Marijuana Dispensaries in Vancouver

Are there Marijuana Dispensaries in Vancouver?

Yes. There are marijuana dispensaries in the City of Vancouver. The city allows for the operations of marijuana dispensaries selling adult-use cannabis pursuant to Chapter 20.884 of the Vancouver Municipal Code and Washington’s Initiative 502 (I-502). I-502 legalized recreational cannabis in the whole of Washington in 2012. Marijuana retail businesses are permitted only in the GC (General Commercial) or CC (Community Commercial) zone districts as specified in Chapter 20.430.030-1 of the Vancouver Municipal Code.

Are there Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in Vancouver?

Yes. Medical marijuana dispensaries exist in the City of Vancouver. The Washington Medical Use of Marijuana Act of 1998 legalized medical marijuana in Washington and permitted Washington cities and municipalities to allow medical cannabis dispensaries to operate in their jurisdictions.

Can You Buy Cannabis from Online Weed Dispensaries in Vancouver?

While state law forbids cannabis from being delivered to buyers' doorsteps, some Vancouver dispensaries allow residents to purchase cannabis online and pick up their orders in-store or curbside.

Visiting a Dispensary in Vancouver

Visiting a cannabis dispensary in the City of Vancouver can be a challenging experience for anyone. By doing some research ahead of your visit, however, you can be aware of what to expect on your visit. In Vancouver, anyone over the age of 21 can visit a retail weed store, otherwise known as a dispensary, with either a valid form of identification or a medical cannabis recommendation. You can find nearby dispensaries online using the search term "cannabis dispensaries near me.” The search results will provide dispensary menus, deals, maps, and sometimes online ordering options for your convenience. Once you have found a dispensary you like, take your state-issued ID (or a valid passport for out-of-country travelers) or a medical cannabis recommendation, as well as cash since most cannabis businesses deal with cash only. You can also find an ATM on-site to withdraw cash for your purchases.

Every dispensary will have security on guard and security cameras to ensure customer safety. While these protective measures may seem intimidating, they are there for your protection. The security guard will ask for your ID or recommendation, and you may have to wait in the lobby or waiting room, depending on how many customers are being served in the main dispensing area.

When it gets to your turn, you will be invited into the dispensing area, where a “budtender” will guide you through every step of your shopping process. Note that you may not be permitted to use your cell phone within the dispensing area of a cannabis dispensary. The budtender will begin by asking what type of experience you desire. If you are unsure about the kind of experience or effects you want from cannabis products, feel free to ask questions. Budtenders can help you choose what products or strains can benefit your medical or recreational experience.

If you are planning on buying cannabis, you will only be able to buy an ounce of flower, 7 grams of concentrates, 16 ounces of edibles, or 72 liquid ounces at a time if you are a recreational user. Medical marijuana patients have possession limits.

Vancouver Dispensary Laws

Operational requirements for marijuana dispensaries in the City of Vancouver include:

• A marijuana dispensary may not be located within 1,000 feet of an elementary or secondary school, public or private school, playground, recreational center or facility, childcare facility, public transit center, public park, library, or game arcade

• No marijuana dispensary may be located within 300 feet of another dispensary

• No marijuana dispensary may operate as a home occupation or at a dwelling as defined under Chapter 20.150.040A of the Vancouver Municipal Code

• No more than one marijuana dispensary may be located on a single parcel

• No marijuana dispensary may be located in a mobile structure

• Cannabis products may not be consumed on the grounds of a dispensary

• Recreational cannabis dispensaries must verify the ages of customers to ensure that they are not under the age of 21

• Medical cannabis dispensaries may only sell cannabis to registered medical marijuana patients

• Dispensaries may not sell more cannabis than is allowed under law to be possessed by buyers

Recreational Laws in Vancouver

Washington and Vancouver voters passed Initiative 502 in 2012, legalizing the production, processing, sale, and use of cannabis for recreational purposes. Since 2014, Vancouver has permitted recreational cannabis retailers, producers, and processors who have obtained state licenses from the Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board and complied with city standards to operate within its jurisdictions. City standards require recreational cannabis businesses to obtain Vancouver business licenses and building permits to operate in indoor facilities.

