How do I become a medical marijuana patient?
To be a medical marijuana patient in the state of Washington, you must get a Medical Marijuana Authorization from a healthcare practitioner allowed to authorize marijuana for medical purposes. This allows you to grow four plants.
Medical marijuana patients with a valid Medical Marijuana Authorization may join the medical marijuana authorization database and get a medical marijuana card from a medically endorsed marijuana retail store (PDF). This allows you to grow six plants by default in the system and up to 15 plants if authorized by your healthcare practitioner, and allows you to purchase marijuana products sales and use-tax free.
As a healthcare practitioner, how do I authorize the use of marijuana to my patients?
How do I become licensed to produce medical marijuana?
- Licensed marijuana producers or processors must follow the rules and guidelines set forth by the department in order to create compliant products (i.e., medical marijuana). There is no Department of Health application or approval process. You must follow the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board traceability system process and ensure all required testing is complete.
Current Topics
Washington State Healthcare Provider Continuing Education: Medical Use of Marijuana course - now available for registration!
The "Washington State Healthcare Provider Continuing Education: Medical Use of Marijuana" online course has been adopted, accredited by the State of Washington and is now available for participant registration. Learn more about the course on our website.
Notice of adopted rule changes to database and consultant
The department has adopted rule amendments to the medical marijuana database rules - chapter 246-71 WAC, and the certified medical marijuana consultant rules - chapter 246-72 WAC. Learn more on the Rules in Progress webpage.
The new medical marijuana authorization form is now available!
Starting January 1, 2018, all authorizations must be completed and signed by the authorizing healthcare practitioner using the new medical marijuana authorization form. Effective July 1, 2018, all authorizations will be required to be printed on the new authorization tamper-resistant paper containing the RCW 69.51A030 seal. Learn more...
New law allows patients to purchase plants, seeds and clones
Signed on May 16, SB 5131 allows authorized patients and designated providers that are entered into the medical marijuana database and hold a recognition card to purchase immature plants, clones, or seeds from a licensed producer (i.e., grower). The law went into effect July 23, 2017, and the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) has written interim policies.
Healthcare practitioners may access patient information in database
The laws and rules allow authorizing practitioners and those who prescribe or dispense controlled substances to access patient information in the database.
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