Does glaucoma qualify for a medical card in Washington?
Yes. The Washington Medical Cannabis Program lists Glaucoma (acute or chronic) not relieved by standard treatments as a qualifying condition. A Washington-licensed provider still has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
About glaucoma
Weak evidence. Cannabis lowers eye pressure for only a few hours at a time. The National Academies found limited evidence that cannabinoids are an ineffective treatment for glaucoma, and eye specialists don't recommend it in place of standard care.
Symptoms Washington patients most often hope to ease:
- High eye pressure that is hard to control
- Eye pain or headaches linked to eye pressure
- Side effects or difficulty using daily eye drops
- Worry about vision loss
- Trouble sleeping
Read more: medical marijuana for glaucoma.
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
- Epilepsy & seizures
- HIV/AIDS
- Hepatitis C
- Multiple sclerosis
- Nausea & appetite loss
- PTSD
- Severe muscle spasms & spasticity
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Glaucoma in nearby states
Frequently asked questions
Do I need medical records for glaucoma?
How long does certification take in Washington?
Can I renew online in Washington?
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.