Washington, DC

(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser, the Department of Health, and the Mayor’s Office of Policy announced emergency rulemaking to allow District residents who wish to enroll in DC’s Medical Marijuana Program to use a REAL ID driver’s license issued by the DC Department of Motor Vehicles as proof of residency, in lieu of two other forms of acceptable identification.

“This patient-centric reform will streamline the application process and make it easier for residents to enroll in the program at the Department of Health and access care through one of the District’s authorized medical marijuana dispensaries,” said Mayor Bowser.

This move builds on Mayor Bowser’s patient-centric emergency rule announced last month that allows non-District residents with medical marijuana cards to purchase medical marijuana during their visits to Washington, DC, expanding the number of states whose medical cards the District recognizes from 19 to at least 27 states.

In May 2019, Mayor Bowser proposed the Safe Cannabis Sales Act of 2019 – legislation allowing for the sale of recreational cannabis in Washington, DC. The bill enhances public health and safety, provides clarity on the use of cannabis and cannabis products, and advances equity to ensure that the benefits of a cannabis regime go to DC’s most vulnerable communities through jobs and investments in housing. To learn more about the Safe Cannabis Act of 2019, click here.

The REAL ID is a new, federally compliant driver license issued by the DC Department of Motor Vehicles. The license complies with federal laws and efforts to improve the reliability and accuracy of state driver and identification cards. More information on the REAL ID license program and how to apply is available here.