D.C.’s Cannabis Market Sees Surge in Out-of-State Patients Amid Self-Certification Boom
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Washington, D.C.’s cannabis market is experiencing a major transformation, fueled by a sharp increase in out-of-state medical cannabis patients. Thanks to the District’s unique self-certification model, which allows individuals to register as medical cannabis patients without requiring approval from a healthcare provider, more non-residents are crossing state lines to take advantage of D.C.’s more accessible system.
While D.C. residents still made up the majority of medical cannabis purchasers in May 2025, the gap between local and out-of-state buyers is narrowing quickly. The most significant growth comes from the self-certified patient category, which has seen a staggering 435% year-over-year increase. Self-certified patients now account for 41% of all cannabis purchases in the District—an unprecedented figure that highlights a fundamental shift in how patients are accessing cannabis.
Much of this growth is regional. Patients from nearby states, particularly Virginia and Maryland, made up 24% of all medical cannabis customers in May. This surge underscores how D.C.’s cannabis program is increasingly becoming a regional hub, attracting patients from neighboring states with stricter or more complicated access pathways.
Despite the changing patient demographics, consumer behavior remains largely consistent. In-store purchases continue to dominate, accounting for 98% of all transactions in May. This trend suggests that most patients still prefer the experience and immediacy of in-person shopping. However, dispensaries shouldn’t overlook the potential of delivery services. According to the data, patients who use delivery consistently spend more per order—often double the average cart size of in-store shoppers. This presents an opportunity for businesses to invest in and optimize their delivery infrastructure to capture high-value customers.
As more dispensaries open across the District, staying ahead of patient trends will be key to success. Retailers and stakeholders must pay close attention to who is shopping, where they’re coming from, and how they prefer to make purchases. The rise in self-certification, coupled with the influx of out-of-state patients, suggests that D.C.’s cannabis market is no longer just a local operation—it’s becoming a regional model of accessibility.
With strong growth indicators and evolving consumer dynamics, Washington, D.C. is positioning itself as a leader in innovative cannabis access. For dispensaries, adapting to these trends could mean the difference between stagnation and sustained success.