In Washington state, medical cannabis producers and processors must follow additional rules beyond those required for adult-use cannabis. These extra requirements help make sure medical cannabis products are safe, accurately labeled, and meet higher quality standards for patients who use cannabis as part of their medical care. Producers and processors are responsible for following state regulations for product testing, labeling, safe handling, employee training, and selling certain cannabis plants and seeds. Following these requirements helps protect patients and ensures medical cannabis products meet Washington state standards.
Medical–Grade Cannabis Products
Medical-grade cannabis products must meet requirements that exceed those for adult-use cannabis (chapter 246-70 WAC). Medical cannabis products must pass quality control testing before they can be sold. This testing screens for contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, harmful bacteria, mycotoxin, and residual solvents. They must also follow stricter sanitation and safe-handling rules to help protect patient health.
Any cannabis strain or product can qualify as medical grade if it meets these standards.
Medical-grade cannabis products are divided into three categories:
- General Use
- High-CBD
- High-THC
These categories help patients choose products that best fit their medical needs. For example, High-CBD products contain more CBD than THC and may be preferred by patients looking for certain therapeutic effects.
These products can be identified by the logos displayed on the packaging. See our Medical Cannabis Product Compliance page for more information.
Selling Plants, Clones and Seed to Patients
Licensed cannabis producers may sell immature cannabis plants, clones, or seeds only to qualifying patients or designated providers who have a valid medical cannabis recognition card. These sales must take place at the producer's licensed facility. See RCW 69.51A.310.
When checking a recognition card, producers should verify:
- The card has a unique 16-character letter and number identification code.
- The photo clearly shows the patient's face.
- The card background displays the patient's last name and date of birth.
Sample Recognition Card:
Patients with a valid recognition card may grow at least six cannabis plants. A healthcare provider may authorize up to 15 plants. The approved number of plants is listed on the recognition card.
Selling Plants, Clones and Seed to Registered Cooperatives
Licensed producers may also sell plants and seeds to members of registered cooperatives. The buyer must present:
- A valid government-issued photo ID.
- A copy of the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) letter confirming membership in the registered cooperative.
Cooperative members are responsible for making sure they do not grow more plants than the law allows.
Medical Cannabis Labeling
Medical cannabis labels provide important information to help patients make informed decisions. Labels must comply with WAC 246-70-060, including:
- The name of the producer and processor.
- THC and CBD concentrations.
- The product lot number.
- Required health and safety warnings.
- The statement "This product is not approved by the FDA to treat, cure, or prevent any disease."
Information such as a website link or QR code that allows consumers to view the product's Certificate of Analysis (COA). The COA includes laboratory test results for cannabinoids, contaminants, pesticides, and other required information.
Medical-grade products that meet Washington state standards must display the official medical-grade logo on the package.
Medical cannabis labels cannot:
- Use words, symbols, or images that make the product look like a prescription medicine or pharmaceutical product. This includes symbols such as the RX, caduceus, staff of Asclepius, bowl of Hygieia, or mortar and pestle.
- Claim or suggest that the product can treat, cure, or prevent a medical condition or provide a specific health benefit.
- Look like or copy the packaging or branding of prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
Safe Handling Responsibilities
Cannabis producers and processors must keep their facilities clean to reduce the risk of contamination (WAC 246-70-070). Areas where cannabis-infused products are made must follow sanitation standards like those used in food production.
Employees should:
- Wash their hands regularly.
- Practice good personal hygiene.
- Use clean and sanitized equipment.
- Store chemicals safely.
- Dispose of waste properly.
- Help keep pests out of production areas.
Employees who are sick or have open cuts or wounds should not handle cannabis products until they have recovered.
Medical cannabis products must pass quality control testing before they can be sold. This testing screens for contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, harmful bacteria, mycotoxin, and residual solvents.
Employee Training
Washington state regulations (WAC 246-70-080) require cannabis producers, processors, and retailers to train employees who produce, handle, or sell medical cannabis products. Employees must understand state regulations and company procedures for safely handling cannabis.
Selling Usable Cannabis and Cannabis Products to Patients
Medical-grade cannabis products may only be sold through licensed cannabis retailers that have a medical cannabis endorsement. Producers and processors cannot sell medical-grade cannabis products directly to patients.
Taxes
Producers must collect sales tax on direct sales of cannabis plants or seeds to patients and designated providers. Medical cannabis tax exemptions apply only to purchases made at medically endorsed cannabis retailers. Producers must collect sales tax on direct sales of cannabis plants or seeds to patients and designated providers. Medical cannabis tax exemptions apply only to purchases made at medically endorsed cannabis retailers. Retailers must separate tax exemptions from discounts. Patients with valid DOH recognition cards should pay the same pre-tax price as other customers when discounts are offered. The excise tax exemption should then be applied for qualifying purchases.