Medical cannabis in Washington State began a resurgence in 2024 as the legislature approved new tax breaks for medical patients purchasing medical products. This guide is intended to help current and prospective medical patients navigate the new landscape of medical cannabis in Washington.
Medical cannabis refers to the use of cannabis plant products to treat certain medical conditions. In Washington State, medical cannabis can be recommended by licensed healthcare professionals for patients with qualifying conditions. Patients purchasing medical cannabis from medically-endorsed retailers do not have to pay a 37% excise tax nor sales tax, resulting in savings of 45% or more. The entity overseeing medical cannabis in Washington is the Department of Health.
The terms "DOH" and "medical cannabis" are becoming synonymous in Washington State. That's because "DOH" is short for "Department of Health", the entity that regulates medical cannabis guidelines and testing requirements in Washington.
DOH-compliant products (like all Heylo, Treehaus, and Yolo) have an emblem on the front of the package that says "General Use Compliant" indicating they are medically-endorsed.
Here's a visual of that emblem:
In mid-2024 the rules on medical cannabis changed dramatically as medical patients no longer were subject to the State's 37% excise tax when purchasing medical cannabis.
That means if you purchase DOH-Compliant product with a valid medical card, you can save 45% or more on your purchase.
Washington allows patients with certain conditions to qualify for medical cannabis. Qualifying conditions include cancer, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, intractable pain, PTSD, and more. A healthcare provider can assess your condition to see if medical cannabis may benefit you.
To get a medical cannabis authorization in Washington, you need to speak in-person with a healthcare professional who is authorized to recommend cannabis. You must have a qualifying condition. If your provider determines that cannabis may benefit you, they will complete an authorization form that allows you to purchase medical cannabis at licensed dispensaries. IMPORTANT: Don't fall prey to scams offering medical cannabis authorization online. This determination can only be given in-person at this time.
Yes, patients must be at least 18 years old to independently qualify for medical cannabis in Washington. Patients under 18 may qualify but require parental or guardian consent, and a designated provider must be involved in purchasing and administering cannabis.
A medical cannabis card is optional in Washington but offers certain benefits, such as tax-free purchases, higher possession limits, and access to high-THC products. You can get a card from a licensed dispensary that participates in Washington's medical cannabis program. If you're just looking to purchase cannabis, you can do so at any recreational store (so long as you are 21 years of age or older).
Licensed cannabis dispensaries in Washington carry medical cannabis products. Look for dispensaries with certified medical cannabis consultants, as they can guide you to products suitable for your condition and help with getting a medical cannabis card.
Medical cannabis patients in Washington have access to a variety of products, including flower, edibles, tinctures, concentrates, topicals, and capsules. The choice depends on your specific needs, with consultants available to help guide your selection.
A medical cannabis consultant is a certified professional who assists patients with selecting appropriate cannabis products based on their medical needs. They are trained to help patients understand dosages, methods of consumption, and safety tips.
Qualified medical cannabis patients without a card may possess up to 1 ounce of usable cannabis, 16 ounces of infused product in solid form, 72 ounces of infused product in liquid form, or 7 grams of cannabis concentrates. With a medical card, the possession limits are higher.
Yes, qualifying medical cannabis patients with a valid authorization may grow their own cannabis. Patients without a medical card can grow up to four plants. Patients with a medical card may grow up to six plants, with the potential for additional plants if authorized by their healthcare provider.
Currently, insurance providers do not cover medical cannabis in Washington State. All medical cannabis products are out-of-pocket expenses for patients.
Yes, medical cannabis patients with a valid authorization are legally protected from prosecution under state law. Patients are advised to keep their authorization documents with them whenever they possess cannabis to ensure compliance with state regulations.
The Washington State Department of Health provides up-to-date information on medical cannabis regulations, qualifications, and resources. Licensed dispensaries with medical cannabis consultants are also good sources for current information and guidance.
You can search for healthcare providers in Washington who are qualified to recommend medical cannabis. Many healthcare providers who support alternative therapies or specialize in chronic pain, oncology, or mental health may be open to discussing cannabis options.
