Information for patients and consumers
The decision to use cannabis 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 cannabis authorization from their health care practitioner - RCW 69.51A.010.
The general process to becoming a medical cannabis patient in Washington is outlined below:
- Step 1: Schedule an appointment with your health care practitioner.
- Step 2: Obtain a medical cannabis authorization from your practitioner.
- Step 3: Visit a medically-endorsed store to get a medical cannabis card.
- Step 4: Use the card to purchase products sales tax free.
- Step 5: Repeat steps 1 - 4 to renew both the medical cannabis 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.
Contact and Connect
Email: MedicalMarijuana@doh.wa.gov | Phone: 360-236-4819
Subscribe: GovDelivery - Search for Health Systems Quality Assurance > Health Professions > Medical Cannabis Program