Information for patients and consumers
The decision to use marijuana for medical purposes is best made between the patient and their health care practitioner. Current regulations define a qualifying patient as someone who is a Washington resident, who has been diagnosed with a qualifying condition and has a medical marijuana authorization from their health care practitioner - RCW 69.51A.010.
The general process to becoming a medical marijuana patient in Washington is outlined below:
- Step 1: Schedule an appointment with your health care practitioner.
- Step 2: Obtain a medical marijuana authorization from your practitioner.
- Step 3: Visit a medically-endorsed store to get a medical marijuana card (see store list (PDF)).
- Step 4: Use the card to purchase products sales tax free.
- Step 5: Repeat steps 1 - 4 to renew both the medical marijuana authorization and card before expiration.
For additional information and resources, see the program's Frequently Asked Questions webpage for common questions asked by other patients.