Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana Card in Washington

How Many Medical Conditions Qualify for Medical Marijuana Treatment in Washington?

The Washington medical cannabis program recognizes 12 medical conditions as qualifying for medical marijuana treatment. These include 11 specific debilitating illnesses and any disease causing one or more of eight defined symptomatic outcomes.

Qualifying Conditions for Medical Card in Washington 2024

In the State of Washington, patients applying for a medical marijuana card must be diagnosed with one or more of the following qualifying medical conditions:

• Cancer
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• Multiple sclerosis
• Epilepsy or other seizure disorder, or spasticity disorders
• Intractable pain unrelieved by conventional treatment
• Glaucoma, either acute or chronic, presenting with increased intraocular pressure unrelieved by standard treatments and medications
• Crohn's disease with debilitating symptoms unresponsive to standard treatment courses
• Hepatitis C presenting with debilitating nausea or intractable pain unrelieved by standard treatment protocols
• Diseases, including anorexia, which result in nausea, vomiting, wasting, appetite loss, cramping, seizures, muscle spasms, or spasticity, when these symptoms are unresponsive to standard therapies
• Chronic renal failure requiring hemodialysis
• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Traumatic brain injury

Does Washington Add New Qualifying Conditions to its Medical Marijuana Program?

Yes. Washington’s medical cannabis law has a provision for adding new qualifying conditions to the state’s medical marijuana program. The state previously accepted petitions from members of the public suggesting new qualifying conditions. These petitions were reviewed by the state’s Medical Quality Assurance Commission and the Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery. However, on July 24, 2015, Washington abolished the petition system. The only way to add a new qualifying condition to the state’s medical marijuana program is through an act of legislation.

Does Washington Allow Physicians to Recommend Medical Cannabis for Non-Qualifying Conditions?

No. Eligible healthcare practitioners can only recommend medical cannabis for qualifying conditions listed in Washington’s medical cannabis law.

Do You Need a Doctor’s Recommendation for Medical Marijuana in Washington?

Yes. Washington requires anyone applying for its medical cannabis card to obtain a medical cannabis authorization from an eligible medical practitioner. To be valid, this authorization must be provided by a medical practitioner who has a patient-practitioner relationship with the patient they are recommending for medical cannabis use. The completed and signed medical cannabis authorization form must also be printed on tamper-resistant paper. Washington allows the following medical practitioners to authorize the use of cannabis to their patients:

• Medical doctor (MD)
• Physician assistant (PA)
• Osteopathic physician (DO)
• Osteopathic physician assistant (OPA
• Naturopathic physician (ND)
• Advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP)

Who Qualifies for a Medical Marijuana Card in Washington?

The State of Washington issues its medical cannabis card to both adults and minors diagnosed with qualifying medical conditions and with valid authorization forms recommending medical cannabis use. Minors need the consents of their parents or legal guardians to join the state’s medical cannabis program. However, Washington does not issue cannabis cards to visitors or non-residents.