I-502 permits Vancouver residents to possess up to 28.35 grams of cannabis and 7 grams of cannabis concentrates. Only persons who are able to show valid ID cards proving they are 21 or older are permitted to purchase cannabis at approved weed dispensaries. Despite the legal status of recreational cannabis, it is still a civil infraction to consume and open a package of cannabis in public. Opening a package of marijuana in public view attracts a civil fine of $103. Persons under 21 cannot consume or possess any quantity of cannabis or cannabis-infused products.

Driving under the influence of cannabis or the combined influence of cannabis and anything else, such as alcohol, is illegal. There is a limit of 5 nanograms of THC per millimeter of blood for persons driving or operating motor vehicles. Anyone found with higher limits will be charged with DUI. Cannabis use is illegal on federal lands, while the home cultivation of cannabis is also considered illegal.

Medical Cannabis Laws in Vancouver

Vancouver medical cannabis laws are adopted from Washington's Initiative 692 (I-692), also known as the Medical Use of Marijuana Act. I-692 legalized the medical use of marijuana in Vancouver and allowed patients with terminal illnesses, intractable pain, and other conditions approved under the measure to purchase and use medicinal marijuana.

Although medical marijuana is typically accessible to individuals aged 18 or older, I-692 provides for persons under the age of 18. The measure allows Vancouver residents under 18 to access medicinal cannabis by requiring them to assign adult caregivers to assist them in purchasing and administering medical cannabis.

The Washington Department of Health issues medical marijuana cards to patients registered under the Washington medical cannabis program. A medical marijuana card proves that an individual may legally access medicinal marijuana. Medical marijuana patients registered in Vancouver may possess up to 3 ounces of marijuana flower, and 21 grams of cannabis concentrates or cannabis extracts at any given time. Patients with valid medicinal marijuana cards are permitted to cultivate up to four cannabis plants at home. Patients who have obtained specific authorization from their attending physicians may cultivate up to 15 cannabis plants and possess 8 ounces of dried cannabis flower.

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Vancouver?

If you want to be issued a medical marijuana card in the City of Vancouver, you must submit an application to the Washington State Department of Health. However, you must consult with a Washington-licensed healthcare professional before applying. During the consultation, the healthcare provider will determine if your condition qualifies for the use of medical marijuana. Advanced registered nurse practitioners, medical doctors, naturopathic physicians, osteopathic physicians, osteopathic physician assistants, and physician assistants are included in the group of licensed healthcare providers who may recommend medicinal marijuana in Vancouver. Upon determining that your condition qualifies for medical marijuana per Washington law, the healthcare professional will issue you an authorization document. The conditions listed below qualify for medicinal marijuana use:

• Glaucoma

• Traumatic brain injury

• Cachexia

• Chronic renal failures requiring hemodialysis

• Hepatitis C with debilitating nausea or pain

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Epilepsy or other seizure disorders

• HIV/AIDS

• Spasticity disorders

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Cancer

• Intractable pain

• Anorexia

• Crohn's disease with debilitating symptoms

• Appetite loss

With the paperwork from your healthcare provider and a valid Washington State identification card, you may visit a medically endorsed cannabis retail store in the city and make an appointment with the on-site medical marijuana consultant to fill out an application for a medical marijuana card. If the consultant approves your application, the healthcare provider will add your information to the Washington medical marijuana database. The cost of a card ranges between $1 and $10. Consult the Medically Endorsed Stores List on the website of the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) to find medically endorsed stores in the City of Vancouver.

Where is it Legal to Consume Cannabis in Vancouver?

Cannabis use is permitted in Vancouver residents' private homes or properties. Cannabis use in any form is not allowed in public areas. If you live in a rented apartment, review your rental agreement or verify with your property manager or landlord before using cannabis there.

How to Buy Cannabis at a Vancouver Dispensary

You may get cannabis from a dispensary in Vancouver by placing an online order or physically visiting the facility's location. You may arrange for curbside or in-store pickup when you purchase cannabis goods online, as cannabis delivery is illegal in the city. Before being authorized to buy recreational cannabis, you must provide a government-issued ID proving you are 21 or older. To purchase medicinal marijuana, you must show a medical marijuana card.

