Cannabis Laws in Washington State (2025)

Your comprehensive guide to legal cannabis use, possession limits, and more

Washington Cannabis Legal Status

Recreational Cannabis: Legal
Medical Cannabis: Legal
Home Growing: Not Allowed (Medical patients only)
Where to Buy: Licensed dispensaries only
Learn About Medical Marijuana

Cannabis Laws in Washington

When Was It Legalized?

Recreational cannabis was legalized in Washington in 2012 through Initiative 502, making it one of the first states to legalize adult-use cannabis alongside Colorado. The state began recreational sales in July 2014.

Medical marijuana has been legal since 1998 when voters approved Initiative 692, establishing the Medical Use of Marijuana Act.

Who Can Use Cannabis in Washington?

Recreational Use

  • Adults 21 years and older can legally purchase and possess cannabis
  • No doctor's recommendation required

Medical Use

Washington's medical marijuana program serves patients with qualifying conditions including:

  • Cancer
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Epilepsy or seizure disorders
  • Spasticity disorders
  • Chronic renal failure
  • PTSD
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Chronic pain
  • Intractable pain
  • Glaucoma
  • Crohn's disease
  • Hepatitis C with debilitating nausea or pain

Possession Limits

Recreational Limits

  • 1 ounce of usable cannabis (dried flower)
  • 16 ounces of cannabis-infused product in solid form
  • 72 ounces of cannabis-infused product in liquid form
  • 7 grams of cannabis concentrate

Medical Limits

Patients with medical marijuana authorization can possess:

  • 3 ounces of usable cannabis
  • 48 ounces of cannabis-infused product in solid form
  • 216 ounces of cannabis-infused product in liquid form
  • 21 grams of cannabis concentrate

Growing Laws

  • Recreational: Home cultivation is not permitted for recreational users in Washington
  • Medical: Qualifying patients who register with the state database can grow up to 6 plants. Those with healthcare practitioner authorization for additional plants may grow up to 15 plants

Read More: U.S. Cannabis Laws by State – Full Guide

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Authorization in Washington

Medical Marijuana Authorization Process

Step-by-Step Process:

1 Determine if you qualify

Verify if your condition is on Washington's list of qualifying conditions

2 Get healthcare practitioner approval

Schedule an appointment with a qualified healthcare practitioner (MD, DO, ARNP, PA, naturopathic physician, or osteopathic physician assistant)

3 Receive your authorization form

The healthcare practitioner will complete an authorization form if you qualify

4 Optional but recommended - Join the database

Register with the Washington State Medical Marijuana Authorization Database to receive:

  • Medical marijuana recognition card
  • Enhanced possession limits
  • Sales tax exemptions on purchases
  • Access to high-THC products
  • Authorization to grow plants
Learn About Medical Marijuana

Where to Buy Cannabis in Washington

Washington has numerous licensed cannabis retailers across the state. These stores are regulated by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB).

Licensed Dispensaries in Washington:

Seattle Area

Have a Heart

Multiple locations throughout Seattle

Uncle Ike's

Multiple locations throughout Seattle

The Reef

Capitol Hill, Seattle

Spokane Area

Satori

Multiple locations throughout Spokane

Cinder

Multiple locations throughout Spokane

Olympia Area

Green Lady

Downtown Olympia

Gypsy Greens

Olympia

Note: All recreational dispensaries can serve medical patients, but only medically-endorsed stores can offer tax exemptions and high-THC products to authorized patients.

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CBD & Hemp Laws in Washington

Is CBD legal in Washington? Yes

CBD products derived from hemp with less than 0.3% THC are legal in Washington state, following the 2018 Federal Farm Bill.

Can you buy CBD without a prescription? Yes

CBD products are widely available without a prescription at retail stores, specialty shops, and online.

Where to Buy CBD:

  • Health food stores
  • CBD specialty shops
  • Dispensaries
  • Online retailers

Read Also: CBD vs. THC – What's the Difference?

Cannabis & Driving Laws in Washington

Can You Drive While High? Illegal

Driving under the influence of cannabis is strictly prohibited in Washington.

THC Limits for Driving:

Washington has a per se limit of 5 nanograms of THC per milliliter of blood (5 ng/mL) for drivers age 21 and over.

DUI Penalties:

  • First offense: Up to 364 days in jail, $5,000 fine, 90-day license suspension
  • Second offense: Minimum 30 days in jail, up to $5,000 fine, 2-year license suspension
  • Third offense: Minimum 90 days in jail, up to $10,000 fine, 3-year license suspension

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I travel with cannabis in Washington?

You can legally transport cannabis within Washington state as long as it's within legal possession limits and in a sealed container. However, it's illegal to cross state lines with cannabis, even if traveling to another legal state like Oregon. Cannabis remains federally illegal, so transportation across state lines constitutes federal drug trafficking.

Can I buy cannabis edibles in Washington?

Yes, cannabis edibles are legal in Washington. Recreational users can purchase edibles with up to 10mg THC per serving and packages with a maximum of 100mg THC total. Medical patients may access higher-potency products at medically-endorsed retailers.

What happens if I get caught with cannabis over the legal limit in Washington?

Possession over legal limits can result in criminal charges:

  • Possession of 1-40 grams: Misdemeanor (up to 90 days in jail, $1,000 fine)
  • Possession of over 40 grams: Class C felony (up to 5 years in prison, $10,000 fine)
Are there senior/veteran discounts for cannabis in Washington?

Many dispensaries offer discounts for seniors and veterans. These vary by location, but typically range from 10-20% off purchases. Check with individual retailers for their specific discount programs.

Compliance Information

The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Cannabis products are for use only by adults 21 years of age and older, or qualified patients. Keep out of reach of children. Cannabis can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of cannabis.

Last Updated: March 2025