The Truth About i71 Compliant Shops in DC: Should You Choose a Dispensary?
Cannabis laws in Washington, DC, have undergone significant changes, making it easier for residents and visitors to enjoy cannabis legally. While Initiative 71 once allowed adults 21 and over to possess, share, and grow small amounts of cannabis, DC has since transitioned to a regulated market. However, navigating the cannabis scene in DC can still be confusing, especially when comparing the former i71 gifting shops to licensed dispensaries.
In this article, we’ll break down the impact of Initiative 71, how it differs from the medical marijuana dispensary system, and why licensed dispensaries like No Kids Allowed offer a safer, more reliable option for accessing high-quality cannabis. Whether you're a DC local or a tourist, understanding these differences is key to enjoying cannabis legally and responsibly.
What Is Initiative 71?
Initiative 71, passed by DC voters, decriminalized cannabis, allowing adults 21 and over to possess up to two ounces and grow up to six plants (with no more than three mature at a time). However, it did not establish a legal market for selling cannabis, which led to the rise of i71 gifting shops that operated outside of regulatory oversight.
These shops sold non-cannabis items (like art prints or t-shirts) and provided cannabis as a free gift. Some also offered delivery services, but these often operated in legal gray areas and were unreliable.
While i71 gifting shops were once popular, they came with risks, including inconsistent product quality and potential legal issues. Today, licensed medical dispensaries like No Kids Allowed provide a safer, legal, and more reliable way to access high-quality cannabis, especially with the ease of self-certification for a medical card.
How Do i71 Compliant Shops in DC Work?
Since DC law never allowed the direct sale of recreational cannabis, i71 gifting shops found a loophole—selling items like stickers or t-shirts and offering weed as a free gift. However, as DC moves toward a fully regulated cannabis market, these shops are no longer a viable option.
While this gifting system technically follows Initiative 71, it still exists in a legal gray area with little oversight or regulation. Consumers at these shops often encountered:
Inconsistent quality – No way to verify the strength or purity of products.
Overpriced products – Paying excessive prices for non-cannabis items just to receive cannabis.
Legal risks – Changes in laws left these shops vulnerable to enforcement.
Unreliable service – Long wait times and questionable business practices with i71 delivery services.
While i71 shops once provided access to cannabis, today there’s a better way to buy weed in DC—by visiting a licensed medical dispensary like No Kids Allowed. With regulated products, lab testing, and legal protection, dispensaries ensure a safer and more reliable cannabis experience.
Why a Licensed DC Dispensary is a Better Choice
While i71 compliant shops operated in legal uncertainty, a licensed dispensary like No Kids Allowed ensures that you receive cannabis in a safe, regulated, and fully legal manner.
1. Medical Cannabis is Now Easy to Get
Thanks to DC's self-certification process, you no longer need a doctor’s visit to obtain a medical marijuana card. Residents and tourists can apply online and receive approval within minutes, allowing them to legally shop at a medical dispensary.
2. No Overpriced "Gifts"
Unlike i71 compliant shops that make you buy an overpriced item to get cannabis, dispensaries sell cannabis directly at fair, competitive prices.
3. Better Product Variety
Licensed DC dispensaries offer a wide range of cannabis products, including:
✅ High-quality flower
✅ Edibles with consistent potency
✅ Pre-rolls, concentrates, and tinctures
✅ Various strains tailored to your needs
4. No Legal Risks
Buying from an i71 shop comes with uncertainty—laws can change, and customers may find themselves in a legal gray area. Dispensaries are fully legal and follow all DC cannabis laws, so you can shop without worry.
5. Convenience & Expertise
Dispensaries like No Kids Allowed have:
✔ Knowledgeable staff to guide your purchase
✔ Fast, reliable service (no long waits like i71 delivery services)
✔ Online ordering for quick in-store pickup
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in DC
By obtaining a Medical Cannabis Card, you’ll unlock access to licensed dispensaries like No Kids Allowed, where quality, safety, and compliance come first.
For DC Residents:
Prepare Your Documents:
A DC-issued Driver’s License or government-issued ID with proof of DC residency.
A clear photo of your face.
Self-Certify Online:
Visit the DC Medical Cannabis Program website.
Complete the application form and confirm your medical cannabis use.
Receive Your Temporary Card:
Your temporary card will arrive via email within 5-10 minutes, allowing you to start shopping immediately.
Finalize Your Permanent Card:
Forward the temporary card email to info@nokidsallowed.club for assistance.
For Tourists/Non-DC Residents:
Prepare Your Documents:
A valid government-issued ID.
A clear photo of your face.
Apply Online:
Visit the DC Medical Cannabis Program website and complete the non-resident application form.
Pay the Fee:
Non-residents must pay a fee ranging from $10 to $100 for the card.
Receive Your Temporary Card:
After submission and payment, your temporary card will be emailed to you within minutes.
No Kids Allowed: The Best Dispensary Alternative to i71 Compliant Shops
A licensed dispensary like No Kids Allowed provides the best, most reliable cannabis experience in the city.
Easy access through self-certification
Competitive prices without gimmicks
Premium cannabis products
No legal risks
Don’t waste time with unregulated i71 gifting shops—visit No Kids Allowed, DC’s top-rated dispensary, and experience the best cannabis shopping in the city!
Conclusion
While i71 compliant shops in DC may have seemed like a convenient way to get cannabis, they came with risks, legal uncertainties, and questionable product quality. Instead of dealing with overpriced gifts and unreliable services, getting cannabis from a licensed dispensary is the smarter choice.
With self-certification making it easier than ever to get a medical marijuana card, visiting a DC dispensary like No Kids Allowed ensures you get premium cannabis, fair prices, and a legal, hassle-free experience.
Ready to shop? Apply for your medical marijuana card today and visit No Kids Allowed—the best DC dispensary alternative to i71 shops!
Explore the finest cannabis selections at no kids allowed—your go-to source in DC for top-tier strains and marijuana products. Stop by our DC dispensary store (only a few minutes from Capitol Hill) or browse our collection online. Connect with us at (202) 897-5993 for expert advice on our premium offerings. For exclusive updates and special deals, follow us on Instagram @nka.dc