The Average Price of Cannabis in Vancouver

One gram of high-quality cannabis in Vancouver costs between $10 and $15.

Most Popular Strains in Vancouver

OG Kush, Bubba Kush, Platinum OG, and Granddaddy Purple are popular strains in Vancouver.

Can You Smoke in Public in Vancouver?

No. Smoking cannabis in public places is illegal. Smoking cannabis or cannabis products anywhere tobacco smoking is prohibited is unlawful.

How Much Marijuana Can You Possess at Once in Vancouver?

In the City of Vancouver, adults aged 21 or older are allowed to possess the following:

• 1 ounce of cannabis

• 72 ounces of liquid marijuana products

• 16 ounces of edible marijuana products

• 7 grams of marijuana extracts and concentrates

Patients who are registered with the Washington Department of Health in the city can grow up to four live cannabis plants and possess:

• 3 ounces of cannabis

• 216 ounces of liquid marijuana products

• 48 ounces of edible marijuana products

• 21 grams of cannabis concentrates and extracts

Can I Ship Cannabis to Vancouver?

No. Shipping cannabis across state lines in Vancouver is illegal. However, cannabis and cannabis products may be shipped securely from one Washington location to Vancouver or from the City of Vancouver to another Washington jurisdiction.

Can I Order Cannabis Online in Vancouver?

Yes, you may order cannabis online in the city. Note that cannabis delivery is illegal and online orders must be picked up curbside or in-store.

Are there 24-hour Dispensaries in Vancouver?

No. Pursuant to Chapter 20.884.030 of the Vancouver Municipal Code, dispensaries may only operate between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.

Can Tourists Use Dispensaries in Vancouver?

Tourists in the City of Vancouver with valid government-issued IDs may purchase recreational weed there. Such IDs must show they are above the age of 21. However, tourists cannot buy medical marijuana in the city unless they have Washington-issued medical marijuana identification cards.

Do You Need ID for Dispensary in Vancouver?

Yes. You need a government-issued ID showing you are 21 or older to enter a weed dispensary in the city. If you intend to buy medicinal marijuana at Vancouver dispensaries, you must be 18 or older and have a Washington Department of Health-issued medical marijuana identification card.

Best Dispensaries in Vancouver

Craft Cannabis and Fire and Frost Cannabis are two leading weed dispensaries in Vancouver.

Do Dispensaries Scan your ID in Vancouver?

Yes. Vancouver cannabis dispensaries scan customers’ IDs before letting them purchase cannabis.

How Many Dispensaries are in Vancouver?

There are six medical marijuana dispensaries in the City of Vancouver. There are also several adult-use cannabis dispensaries located in the city.

Can Dispensaries in Vancouver Take Credit Cards?

Vancouver dispensaries do not typically accept credit cards. Cash is the preferred mode of payment for cannabis transactions.

How Many Dispensaries Can You Visit in One Day?

You may visit multiple marijuana dispensaries in one day in Vancouver. However, you will not be able to buy more weed than is permitted under Washington law.

Do Dispensaries in Vancouver Take Health Insurance?

Vancouver dispensaries do not take health insurance from cannabis buyers.

Do Dispensaries in Vancouver Track How Much Weed You Buy?

Yes. Vancouver dispensaries track how much weed is purchased by customers.

Can You Enter a Dispensary in Vancouver at Age 18?

In Vancouver, you cannot enter a weed dispensary selling adult-use cannabis unless you are at least 21 years old. If you are 18 or older and have a medical marijuana card, you may enter a medical marijuana dispensary in the city.

Where Can I Find the Vancouver Cannabis Regulator’s Contact Information?

The cannabis regulatory agency in the City of Vancouver is the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB). You may find the contact information of the Board on its website. The Washington State Department of Health supervises medical cannabis activities in the city.

How Do I Report Illegal Cannabis Activities in Vancouver?

You may report illegal cannabis activities in the City of Vancouver to the Enforcement Division of the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board. You may also report to the Vancouver Police Department. To report illegal medical cannabis activities in the city, contact the Washington State Department of Health by calling (360) 236-4700.