7 things to know about Washington's medical marijuana program

Washington's medical cannabis program is run by the Department of Health under the 2015 Cannabis Patient Protection Act. Patients with a listed terminal or debilitating condition get a medical cannabis authorization from an MD, DO, naturopath, physician assistant or advanced registered nurse practitioner; the first visit must be in person. The authorization alone lets an adult grow four plants. Adults may then choose to be entered into the state database at a medically endorsed store, where a certified consultant issues a recognition card. The card brings tax-free purchases of DOH-compliant products, higher purchase and possession limits, and the right to grow more plants. Minors must be registered.

7 things to know

1. Your first authorization visit must be in person, but renewals can be done by telemedicine.
2. Joining the state database and getting a recognition card is optional for adults and required for minors.
3. Recognition cards are issued only at medically endorsed stores by certified consultants.
4. Card holders buy DOH-compliant products free of cannabis excise and sales tax.
5. Card holders can buy up to three times the adult-use limit, such as 3 oz of usable cannabis.
6. Authorizations last one year for adults and six months for minors.
7. Naturopathic physicians, PAs and ARNPs can authorize patients, not just MDs and DOs.

At a glance

• 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

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

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.