Does multiple sclerosis qualify in Washington?
Yes. The Washington Medical Cannabis Program lists Multiple sclerosis as a qualifying condition. A Washington-licensed provider still has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
About multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that damages the protective coating of nerves, causing spasticity, pain, fatigue and bladder problems.
Stronger evidence. The National Academies found substantial evidence that oral cannabinoids improve MS spasticity symptoms as reported by patients.
Symptoms Washington patients most often hope to ease:
- Muscle stiffness and spasticity
- Painful muscle spasms, especially at night
- Burning or tingling nerve pain
- Sleep disrupted by spasms or pain
- Overactive bladder
Before you start. Cannabis does not slow MS, so keep taking your disease-modifying therapy as prescribed. Studies have linked regular cannabis use in MS with worse memory and thinking, which matters because MS can already affect cognition.
Read more: medical marijuana for multiple sclerosis.
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
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Hepatitis C
- Nausea & appetite loss
- PTSD
- Severe muscle spasms & spasticity
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Multiple sclerosis in nearby states
- Multiple sclerosis in Oregon
Frequently asked questions
Do I need medical records for multiple sclerosis?
Helpful records include: an MS diagnosis from a neurologist, ideally with MRI reports; a list of your disease-modifying therapy and symptom medicines; notes on spasticity, pain or sleep problems and how they affect daily life. 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.