The Washington State Department of Health only approves medical marijuana cards for patients diagnosed with one of the qualifying health conditions. Other persons must purchase recreationally. The list of qualifying conditions include:
Recreational marijuana use is legal in Washington and entering the state medical marijuana authorization database is voluntary for adults. However, state residents that purchase and participate in marijuana use without an MMJ card miss out on several benefits enjoyed by MMJ cardholders which include;
Increased possession limits; registered caregivers and patients are legally allowed to purchase up to three ounces of usable marijuana, 216 ounces of marijuana-infused products in liquid form, 48 ounces of marijuana-infused products in solid form, and 21 grams of marijuana concentrate.
State tax exemption; MMJ cardholders can buy medical marijuana products from retail stores at cheaper rates due to MMJ cardholders exemption from Washington's 37% statewide tax on marijuana.
Access to a wide variety of cannabis strains and potencies; some high THC cannabis strains are readily available at numerous Washington State dispensaries and are restricted to valid MMJ cardholders. Cardholders are also allowed access to a wider range of strains to choose from.
Allowed marijuana cultivation; MMJ cardholders are allowed to grow not more than 15 marijuana plants on a single location and can possess up to eight ounces of usable marijuana in their homes.
Purchase of immature plants, clones, and seeds from a licensed marijuana producer; which would be beneficial to patients or caregivers who choose to grow their marijuana for personal use. The Washington State Department of Health doesn't maintain any registries for licensed marijuana producers. MMJ cardholders would need to inquire at local dispensaries about the whereabouts of a marijuana producer open to the public in their area.
Allowed participation in a registered medical marijuana co-operative; medical marijuana cooperatives are formed by a maximum of four valid MMJ cardholders. Members of a cooperative pull their resources together to cultivate and process marijuana strictly for medical purposes. Cooperative are allowed increased marijuana plant growth and possession limits. Members are allowed to grow more than 15 marijuana plants for personal use. Cooperative cannabis farm locations are required to be registered with the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.
Protection from local law enforcement agencies per the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 69.51A.040; registered MMJ cardholders are not subject to criminal sanctions or civil consequences for medical marijuana use, possession, and cultivation by Washington local law enforcement agencies.
A Washington medical marijuana card only expires when a patient's medical marijuana authorization expires. This authorization expiration date is determined by your healthcare practitioner and is based on a patient treatment plan. According to the RCW 69.51A.030, a practitioner authorization can last up to a year for adults 18 years or older. For patients younger than 18 years, practitioner authorization typically lasts six months.
No, medical marijuana reciprocity clauses are not included in Washington State laws. Only Washington state-issued medical marijuana cards are valid within the state jurisdiction. Medical marijuana reciprocity refers to states having complementary medical marijuana laws that allow medical marijuana card usage between these states. Note that out-of-state patients 21 or older are allowed and protected under Initiative 17 to purchase marijuana or its products in any medically endorsed retail store.
Yes, a Washington-issued medical marijuana identification card (MMIC) is valid in all states with medical marijuana reciprocity clauses or programs. In these states, a Washington MMIC card can be used to purchase and possess cannabis without fear of local law enforcement persecution. Sadly, not all states that legalize medical or recreational marijuana use allow medical marijuana reciprocity. Even in Washington, only state-issued MMIC are recognized within the state's jurisdiction. A Washington MMIC is valid in the following state that currently practices medical marijuana reciprocity;
No, only state-issued medical marijuana cards are accepted in Washington. This is due to the state's non-inclusion of medical marijuana reciprocity clauses in its laws. Although, out-of-state adults 21 years or older are legally allowed to possess not more than two ounces of marijuana within Washington per the state Initiative 17.
No, marijuana possession and use are illegal under US federal laws. Even with a Washington MMIC, possession of marijuana on federal grounds for first-time offenders is a misdemeanor. These offenses are punishable by a max fine of $1000 and up to a year jail sentence. Federal properties in Washington include capitol grounds, malls, national parks, and military properties.