Can you get a medical marijuana card for PTSD in Washington?
Yes. The Washington Medical Cannabis Program lists Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a qualifying condition. A Washington-licensed provider still has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
About PTSD
Limited evidence. The National Academies found limited evidence that cannabinoids improve PTSD symptoms, based on a small trial of nabilone for nightmares. Many patients report better sleep and fewer nightmares, and larger studies are under way.
Symptoms Washington patients most often hope to ease:
- Nightmares
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Feeling on edge or easily startled
- Anxiety and irritability
- Intrusive memories that are hard to switch off
Read more: medical marijuana for PTSD.
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
- Multiple sclerosis
- Nausea & appetite loss
- Severe muscle spasms & spasticity
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
PTSD in nearby states
Frequently asked questions
Do I need medical records for PTSD?
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.