Washington Medical Marijuana Card – Fast Online Certification | Medical Card Exam™

(Updated July 24, 2023)

1. 1. Introduction: Washington Medical Marijuana Card – Fast Online Certification | Medical Card Exam™

Known as The Evergreen State, Washington is famous for its lush forests, the Olympic National Park, and majestic peaks like Mount Rainier. Home to more than 7.7 million residents, most live in the Seattle metro area along Puget Sound — a hub of culture, tech, and progressive policy.

Washington has been a leader in cannabis reform. It was one of the first states to legalize both medical (1998) and recreational cannabis (2012), with adult-use sales starting in 2014. The state maintains distinct rules for medical vs. recreational consumers, and medical patients enjoy tax exemptions and higher possession limits.

1. 2. Quick Facts – Washington Medical Marijuana Card – Fast Online Certification | Medical Card Exam™

1. 3. Legalization Timeline

• • 1920s – Cannabis prohibition enacted via House Bill 3
  • 1971 – Possession under 40 g reduced to misdemeanor; cannabis reclassified as neither narcotic nor opiate
  • 1979 – Court recognizes medical necessity defense (State v. Diana)
  • 1998 – Initiative 692 legalizes medical cannabis
  • 2003 – Initiative 75 makes cannabis possession lowest enforcement priority in Seattle
  • 2012 – Initiative 502 legalizes recreational use
  • 2014 – First adult-use sales begin

1. 4. Possession & Purchase Rules

Recreational Adults (21+):

• • Flower: 1 oz (28 g)
  • Edibles: 16 oz solid infused products
  • Liquids: 72 oz infused beverages
  • Concentrates: 7 g

Medical Patients:

• • Flower: 3 oz (85 g)
  • Edibles: 48 oz
  • Liquids: 216 oz
  • Concentrates: 21 g
  • Can purchase 3× the recreational limits at medically endorsed stores
  • Exempt from state cannabis taxes

1. 5. Taxes & Revenue Allocation

• • Recreational cannabis:
    • 37% excise tax on all retail purchases
    • 7.0–10.4% sales tax (varies by location)
  • Medical cannabis:
    • No cannabis tax for registered patients

FY 2021 Cannabis Revenue Distribution:

• • Basic Health – $272M
  • General Fund – $191M
  • Washington State Health Care Authority – $54M
  • Local Governments – $15M
  • Department of Health – $9.7M
  • Washington State Patrol – $2.3M
  • Liquor & Cannabis Board – $10.4M
  • Other – $1.8M

1. 6. Home Cultivation Rules

• • Recreational: Not permitted
  • Medical:
    • Without database registration: 4 plants, up to 6 oz usable cannabis
    • With registration: 6–15 plants depending on medical authorization; up to 16 oz usable cannabis from those plants

1. 7. Qualifying Conditions – Medical Program

Includes but not limited to:

• • Cancer
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Glaucoma
  • Hepatitis C
  • PTSD
  • Seizures / epilepsy
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Intractable pain
  • Cachexia
  • Persistent muscle spasms
  • Any “terminal or debilitating condition”

1. 8. Caregivers (Designated Providers)

• • Must be 21+
  • Designated in writing by patient
  • May only assist their assigned patient
  • Can grow plants if patient is authorized

1. 9. Reciprocity

• • Washington does not recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards

1. 10. Consumption Rules

✅ Allowed:

• • Private residences (with owner’s permission)

❌ Prohibited:

• • Public spaces
  • Businesses without a cannabis consumption license
  • Motor vehicles (driver or passenger)

1. 11. Transportation Rules

• • Must be in sealed, original packaging
  • Stored in passenger compartment or trunk when in a vehicle

1. 12. Enforcement Considerations

• • Unlicensed sales remain a felony
  • Home grows without medical authorization are prohibited
  • Possession over legal limits may result in fines, arrest, or charges

1. 13. Resources & References

• • Washington State Department of Health:

     doh.wa.gov
  • Liquor and Cannabis Board: lcb.wa.gov
  • NORML – WA: norml.org/laws/washington