Medical Cannabis Consultants, Trainers, and Credentialing

What is a Certified Consultant?

A "certificate holder" or certified consultant is a person holding a valid medical cannabis consultant certificate issued by the secretary under Chapter 69.51A RCW.

Current regulations require a licensed cannabis retail store with a medical endorsement to have a certified medical cannabis consultant on staff.

A certified consultant who has an active credential issued by the Department of Health may:

  • Enter patient and designated provider information from the authorization form into the medical cannabis database and create the medical cannabis recognition card.
  • Assist the patient with selecting products that may help with their qualifying condition.
  • Describe risks and benefits of methods for using products.
  • Give advice on ways to properly store products and keep them safe from children and pets.
  • Show how to properly use products.
  • Answer questions about the medical cannabis law.

Consultants may not:

  • provide medical advice.
  • diagnose any conditions.
  • recommend changing current treatment(s) in place of cannabis.
  • open and use actual products when demonstrating how to use.
  • may not provide consulting services defined under WAC 246-72-030 without an active credential.

For additional information, view our Medical Cannabis Consultant FAQs.

Apply Online

Getting started

Online Application Instructions

Online application instructions are on our website.

Once you have completed the process, you will find your pending credential number on the Provider Credential Search. Refer to this credential number any time you contact the Department of Health or submit paperwork.

Apply on Paper

Additional items to be submitted to complete your application

  • A certificate of completion by an approved training program.
  • A certificate of completion of a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) course.
  • Proof of being 21 years of age or older as required under WAC 246-72-020. Acceptable forms of proof are a copy of your valid driver's license or other government-issued identification card, U.S. passport, or certified birth certificate.

Additional Information

  • The application is considered incomplete if requested information is left blank – write "N/A" or place a line through section instead of leaving blank.
  • The initial certification will expire on your birthday unless the certification is issued within 90 days of your birthday. Certifications must be renewed every year by your birthday. A courtesy renewal notice will be mailed to your address on record. You must keep your address current with us. Any renewal postmarked or presented to the department after midnight on the expiration date is late.
  • Information regarding the medical cannabis consultant program on our website.
Renewal and Continuing Education Requirements

Certifications must be renewed every year by your birthday. A courtesy renewal notice will be mailed to your address that we have on record. You must keep your address current with us and complete all continuing education requirements. Any renewal postmarked or presented to the department after midnight on the expiration date is late.

Note: Certified consultants may provide consultant services only while employed in a retail store with a medical endorsement.

Fee Schedule

See Certification Fees below

The following non-refundable fees will be charged for certificates.

  • Application for certificate - $95
  • Renewal of certificate - $90
  • Late renewal penalty - $50
  • Expired certificate reissuance - $50
  • Duplicate certificate - $10
  • Verification of credential - $15

Fees submitted with applications for initial certificates, renewal, and other fees are non-refundable, per WAC 246-72-990.

Understanding your Application

All professions within the Department of Health (DOH) are unique. While the sections identified below can often be found on most applications, it is important to be aware of the requirements and rules of your specific credential(s).

After you submit your application, please watch for email communication from DOH. Throughout the application process promptly reply to all questions and requests. Delayed responses cause a longer wait for your credential to be issued. We highly encourage using our online application services.

Credentialing process flow chart

Contact information

Demographic Information

Demographic data is used to create an account within the DOH database, verify your identity, and collect contact information. Please carefully provide accurate and complete answers to all applicable demographic questions.

Military

It is valuable to indicate your military or spouse status on your DOH application. Appropriate documentation is necessary for all military-related applications, and it is important to be aware of the documents you need to provide to DOH. In some cases, military education, training, and experience may count towards attaining certain healthcare professional credentials. As a spouse or registered domestic partner of a service member, you may be eligible to have the processing time of your application expedited.

To find information and resources for military personnel and their spouses, visit the Military Resources website.

Personal Data Questions

All applicants must respond to the personal data questions, which focus on their ability to demonstrate the essential skills required for their profession. 

Carefully review all questions. Please note that “yes” answers require an explanation and additional documentation as outlined on your application. If applicable, please be aware of the necessary documentation and provide it to DOH as soon as possible to avoid delays in processing your application.

Other Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

DOH must verify all other credentials. List all states, including Washington State, where credentials are or were held. If you have applicable credentials to list, you may be required to provide an Out-of-State Credential Verification form. This form can be found in the paper application packet or on the Apply for License page. The form must be sent to each state listed and returned to DOH.

Please remember to provide all in-state and out-of-state credentials, including active, expired, and in-renewal. Individual states may require a fee for sending your verification to us. Please check in advance to help expedite this process.

Education

To verify your qualifications, we must review all educational preparation and post-graduate training. Applicants must request official transcripts from the school(s) attended, and the school needs to send them directly to DOH.

Exam

In some cases, passing an exam may be required to receive your credential. It is important to be aware of whether this applies to your credential. Exam scores must be sent from the exam host to the department. For more information on exams that may apply to your credential, visit your profession page. 

Supervised Experience

Supervised experience may be necessary to receive your credential or maintain it as you practice. Supervision rules and requirements vary from profession to profession. Please visit your professions page to learn more about supervision requirements for your credential.

Important Reminders

Fees

Fees must be paid when an application is submitted. You can pay online while using the online application portal, or by sending a check or money order to the appropriate P.O. Box as listed on your application.

Applications with unpaid fees cannot be processed until payment is received.

Background Check

A background check is processed for every applicant. DOH may need to obtain a fingerprint-based background check with the Washington State Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). If this is required for your application, you will be contacted by DOH and it is your responsibility to complete the required steps to submit this background check.

Process for Approving/Denying Applications

Credentialing staff members review the application and supporting documents to make an initial determination on eligibility. Applications that have questionable data answers or have questionable verifying documents are forwarded to the exception application process for determination by the appropriate disciplining authority. If an application is denied, the applicant will be formally notified and have the opportunity for a hearing.

Additional Certification Information