Medical Marijuana

Laws and Rules

The Cannabis Patient Protection Act codified into RCW 69.51A , integrates the medical market with the regulated recreational market. Under the act, the Department of Health adopted rules for a medical marijuana authorization database, training and certification of medical marijuana consultants, and product compliance. The department was also required to produce several bill-related reports.

Primary goals of the law

• Clarify what is meant by the medical use of marijuana.
• Ensure patients have access to higher quality products to meet their medical needs.
• Allow for state sales and use tax breaks for medical marijuana patients who are entered into the authorization database.
• Provide protection from arrest and prosecution for patients who are entered into the authorization database.

Medical marijuana laws

• Medical Cannabis State Law – chapter 69.51A RCW
• Uniform Controlled Substances Act – chapter 69.50 RCW

Medical marijuana rules

• Chapter 246-71 WAC – Authorization database
• Chapter 246-72 WAC – Certified medical  marijuana consultant
• Chapter 246-70 WAC – Compliant products

Growing, producing/processing, retail stores and cooperatives laws and rules – Liquor and Cannabis Board

• I-502 – Marijuana Retail Stores (PDF)
• Chapter 314-55 WAC – Marijuana Licenses, Application Process, Requirements, and Reporting

Tax laws – Department of Revenue

• HB 2136 – Marijuana Tax Reform (PDF)

Learn more

• Frequently asked questions
• History in Washington
• Rules in Progress

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