What are Head Shops?
A head shop is a retail store that sells smoking accessories and cannabis products. Head shops also often sell other items, such as accessories and clothing, but they are best known for their extensive selection of bongs and pipes.
Head shops can also gift free weed to cannabis enthusiasts across the district. It is important to note that some retail outlets in DC that do gift cannabis do not refer to themselves as “head shops” and could refer to themselves as an I-71 compliant gifting dispensary, but could fit under that definition. So it’s worthwhile to look into what retailers offer or order online before visiting.
Cannabis Laws in DC: What You Need to Know
In 2014, Initiative 71 was passed, which legalized possession of up to two ounces of cannabis for personal use and allows for the growth of up to six plants at home (only three can be mature).
While possessing cannabis in the district is lawful, it is illegal to purchase it anyplace. No one is permitted to sell cannabis; however, persons over the age of 21 are permitted to gift one another up to one ounce of cannabis. Any and all transfers are to be done without payment, and sales of cannabis are not permitted under any circumstances.
To comply with Initiative 71, some DC head shops provide "free" cannabis as a "gift" with the purchase of a non-cannabis product.
For more information about Initiative 71, you can read “Initiative 71: Everything you need to know.”
Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Head Shop
When looking for a head shop, there are a few key things to consider to ensure you find a reputable and reliable shop that meets your needs.
Look for a head shop that offers a wide variety of products. This will give you more options to choose from and find the perfect product for your needs.
Make sure the head shop you choose has a reputation for selling high-quality products.
Look for a head shop with knowledgeable and friendly staff who can answer your questions and help you find the right products.
Consider the head shop's location. You want it to be easily accessible and in a safe area.
Look for head shops that offer good customer service, such as returns, exchange or money-back guarantees.
Ensure that the head shop you choose is following all legal requirements.
Products Found in DC Head Shops
Head shops in Washington D.C. may have a variety of products, including:
CBD products - CBD oil, tinctures, capsules, edibles, and other products made from the non-psychoactive compound found in hemp and marijuana plants.
Weed products - cannabis flowers, concentrates, and edibles.
Smoking accessories - bongs, pipes, vaporizers, rolling papers, and other items used for smoking tobacco or legal herbs.
Glassware - hand-blown glass pipes as well as other glass art.
Quality herbal tea blends.
Clothing and accessories - T-shirts, hoodies, hats, and other clothing items with cannabis culture-related designs.
Types of Head Shops in DC
There are a few subcategories of head shops, which may specialize in certain products or target certain customer groups. Some examples include:
Smoke shops: These head shops primarily sell smoking-related products, such as pipes, bongs, rolling papers, and vaporizers. FunkyPiece Smoke Shop & Glass Gallery, Gasaholics Smoke Shop and Pride Smoke Shop & Gift Store are some examples of smoke shops you can find in DC.
Hemp shops: These head shops specialize in selling products made from hemp, such as clothing, jewelry, and other accessories. They may also sell legal psychoactive substances such as CBD products. An example of a hemp shop in DC is Capitol Hemp.
Vape shops: These head shops specialize in selling electronic cigarettes and vaping devices, along with e-liquids and other vaping accessories. Capital Vape Supply and M Street Glass & Vape are among the best vape shops in DC.
I-71 compliant dispensaries: In the United States, the legality of cannabis varies significantly, but in states where medical cannabis is allowed, cannabis dispensaries sometimes double as head shops. The House of Herbs falls under this definition as we gift cannabis with a purchase of herbal teas and refer to ourselves as an Initiative-71 compliant cannabis gifting dispensary in DC.
Online head shops: These head shops are an online based store that specializes in selling smoking-related products, legal psychoactive substances and other accessories.
Keep in mind that not all head shops are legal, and some may sell illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia. It is important to check the local laws and regulations.
How to Get Free Weed Gifts in DC
Initiative 71 compliant head shops in the District of Columbia provide complimentary cannabis gifts. You do not need to be a medical patient or have a marijuana card in order to get marijuana in the District of Columbia using this method, making it the most popular option to do so. Simply adhere to the regulations established by Initiative 71. You will not be able to "purchase" marijuana; rather, it will be given to you as a gift.
Participate in promotions: Some dispensaries and head shops in D.C. may offer promotions where customers can receive free weed gifts with a purchase. Keep an eye out for these promotions and take advantage of them when they are available.
Join a loyalty program: Some dispensaries in D.C. have loyalty programs where customers can earn points for purchases that can be redeemed for free weed gifts. For example, at House of Herbs DC, we provide buyers on our text message list with regular deals. (See email opt-in at bottom of page)
Attend events: Some dispensaries and head shops in D.C. may host events where they give away free weed gifts to attendees. Keep an eye out for events in your area and consider attending them.
If you’re looking for more ways to get your favorite cannabis products, check out this guide on How To Buy Weed In DC!
Final Thoughts
DC head shops offer a wide variety of products for those interested in smoking and vaping. From pipes and bongs to CBD and weed products, these shops have something for everyone. It is important to do your research and shop around to find a reputable store with high-quality products. With this guide, you will be able to find the best head shop in DC for your needs in 2023.
House of Herbs DC
As a cannabis gifting dispensary in DC, House of Herbs is in full compliance with Initiative 71. Whenever you buy herbal tea from us, we'll give you some free cannabis flowers, edibles, or concentrates of your choice.
Here you can find out more information about House of Herbs. You may contact us if you have any inquiries, concerns, or recommendations. We would love to hear from you.