Alaska vs. Washington medical marijuana card: how they compare
Live near the Alaska–Washington line? You can only get a card in the state where you live, but here's how the two programs compare.
Side by side
| Alaska | Washington | |
|---|---|---|
| First visit online | In person first | In person first |
| State fee | $25 | $1 minimum for the recognition card (stores may charge more) |
| Card lasts | 1 year | Up to 1 year for adults; up to 6 months for minors |
| Patient limit | 1 ounce of usable marijuana | With a recognition card: 3 oz usable cannabis, 48 oz solid infused, 216 oz liquid infused, 21 g concentrate, plus up to 8 oz (or 16 oz if authorized) from home grow |
| Home grow | Up to 6 plants, with no more than 3 mature and flowering at once | 4 plants with an authorization only; 6 plants with a recognition card, up to 15 if the practitioner authorizes; 15 plants max per household |
| Recreational | Legal | Legal |
| Listed conditions | 9 | 14 |
Residency is what matters
Both programs are for residents. Moving across the line means applying again in your new state — and you can't carry cannabis between them.
Read more
Sources
- Alaska Department of Health - Medical Marijuana
- Alaska Department of Health - Medical Marijuana Registry information (PDF)
- Alaska Statutes 17.37.010 (Registry)
- Alaska Statutes 17.37.040 (Possession limits)
- Alaska Statutes 17.37.070 (Definitions)
This guide is general information, not medical or legal advice. Laws change — confirm details with your state agency. State facts last checked October 7, 2026.