FAQ’S




Are there limits to how much I can purchase?

Yes, your 30-day limit is four ounces or 113.4 grams. This is a rolling limit. Your available balance on any given day is calculated as the limit (113.4 grams) minus the total of all purchases within the past 30 days.

Is there a supply shortage in DC?

Yes, and no. Currently Herbal Alternatives has an ample supply of dried flowers with high THC profiles but the supply of strains containing high quantities of other cannabinoids (such as CBD, CBG and CBC) is limited. Some dispensaries may still restrict the amount you can purchase on any given day or of a specific strain. Some will not. (Herbal Alternatives is not currently limiting purchases).
The real shortage is in the variety of products (such as edibles, capsules, cartridges, topicals, etc.) and the minimal number and type of concentrates available.

Are the cannabis products sold by dispensaries in DC lab-tested?

All cannabis products are tested by the cultivators themselves and not third party, independent laboratories. Cultivators are only required to provide THC and CBD profiles. We strongly recommend you contact your DC council person and ask them to push for regulations that require third party laboratory testing and full profiling (all major cannabinoids and terpenoids) as well as potency, microbial contamination, aflatoxins, residual solvents, and pesticides testing.

What is vaping?

Vaping is a method of delivery that currently relies on one of two types of heating mechanisms that release active ingredients from the cannabis, converting them to vapor. Cannabinoids begin to vaporize around 284°F, with combustion beginning at around 446°F. Vaporizers apply heat between those temperatures. Vaping does not burn the product and is considered a safer method of delivery than smoking though the effects from the cannabis are almost as immediate.
Vaporizers (vapes) come in all shapes and sizes ranging from large, more stationary vaporizers to portable vape pens. Stationary vapes have two types of delivery systems: whip-style and bag-style. The “whip” is the tubing that connects the vaporizer to the mouthpiece. “Bags,” or “balloons,” attach a food-grade plastic bag to the heating chamber which, when activated, is filled with vapor. Portable vaporizers either preheat the cannabis material or heat “on-demand” as the patient draws on the mouthpiece to activate the heating element.

What forms of payment do you accept?

Currently we accept cash. We have an ATM on site as well.

Who is permitted inside the dispensary?

All DC registered patients and caregivers are allowed inside the dispensary as well as medical cardholders from 16 states. The list of acceptable states changes. Please call Herbal Alternatives to verify whether your state is recognized by D.C. Your registration card and photo ID must be presented for every visit. Companions may accompany patients to the dispensary floor but are not allowed inside the dispensary unless registered as a caregiver.

What is Pre-ordering?

When you are in a rush, or simply know exactly what you want, you may contact Herbal Alternatives ahead of time to let us know what you would like prepared for pick-up. We will package and invoice your order so that when you arrive you need only present your registration card and photo ID and pay for your purchase. Pre-orders may be phoned in, emailed or completed on-line. Emailed and on-line requests will receive an email or text confirmation when the order is ready. Pre-order requests should be submitted at least 30 minutes before opening.

How can I transfer dispensaries?

Patients and caregivers may now enter any licensed DC dispensary and no longer need to transfer.