Medical Marijuana Debuts in Nation’s Capital

The first sale of medical marijuana has taken place in Washington, D.C., Capital City Care has announced via its Facebook page.

“We are proud beyond words to announce that Capital City Care has opened its doors and made the first sales of medical marijuana in the Nation’s Capital,” the dispensary wrote today.

The sale, which occurred Monday, comes 15 years after voters approved legalizing medical marijuana by passing Initiative 59 with a 69 percent approval rating in 1998. The effort was immediately placed on hold when

Congress passed the Barr Amendment, prohibiting Washington, D.C. from funding a medical marijuana program. The congressional amendment was overturned in 2009, when the District began to establish a program to license and regulate medical marijuana.

The Washington Post reports that D.C. Health Department spokeswoman Najma Roberts has said as of Monday, nine patients have obtained a city-issued medical marijuana card and about 20 doctors have requested forms that allow them to recommend it.