• Basics of the Washington Law

Washington was the second state to legalize medical cannabis. Legalization was done through Initiative 692 that was passed in 1998 with 59% of the vote. The law allows qualifying patients to possess 8-ounces of marijuana and cultivate up to 6 plants. WA residents who wish to obtain cannabis for medical use must submit a “Washington State Medical Marijuana Authorization Form” that includes a written authorization from a physician, physician assistant, advanced practice registered nurse practitioner, or naturopathic physician verifying that he or she suffers from one or more qualifying medical conditions. Currently you cannot use marijuana ID cards from other states to obtain Washington cannabis.

  • Patients

Anyone applying for a medical marijuana card must pay a nonrefundable $1 application fee. The annual renewal fee is $1. A parent or legal guardian must register to serve as the primary a caregiver for minors submitting applications for marijuana use in the Evergreen State. Minors also must be seen by their authorizing healthcare practitioner every 6 months.

Washington was the second state to legalize medical cannabis.

  • Caregivers

Any patient who needs assistance with obtaining or administering cannabis can assign a designated provider. A patient must indicate whether he or she will utilize a designated provider at the time of application for an adequate medical identification card. A parent or legal guardian must serve as the primary caregiver for a patient who is a minor. Caregivers do not pay an application or renewal fee and can care for only 1 patient.

  • Physicians

Physicians who are interested in making recommendations for marijuana treatment in WA must possess a current and unrestricted state medical license. They must also have an existing documented relationship relating to the diagnosis and ongoing treatment and monitoring. Certifying healthcare providers must perform an in-person physical exam.  There is no special training that is required before a physician can recommend marijuana.

  • Qualifying Medical Conditions

In-order-to qualify as a medical cannabis patient in this state, a resident must suffer from one or more qualifying medical conditions. These conditions include cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, Crohn’s disease, seizures, Parkinson’s disease, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), hepatitis C, chronic renal failure requiring hemodialysis, traumatic brain injury, severe muscle spasms or spasticity, and severe or chronic pain. If you need more information about marijuana related law or licensing process visit the Washington Medical Marijuana website.