Does epilepsy and seizures qualify in Washington?
Yes. The Washington Medical Cannabis Program lists Epilepsy or other seizure disorder as a qualifying condition. A Washington-licensed provider still has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
About epilepsy and seizures
Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes repeated seizures. Some forms, like Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, don't respond well to standard medications.
Stronger evidence. The FDA has approved a prescription CBD medicine (Epidiolex) for seizures linked to Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome and tuberous sclerosis complex, based on controlled trials.
Symptoms Washington patients most often hope to ease:
- Seizures that continue despite trying two or more medicines
- Side effects such as tiredness and fogginess from seizure medicines
- Poor sleep that can make seizures more likely
- Anxiety about when the next seizure will happen
- Mood and behavior changes linked to epilepsy
Before you start. Never stop or lower your seizure medicines on your own, because this can trigger severe or prolonged seizures. CBD can raise levels of clobazam and increase liver enzyme problems with valproate, and it can raise levels of everolimus used in tuberous sclerosis complex.
Read more: medical marijuana for epilepsy and seizures.
How to get certified in Washington
- Confirm you have one of Washington's listed qualifying conditions.
- Book an in-person visit with an MD, DO, ND, PA or ARNP willing to authorize medical cannabis (the state does not publish a provider list).
- Get the signed medical cannabis authorization form if the practitioner agrees cannabis may help.
- Optionally (required for minors), take the authorization and your ID to a medically endorsed cannabis store.
- Have a certified medical cannabis consultant enter you in the database and issue your recognition card for a minimum $1 fee.
- Shop tax-free for DOH-compliant products at endorsed stores using your recognition card.
Washington requires your first certification visit in person. Renewals can usually be done online.
Costs and timeline
- State fee: $1 minimum for the recognition card (stores may charge more)
- Card lasts: Up to 1 year for adults; up to 6 months for minors
- Processing: Recognition card issued during the in-person store visit
- Patient limit: 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: 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 sales: Legal for adults 21+
- First visit online: No — in person first
See the full Washington cost breakdown and Washington program overview.
Other qualifying conditions in Washington
- Anorexia & appetite loss
- Cachexia & wasting syndrome
- Cancer
- Chronic pain
- Crohn's & IBD
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Hepatitis C
- Multiple sclerosis
- Nausea & appetite loss
- PTSD
- Severe muscle spasms & spasticity
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Epilepsy & seizures in nearby states
Frequently asked questions
Do I need medical records for epilepsy and seizures?
Helpful records include: a neurologist's note confirming epilepsy and the seizure type or syndrome; EEG and MRI reports; a complete list of current and past seizure medicines, with doses and side effects. Many patients are still evaluated on their history alone, and your Washington provider will tell you if more is needed.
How long does certification take in Washington?
The provider visit takes about 15 minutes. Recognition card issued during the in-person store visit.
Can I renew online in Washington?
In most cases, yes. Before the authorization expires, get a new one from your practitioner, which can be by telemedicine if the practitioner allows it, then renew the recognition card at an endorsed store. A designated provider can pick up the renewal card if an in-person visit would cause the patient severe hardship.
Sources
- Medical Cannabis - Washington State Department of Health
- Medical Cannabis Patient Information - Washington State Department of Health
- Medical Cannabis Frequently Asked Questions - Washington State Department of Health
- National Academies — The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids (2017)
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.