Can I Get Arrested for Smoking Weed in DC?
Since the passing of Initiative 71 in 2015, cannabis laws in Washington DC have confused both residents and visitors. While it’s legal to possess up to two ounces of marijuana and to gift cannabis under the I-71 framework, the rules about where you can consume it are strict. One of the most common concerns for people in the District is whether they can get arrested for smoking weed.
The Short Answer
Yes — you can get arrested for smoking weed in public or on federal property in DC. Even though DC has legalized possession and gifting, public consumption is still illegal, and nearly 30% of the city is federally owned. Violating these rules can result in fines, citations, or in some cases, arrest.
Where You Can Get in Trouble
To stay safe, you need to understand the boundaries of DC’s cannabis laws. Here are the main places where smoking weed can get you into legal trouble:
Public Spaces
Smoking in public — including streets, sidewalks, alleys, parks, and hotel balconies — is illegal. Law enforcement can issue fines or arrest you for consuming cannabis in plain view.
Federal Property
Because cannabis remains illegal under federal law, smoking on any federally owned property can result in arrest and prosecution. This includes popular attractions like:
- The National Mall
- Theodore Roosevelt Island
- Rock Creek Park
- The Lincoln Memorial & Washington Monument
- Jefferson Memorial & FDR Memorial
- U.S. Capitol Grounds
- Smithsonian Museums & Grounds
Lighting up in any of these areas puts you at risk for more serious consequences than just a ticket.
Where It’s Safe to Smoke
The only truly safe place to smoke cannabis in DC is in a private residence or in a cannabis-friendly rental where the host allows it. A handful of private events and lounges may permit cannabis consumption, but these are limited and not always consistent.
If you’re in town and want to enjoy the District’s cannabis culture safely, check out Blaze DC, an I-71 compliant delivery service. Blaze offers exclusive deals, hybrids, uplifting sativas, relaxing indicas, and premium exotics delivered right to your door.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you get caught smoking weed in public in DC?
Police can issue a citation, fine, or in some cases make an arrest. While minor infractions often result in fines, it’s still a legal risk that can disrupt your visit.
Can tourists get arrested for smoking weed in DC?
Yes. The law applies equally to residents and visitors. Tourists are allowed to possess cannabis but not consume it in public or on federal property.
Is it legal to smoke weed on your hotel balcony?
No. Hotels are considered public spaces, and most operate under federal guidelines banning cannabis use. Smoking on a balcony could result in eviction or arrest.
Can you bring weed across state lines from DC?
No. Transporting cannabis across state lines — whether into Virginia, Maryland, or beyond — is a federal crime. Always consume in DC before traveling out of the city.
Final Thoughts
So, can you get arrested for smoking weed in DC? Yes — if you do it in public or on federal property. To stay safe and enjoy your cannabis worry-free, keep your sessions private and legal. For top-quality exotic strains and rotating specials, rely on Blaze DC for I-71 compliant delivery during your stay in the capital.
