{"id":377122,"date":"2016-03-31T21:37:12","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:37:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/washington-law\/washington-marijuana-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-05-19T14:36:54","modified_gmt":"2025-05-19T19:36:54","slug":"washington-marijuana-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/washington-law\/washington-marijuana-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Washington Marijuana Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Washington Marijuana Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by John Mascolo, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Among American states, Washington has led the way in making marijuana accessible to its residents. In 1998, voters passed Initiative 162<\/a> to create the Medical Use of Marijuana Act. In 2012, voters said yes to Initiative 502<\/a>, becoming the first state to legalize adult-use recreational marijuana. Washington became the second state (after Colorado<\/a>) to allow non-medical marijuana sales.<\/p>\r\n

Possession and use of certain amounts of marijuana (also known as cannabis<\/a>) are legal in the state of Washington. Yet, there are significant penalties for violating Washington cannabis laws. Knowing what’s legal (and what isn’t) can save you a lot of trouble.<\/p>\r\n

This article will discuss the medical marijuana program, recreational use rules, cultivation, and much more about the cannabis laws in Washington.<\/p>\r\n

Washington Marijuana Laws: How They Work<\/h2>\r\n

The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board<\/a> (LCB) regulates recreational cannabis. The LCB establishes zoning requirements and other rules for retail stores and cannabis businesses. The Washington Department of Health<\/a> oversees the Medical Cannabis Program (MCP), the authorization database, and other aspects of medical marijuana use.<\/p>\r\n

Recreational users over 21 can possess up to 1 ounce\/28 grams of usable cannabis flower or the equivalent in THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)<\/a>-infused products. Patients in the medical cannabis authorization database can have up to 3 ounces\/84 grams of usable cannabis flower or the equivalent.<\/p>\r\n

All purchases of cannabis or cannabis products must be from state-licensed dispensaries. Dispensaries can sell medical cannabis, recreational-use cannabis, or both. Only cardholders in the authorization database can buy medical-grade cannabis products<\/a>, which can have a higher THC content.<\/p>\r\n

It’s illegal to use any marijuana products in public places. It’s a class 3 civil violation with a fine of $50 for first-time offenders. It’s also against the law to smoke marijuana anywhere the Washington Clear Air Act<\/a> bans smoking. Most legal use of cannabis happens in private residences.<\/p>\r\n

As of February 2025, marijuana is still classified as a Schedule I drug<\/a> in the Controlled Substances Act<\/a>. This means that a marijuana offense on federal lands, such as national parks, military bases, and federal courthouses, may get charged under federal law.<\/p>\r\n

Let’s take a look at the differences between medical marijuana use<\/a> and adult recreational use.<\/p>\r\n

Washington Medical Marijuana Laws<\/h2>\r\n

Patients with certain medical conditions can apply to become members of the medical cannabis program in Washington. The first step requires meeting with a registered Washington physician. They need to confirm that you suffer from one or more of the following qualifying conditions<\/a>:<\/p>\r\n