medical Cannabis Patient and Facility Fee Schedule
- DC Law Library – §7-1671.05 Medical Cannabis Program
- DC Official Code – Legalization of Marijuana for Medical Treatment Amendment Act
