Medical Cannabis Authorization Database

Authorization Database

Medical cannabis patients with a valid authorization form (PDF) from their healthcare practitioner may join the medical cannabis authorization database and receive their medical cannabis recognition card. Joining the authorization database is voluntary and isn't required in order to be a medical cannabis patient unless the patient is under the age of 18.

Benefits of joining the database
How to join the database

For additional information, view our database frequently asked questions.

Changed your mind?

(RCW 69.51A.230(6))

If you choose to no longer have an active medical cannabis recognition card or would like to revoke your designated provider, you may complete the Revocation Request form (PDF) and mail it to the address at the top of the form. Be sure to notify any designated provider you revoke from the database.

Authorized patients not entered into the database

(RCW 69.51A.043 and RCW 69.51A.210).

  • Patients and designated providers who hold valid authorizations but aren't entered into the database may purchase only in accordance with the laws and rules for non-patients. 
  • They will have an affirmative defense to criminal prosecution if they possess no more than four plants and six ounces of usable cannabis.
Who can access database information

RCW 69.51A.230

The medical cannabis authorization database is a secure system. State law strictly limits who can view database information and how the information can be used. Only the following people can see information from the database for the following purposes:

Access their patients' health care information from the database:

  • Authorizing health care practitioners.
  • Practitioners authorized to prescribe or dispense controlled substances.

Add patient information from the authorization form:

  • Certified medical cannabis consultants working in a medically endorsed cannabis store.

Provide administration or get reports:

  • Database administrator – data maintenance and store support.
  • Washington State Department of Health – ensure compliance.
  • Washington State Department of Revenue – sales tax-free reports.
  • Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board – aggregate data reports.

Verify that a card is valid:

  • Law enforcement.
  • Employee working in a medically endorsed cannabis store.

Non-disclosure

RCW 42.56.625

In addition, records in the medical cannabis authorization database containing names and other personally identifiable information of qualifying patients and designated providers are exempt from disclosure.

Authorization Form

RCW 69.51A.010(19)

To be a Washington state medical cannabis patient, you must be a resident of the state under the care of a health care practitioner for your qualifying medical condition and provided a Medical Cannabis Authorization Form (PDF) from your health care practitioner allowed to authorize cannabis for medical purposes.

Authorization form requirements

RCW 69.51A.010

As mandated in RCW, the medical cannabis authorization form must be completed on 8.5 x 11 inch tamper-resistant paper. Electronic submission of this form is not allowed at this time. All medical cannabis authorizations must be completed on the DOH approved form. 

  • The authorization form supports HB1094- Compassionate Care Renewals. In accordance with 1094 compassionate care renewals the practitioner can now indicate patient eligibility on the revised form. 
  • Please read the Medical Cannabis Authorization Form Guidelines (PDF) before downloading the Medical cannabis authorization form (PDF) – (for doctor use only).
  • Do not mail, fax, or email medical cannabis authorization forms to the Department of Health. The department doesn't request, receive or retain authorization forms. 
  • The department does not register or issue medical cannabis recognition cards for patients. If a patient wants to register with the authorization database, they can schedule an appointment with a medical cannabis consultant at a medically-endorsed retailer.
  • Authorization forms printed on tamper-resistant paper containing the Pharmacy Commission seal are not valid and will prevent a patient from being entered into the Medical Cannabis Authorization Database. 

For additional information, view our Authorization Form FAQs.