Washington Marijuana Information & FAQ

The approved medical conditions for Washington's medical marijuana program include: cancer, HIV, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, seizure disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and spasticity disorders. Additionally, these conditions also are approved when standard treatments or medications do not relieve the symptoms: severe pain, glaucoma, Crohn's disease, hepatitis c, anorexia, severe nausea and cramping.

A physician must write up a recommendation for marijuana use for a qualified debilitating condition. However, the program does not provide a form for physicians to use, but does require that the recommendation contain all the requirements as outlined by the law.

Washington licensed medical doctors, physician assistants, doctors of osteopathy, osteopathic physician assistants, naturopathic physicians, and advanced registered nurse practitioners can write medical marijuana recommendations.

The Washington medical marijuana program does not have a registration or card process. Patients must possess the physician recommendation.

Yes, healthcare professionals may authorize it for any patient providing it's medically appropriate under the law and the profession’s standard of care. However, there are two important changes. First, effective immediately patients and designated providers under the age of 21 cannot participate in a collective garden or receive marijuana that was produced, processed or delivered through a collective garden. A designated provider over the age of 21 may participate in a collective garden on behalf of the person under age 21.

The possession limit is fifteen plants and 24 ounces of useable cannabis.

The Washington program has no registration process. Patients must have the medical recommendation to assert the protections in the law.

No, Washington has no reciprocity agreements with other states.

Washington law allows for patients and caregivers to cultivate marijuana only. Collective gardens are also allowed for and patients can participate with any collective of their choice.

There is no process outlined for physicians to revoke a certification, but recommendations may include an end use date if the physician see that as appropriate.

The Washington state medical marijuana program does not have a registration. Only physician recommendations are required.

The Washington state medical marijuana program does not have a registration. Only physician recommendations are required. Contact your physician if you lose your recommendation.

It is important to recognize that these state marijuana laws do not change the fact that using marijuana continues to be an offense under Federal law.

Washington allows for a designated provider who is at least 18. The qualified patient must designate the provider in writing signed and dated.

Yes, designated providers can grow marijuana on behalf of their qualified patients. Possession limits of fifteen plants and no more than 24 ounces of useable marijuana apply.

Yes, a patient can also be a designated provider for another patient. In that case, no more than double the possession limits are allowed.

The Washington medical marijuana program only allows for collective gardens. Only patients and designated providers can cultivate marijuana.

The Washington medical marijuana program only allows for collective gardens. Only patients and designated providers can cultivate marijuana. There are no limitations on the number of collectives.

Only qualified patients and designated providers can cultivate marijuana either individually or in a collective garden. In addition, no more than 15 plants may be grown or located in any one housing unit even if multiple qualifying patients or designated providers reside in the housing unit.

By July 1, 2016, all currently operating collective gardens will have to either be licensed as a retail store by the LCB or close. However, beginning on July 1, 2016, up to four patients or designated providers may form a cooperative. Cooperatives must be registered with the LCB and located within the home of one of the participants. All members of the cooperative must be age 21 or older.