The federal District of Columbia has been working on its medical cannabis program throughout the coronavirus pandemic. One important development in the capitol’s marijuana laws is its shift in the overseeing agency. According to a report by Marijuana Moment, the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) will be taking over the medical cannabis program in the district. The Department of Health was formerly responsible for this initiative.

This shift is in line with the current budget proposal by DC Mayor Muriel Bowser back in May. Supporters of the medical marijuana program are optimistic about this move as it is deemed a favorable action for the full legalization of the plant in district. The full legalization of cannabis is expected to make the growing, production, distribution, sales and consumption of adult-use recreational cannabis legal and regulated.

Since it took over on October 1, ABRA has been implementing progressive measures to approach marijuana in light of the pandemic. One of these is to allow job applicants to work at a cannabis company for 45 days while undergoing criminal background checks. These companies include cultivation facilities, dispensaries or testing laboratories. This move seeks to avoid backlogs in supply and to meet demands.

Mayor Bowser’s proposal also includes renaming ABRA to the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration.

While the district is working toward legalization, Marijuana Moment noted that “a congressional ride blocks DC from using its own local tax dollars to set up a legal adult-use cannabis market.” Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) has been criticizing the rider. She also stated that the current pandemic calls for a more open retail of MMJ products to deal with the economic impact of the public health issue.

As the rider still stands, the regulating agency is putting efforts to give MMJ patients better access to products in light of the pandemic.

Weed Delivery Rules in DC

At the start of the stay-at-home orders back in April, the district has declared cannabis as an essential service. With this temporary emergency rule, delivery of products has been allowed during the pandemic within limited hours. Patients were able to have products delivered to their location from 11 AM to 7 PM.

However, with the take over of ABRA, new rules about weed delivery now applies. Starting October 1, patients can avail of deliveries from 9 AM to 9 AM, giving them a 12-hour window to get the supplies they need without leaving the comfort of their home. ABRA has also allowed dispensaries to deploy a fleet of three delivery vehicles, instead of only one before the rule amendment.

In a notice released by ABRA on October 1, it said, “The ongoing Coronavirus oandemic has added to the strain on persons with health conditions for which they were recommended medical cannabis.” The Administration also recognized the need for flexibility in weed delivery rules, especially with the number of vehicles used to deliver orders and hours allowed to make deliveries.

Furthermore, the notice also acknowledged the need for immediate action, in light of the fact that the pandemic is still on-going and changes in the situation can occur. Ultimately, ABRA said that the decision to expand delivery rules “is necessary for the promotion of the health, safety, and welfare of District residents.”

What Cannabis Products Can You Have Delivered?

With the flexibility offered by the district when it comes to weed delivery, will be able to get your hands on your preferred cannabis products without leaving your home. If you are wondering what items you can have delivered, you will be glad to know that there is a wide variety of products you can purchase. Check out our menu to see.

Dispensaries can deliver different strains of flowers. Usually, they carry sativas, indicas and hybrids, all of which offer varying degrees of effects. Make sure to choose strains that fit your needs, which depends on the medical condition your MMJ card is addressing.

If you are not into smoking medical cannabis, you also have the option to have vape pens delivered. Many shops offer cartridges to load into your vape pen. You can also purchase edibles such as brownies, gummies and cereal bars for a more discreet consumption.

Other Safe Access Rules in DC

The district’s safe access rules are not limited to weed delivery. You can also get your supply of medical cannabis products and services through various means. Here are some of the most valuable options:

·         Extension of MMJ Cards

Patients and personnel who hold registrations which expired on or after March 11 will be able to enjoy a 45-day extension of their cards and licenses after the end of the public health emergency.

This measure is valuable for medical marijuana patients as many of them have conditions that make them more vulnerable to the virus. Because they have increased risks of contracting the disease, they are advised to limit going out, which prevents them from renewing their cards in-person. With an extension, they will be able to get their supply of medical cannabis while working with renewals once the city’s emergency is over.

·         Telemedicine

Speaking of renewals, current MMJ cardholders will be pleased to know that while they may not be able to renew in-person, they have the option to do so online. The district allows telemedicine for renewals. Telemedicine, which is the practice of remote patient care, has been practiced in the district even before the pandemic.

However, for cannabis medicine and in light of the pandemic, patients can only set appointments for renewals. Those who are planning to get their registrations for the first time are not allowed to use telemedicine for this purpose.

·         Curbside Pickups and Meet-Ups

Those who prefer to pickup their orders can minimize exposure through curbside pickups. What patients just need to do is to get in touch with the dispensary of your choice to place your order. Then, you will need to drive down to the site and wait for the store’s staff to bring your order to you.

Before you go, make sure to ask about the mode of payment they prefer. Because of risks of transmission, many establishments are only accepting contactless payments, which can be through digital transfers and credit cards.

Take note that because cannabis remains to be federally illegal, many traditional financial institutions such as banks avoid dealing with the industry, resulting in the underbanking of the sector. Because of this, only a handful of dispensaries accept credit cards.

Asking about their mode of payment is a great way to avoid any hassle, especially if you are used to paying in cash or credit cards.

·         In-Store Visits with Safety Precautions

With dispensaries being dubbed as an essential service, remaining open and catering to the clientele is of utmost importance. However, many people are still wary of going out, what with the virus still rampant.

Thankfully, numerous establishments are adapting to the new normal, and as such, are taking on various safety precautions in line with the state and the government’s mandate. So, if you prefer to visit the store to buy your supply, then you definitely have this option.

Among the practices taken by establishments and dispensaries alike when it comes to in-store visits are screening all individuals via a body temperature check and conducting contact tracing initiatives by providing a health questionnaire on possible symptoms and contact with persons with COVID-19.

Apart from physical distancing, the strict enforcement of face masks, as well as face shields, are also observed by establishments.

To promote good hygiene and sanitation, dispensaries are also requiring visitors to undergo hand washing or disinfection through the help of alcohol or sanitizer. Handwashing and sanitizing products, such as soap, water, alcohol, and or hand sanitizer are located in various parts of the store, including all entry and exit points.

In line with enhanced hygiene and sanitation practices, employees and are also ordered to disinfect high-traffic and high-touch surfaces and equipment where customers come in contact within the store.

 Last but not least, customers are encouraged to peruse electronic gadgets and devices – such as leveraging QR codes for selecting items and even contactless solutions – to limit contact with other individuals.

Reminders for Purchasing Cannabis in DC

ABRA director Fred Moosally expressed his optimism about the Administration’s take over of the MMJ program. According to Moossally, “We look forward to collaborating with key stakeholders including patients, caregivers, healthcare practitioners, industry leaders, and advocates to further enhance what has become a national model program.”

As a patient, you will also need to work with the authorities to ensure the safety and legality of your possession and consumption. As a DC resident, you can have up to 2 ounces or less without penalties or incarceration. You can also grow 6 plants or less without punishments. Your paraphernalia are also safe as there are no penalties and jailtime for them. However, public use can be charged with a misdemeanor with cite and release.

The Bottom Line

The more flexible rules for cannabis access in DC introduced by ABRA allows MMJ cardholders a safer way to purchase the products they need. With these weed delivery and other safe access rules, you can minimize health risks while getting the medical cannabis supplies you need.