FAQs

Provided below are answers to questions we frequently hear asked by both local and out-of-state patients.

Patient questions

Yes. If you are 21 plus getting a card takes approximately 10 minutes.

Yes. The list of state programs that DC recognizes changes as new states approve medical cannabis programs. For the most up-to-date information, click on the following link and scroll down to near the middle of that page: State List

NOTE: California cards must be issued by a California county health department. Cards issued by physicians (such as NuggMD) are not accepted.

No, but international visitors 21 plus may self-certify and get a temporary non-resident card. Click here to start your registration.

If you are 21 plus you may register for a temporary non-resident card. Click here to start your registration process.

Yes, you must be at least 18 years old. Students between the age of 18 and 21 may not self-certify and must get a health care practitioner recommendation.

Click the applicable category (Washington DC, Non-Resident, Maryland, Virginia or West Virginia) and follow the guidelines. For your convenience, we have outlined the process for obtaining your card in DC and three nearby states (Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia).

Yes, under certain conditions. The process for minors is slightly different and they must have a registered caretaker to purchase their medications. Click here for the minor’s application.

Absolutely. Please call the dispensary at (202) 618-5635 and we will connect you with our patient application specialist; stop by and we will assist you in completing your on-line application (take a minute to review the documentation you will need); or send an email to: [email protected]

DC health practitioners may recommend medical cannabis for any condition, disease or symptom.

DC no longer requires a health care practitioner recommendation for adults 21 and over. DC residents 21 plus may self-certify.

DC no longer requires a health care practitioner recommendation for adults 21 and over. DC residents 21 plus may self-certify.

Yes, your identity, enrollment in the medical cannabis program and purchases are protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

You will receive a temporary registration email within approximately 5 minutes of completing your online application. Your temporary registration is good for 30 days and may be used immediately at Herbal Alternatives.

No. I-71 compliant is simply a catchy phrase illegal operators use. They are not licensed, the products they sell are unregulated and your privacy is not protected.

No. We want to be able to assist everyone of legal age that visits us, but DC’s laws do not currently allow for any sales to anyone not enrolled in an ABCA recognized medical cannabis program. However, everyone 21 plus may register in DC’s program in normally less than 10 minutes.

Dispensary questions

Appointments are not required. You are welcome to stop by any time we are open. Your first visit may take a little longer than normal as we get to know you and your needs and get you set up in our system.

You will need to bring your medical cannabis card (or email equivalent) and a current photo ID. 

You may purchase up to 8 ounces in a rolling 30-day period. A rolling period means that the total of each transaction is subtracted from your limit for exactly 30 days from the date of each specific transaction.

Herbal Alternatives Cannabis Specialists will help guide you in the selection process;  taking into consideration your experience level, condition(s) and consumption preferences.

Yes, Herbal Alternatives stocks an extensive menu of products that the experienced user will find helpful in meeting their specific needs.

All cannabis products sold by Herbal Alternatives come from licensed DC cultivators and manufacturers.

Yes, for the most part. Herbal Alternatives is what is called a deli-style dispensary. Most of our flowers are in bulk. We individually weigh out your flowers in increments of your choosing. We carry a few flowers pre-packaged by the cultivator and those packages may not be opened.

No. However, some products are so popular that they can sell out quickly after receiving a shipment.  The good news is there are almost always comparable alternatives.

Herbal Alternatives currently accepts cash and debit cards. There are fees associated with using a debit or credit card.

To place a pre-order for pick-up or delivery, simply click the Pre-Order button at the top of the page.

Yes, we have a very large selection of accessories that accommodate every method of consumption.

Yes, including:

DC Sliding Scale (Redbox)
Veteran
New Patient

Discounts are not stackable and not applied to sale items and some promotions.

Yes, My Stash Jar® is Herbal Alternatives loyalty reward program. From the About Us drop down menu at the top of the page, click here to learn more about the program. Enroll here.