Cannabis in Washington

What this means for cannabis in Washington

Washington's rules should be read by access type: adult-use status, medical program status, possession limits, home cultivation, and the regulator responsible for current guidance.

• Adult-use access: adult-use cannabis is legalized in 2012, and retail sales started in 2014.
• Medical program: medical cannabis was authorized in 1998; licensed dispensaries are operating, and qualifying-condition rules apply.
• Possession: Adults 21+ can possess up to 1 oz flower, 7g concentrate of cannabis flower.
• Home cultivation: Home cultivation is permitted in Washington. Plant limit: 15 per adult. Medical patients only. Recreational cannot home grow.
• CBD context: CBD is legal in Washington. Higher-THC products are available with the appropriate license.
• Regulator to verify: Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.
• State note: Initiative 502 passed 2012. One of first rec states.

Recreational Use in Washington

Recreational use is legal in Washington since 2012. Adults can possess up to 1 oz flower, 7g concentrate. Retail sales began in 2014.

Adults 21 and older can legally purchase cannabis from licensed retailers in Washington. Sales are regulated by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board. All product sold by licensed retailers is lab-tested for potency and contaminants. Identification is required at purchase.

Medical Cannabis in Washington

Medical cannabis is legal in Washington since 1998. Licensed dispensaries are operating.

Patients enrolled in the Washington program must meet state-specified qualifying conditions and obtain a registry card from the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board. Program rules cover possession amounts, caregiver designations, and reciprocity with out-of-state cards.

Home Cultivation

Home cultivation is permitted in Washington. Plant limit: 15 per adult. Medical patients only. Recreational cannot home grow.

Hemp-Derived CBD

CBD is legal in Washington. Higher-THC products are available with the appropriate license.

Hemp-derived CBD products with THC at or below 0.3% are federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. State rules add their own restrictions on labeling, lab testing, and retail. See the CBD page for Washington.

Cannabis by City in Washington

City-specific guides covering local dispensary access, ordinances, and community context.

Cannabis Questions in Washington

Sources & Verification

This page uses Dr. Greenthumb's current state dataset for Washington, including the listed regulator: Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board. It is informational, not legal advice, and should be checked against current state guidance before buying or operating.