Before you authorize the medical use of cannabis to a patient, you must be familiar with the regulations that govern this practice. The boards and commissions that regulate healthcare practitioners (HCPs) who are allowed to authorize the medical use of cannabis developed Medical Cannabis Authorization Practice Guidelines (PDF) that provide guidance on laws and best practices.
Key requirements for authorizing HCPs are listed below, and you should become familiar with HCP legal requirements in RCW 69.51A.030.
Overview of HCP Requirements
- Conduct an in-person physical exam to evaluate the patient for medical use of cannabis.
- Document in the patient’s record:
- That you have established a provider-patient relationship, as a principal care provider or specialist for their condition.
- The patient’s terminal or debilitating medical condition that may benefit from the use of medical cannabis.
- That you provided the patient information about other treatment options.
- Attempted measures taken or treatments that do not involve the use of medical cannabis.
- Complete the DOH Medical Cannabis Authorization Form and print it on approved tamper-resistant paper to give the patient (and designated provider if applicable).
- Renew the authorization upon completion of an in-person physical examination, unless you determine and document in the patient record that follow-up exams would likely result in severe hardship to the patient. In this case, follow-up exams may occur through the appropriate use of telemedicine.
Medical Cannabis Authorization Practice Guidelines (PDF)
Medical Cannabis Authorization Form (PDF)
FAQs for Authorizing Practitioners
Tamper-Resistant Paper and Department Logo
All authorizations are required to be printed on a vendor-provided tamper-resistant paper containing the RCW 69.51A.030 logo. We do not keep a list of paper vendors. Please inquire with your current paper vendor or do an internet search to find one. If you are a paper vendor in need of the Department logo, please contact the program.
Medical Cannabis Registry for Health Care Practitioners
In July 2025, we transitioned to a new patient registry called the Medical Cannabis Registry that replaces the current Airlift system. Go to our Medical Cannabis Registry webpage for information on HCP frequently asked questions and training guides to create an MCP account to manage your patient authorizations.
Continuing Education
You should complete a minimum of three hours of continuing education as outlined in the Medical Cannabis Authorization Practice Guidelines (PDF). Appropriate education should teach, at a minimum:
- The appropriate use of medical cannabis.
- Pharmacology and effects of cannabis, such as the distinction between cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
- Methods of administration.
- Potential side effects or risks.
Cannabis Health and Beauty Aids
According to RCW 69.50.575, items such as topical lotions and oils containing 0.3% THC or less are considered a cannabis health and beauty aid (CHABA). These products are legal for all HCPs to use in their practice.
HCPs may not use products that contain more than 0.3% THC on their patients. Use of these products is considered illegal administration of a Schedule I drug.