Consultant

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access the Medical Cannabis Registry (MCR)? 

You must be employed by a medically endorsed store as a Budtender or Medical Cannabis Consultant and register in the MCR. Once you are registered, a Store Owner or Delegate must add you to the retail store.  

Learn how to register using the MCR Login/Register training manual (PDF). 

What are the different retail employee roles in MCR? What are the permissions of each? 

Store Owner/Delegate:  

  • Add/Remove Store Employees 
  • Pay Fees 
  • Quarterly Confirmations 
  • Verify Recognition Cards by card number only 

Note: An Owner must assign a Delegate before the Delegate has these permissions. 

DOH-Certified Consultant:  

  • Enter Patients into the MCR 
  • Create, Renew, Replace, And Correct Recognition Cards 
  • Verify Recognition Cards by name and DOB or card number 

Budtender: Verify Recognition Cards by card number only 

If I work at multiple stores of the same name, how do I know which store to select in MCR? 

Each store name has its unique LCB License number to identify stores that share the same name. See the Accessing Store/Multiple Stores training (PDF) for specific instructions. 

Is there a preferred browser to use with MCR? 

MCR works on most browsers. However, the system runs best in Google Chrome.  

We also recommend that you clear your internet browser history and completely shut down and restart your devices at least once a quarter.

Why does MCR ask for the Last 4 of my SSN? 

MCR only uses this information (along with name and birth date) to validate your account. This is to protect against the possibility of duplicate records caused by people with the same name and birthdate. 

How do I reactivate my account when it becomes inactive? 

MCR will send you reminders to log in to keep your account active. If you don’t log in within a 30-day window, MCR will put your account in an Inactive Status. Reactivate your account by logging into MCR and completing the MCR Account Reactivation screen. Full instructions are in the Inactive and Reactivate Account training (PDF). 

If your account has been inactive for more than 1 year, contact DOH to reactivate your account. 

What are “Messages” in MCR? 

This is a new feature that allows you to receive notices, reminders, and other communications from the DOH team or MCR itself. See View Message Notifications training (PDF).

Can I enter a Patient or Designated Provider in MCR if the address on the authorization form is different than their ID?

Yes. The healthcare practitioner is responsible for verifying the patient has a valid WA state physical address, which they enter on the Authorization form. The photo ID is only to verify that the person is in fact the one listed on the Authorization form, so the address can be different, even if it’s an out of state ID. If the patient prefers a separate mailing address (ex: a PO Box), you can add that as a separate address.

Has the authorization form changed with the adoption of the MCR?

Yes, the authorization form will be updated to remove checkboxes for specific qualifying conditions. Instead, the form will have a checkbox that confirms the patient’s condition qualifies under the definition of “Terminal or debilitating medical condition” in RCW 69.51A.010. This is in response to privacy concerns voiced by patients. 

MCR has been updated to reflect this change. See the “Create Recognition Cards” training (PDF) for more information. 

Is patient/designated provider’s email address required?

No. MCR only requires a Patient/DP to provide their e-mail if they want to have an MCR account to access their Mobile Recognition card and other patient account features. 

What do I need to know when verifying a patient’s card?

You must verify the card for every medical purchase. The MCR allows you flexibility in how you verify the card. You can: 

  • manually enter the card number as you have in the past. 
  • scan the barcode on the physical or mobile card (if the patient has one through an MCR Patient Account) using your POS scanner. 
  • if the patient does not have their card present, you can verify the card by a Name/DOB lookup. As a Certified Consultant, you are the only store employee who has this permission. 
  • if the patient provides a screenshot of their card, you can verify it as long as the clarity of the screenshot allows you to confirm it’s an active card in MCR. 
  • if the patient has lost their card, they either need to get a replacement or create a Patient Account to use a mobile card. 
What are the photo requirements for recognition cards?

Be sure to follow the Create Recognition Cards training (PDF) for how to take and upload a photo for the recognition card.  

For Best results in MCR: 

  • Minimum 400 x 600 resolution 
  • Photo in 4x6 proportions. For example, the pixel resolution could be 600 x 900 pixels or 800 x 1200 pixels. These examples maintain a 4x6 ratio. 
  • Portrait orientation 
  • .JPEG file format 
What happens if my DOH Consultant Certification expires?

If your certification expires, your privileges in MCR will be limited to a budtender’s role. Once you renew your certification, your consultant privileges will automatically be restored. 

MCR will now send email reminders when your Consultant Certification is close to expiring. DOH also sends you a courtesy renewal card to your address on file. Make sure you keep your address up to date with the department so that you receive the reminder card. See our Consultant Renewal FAQ page for more information.

What do I tell a patient about the new option to create an MCR patient account?

If you’d like, you can let the patient know that they need to go to the Patient/Designated Provider Training on our website. They will set up their own account and register in the MCR to access the benefits of the patient portal: 

  • Access to their Mobile Recognition cards 
  • Manage their own and their Designated Provider’s authorization in MCR. 
  • View communications from the DOH Medical Cannabis Program. 
What is the “30-day grace period” for Recognition Card expiration Dates? Does this mean the patient can use their card for an extra month?

No, the 30-day grace period does not allow the patient to use their card after its expiration date. It allows the patient to keep the same card number so long as they renew within 30 days following card expiration. 

After the 30-day grace period, a new recognition card will need to be created with a new unique card number. 

Will the physical Recognition card appearance change?

Yes, but only slightly. See an example here: MCR Create a Recognition Card (PDF).