Washington was one of the states to make cannabis legal for adults, but just because it is legal does not mean you can do whatever you want with it. Washington Cannabis Laws include rules about how old you have to be, how much cannabis you can have, where you can use it, and what you can do when you are driving. There are also rules for people who use cannabis for medical reasons and for people who want to grow their own cannabis at home.
This guide is going to help you understand the rules about cannabis in Washington. We will answer questions like who can buy cannabis how cannabis you can have where you can use it what people who are visiting Washington need to know and how the rules are different for people who use cannabis for medical reasons.
Is cannabis legal in Washington?
Yes. People who are 21 years old or older can. Have cannabis in Washington as long as they follow the rules. Washington made cannabis legal for adults when people voted for Initiative 502 and stores that sell cannabis started opening in 2014.
You have to buy cannabis from a store that the state says is okay. You do not have to live in Washington to buy cannabis. You have to show a valid identification card that the government gave you.
It is very important to remember that cannabis is still not legal under the laws of the country. This means there are some rules to follow when you are, on property that belongs to the country or when you are crossing from one state to another.
Who Can Buy Cannabis in Washington?
To buy cannabis for -medical use you have to be at least 21 years old.
A store that sells cannabis can sell it to anyone who’s 21 or older and has a valid ID from the government.
You do not have to live in Washington to buy cannabis so people who are visiting can also buy it if they are 21 or older.
The rules are different for people who need cannabis for reasons.
These people can get an authorization from a doctor and Washington has a special program for people who need cannabis for medical reasons.
This program gives these people options and protects them.
How Cannabis Can Adults Possess?
There are rules about how much cannabis adults can have in Washington.
If you are 21 or older you can. Have up to:
- One ounce of cannabis that you can use
- 16 Ounces of food or drinks that have cannabis in them
- 72 Ounces of liquids that have cannabis in them
- 7 Grams of cannabis that is concentrated
These rules are for people who buy cannabis for -medical reasons.
If you have cannabis than you are allowed you can get in trouble so you should know what kind of cannabis product you are buying.
Not all cannabis products are the same so you should not just assume that they are all measured in the way.
You should understand what you are buying and make sure you are following the rules for cannabis, in Washington.
Can you drive after using cannabis?
Cannabis and driving are not safe. A person should never think that legalization makes driving while impaired okay.
Washington also has rules, about carrying cannabis in a car. The product has to be kept in the trunk or if the car doesn’t have a trunk in an area that the driver and passengers can’t reach. An open container is not allowed; the cannabis needs to stay in its container with the seal still intact. A glove compartment is not a place to store it.
The best way is simple: do not use cannabis before driving. Carry legally bought products according to state laws.
Can Adults Grow Cannabis at Home?
This is one area where Washington’s different from some other states that have legal recreational cannabis.
Personal recreational home growing is usually not allowed. Home cultivation is possible under Washingtons cannabis rules for people who qualify and designated providers who meet the rules.
For example an authorized medical patient who is not in the Medical Cannabis Registry can grow up to four plants. Have up to six ounces of usable cannabis from those plants.
Registered recognition card holders can have cultivation rights. They can grow six plants for medical use and have up to eight ounces from those plants. If a healthcare provider says more plants are needed the authorization can allow up to 15 plants according to the states rules and housing-unit limits.
How Do Medical Cannabis Rules Differ?
Washingtons medical cannabis system can offer benefits that go beyond the adult-use market for those who are eligible and registered.
Recognition card holders who are in the states Medical Cannabis Registry can buy amounts than non-medical consumers in some cases. The Washington State Department of Health lists the limits:
- 3 ounces of usable cannabis
- 48 ounces of solid cannabis-infused products
- 216 ounces of liquid cannabis-infused products
- 21 grams of cannabis concentrate
Registered patients and designated providers can also get tax exemptions when buying medical cannabis products from medical-approved retailers. The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board says that eligible registered patients can avoid the 37% cannabis excise tax on qualifying purchases.
The program can also give access to products that are only available through the medical system. The Washington Department of Health lists medical product categories and standards including High-THC products that are only, for qualifying registered patients and designated providers.
Can You Give Cannabis to Another Adult?
In the state of Washington adults who are 21 years old or more can give cannabis to adults.. There are some rules that have to be followed.
The person giving the cannabis cannot get paid for it. Get anything in return. The rules also say where and how the cannabis can be given.
There are limits to how much cannabis can be given. For example:
- Up to one-half ounce of cannabis
- Up to 8 ounces of cannabis-infused product in form
- Up to 36 ounces of cannabis-infused product in liquid form
- Up to 3.5 grams of cannabis concentrate
If you give cannabis to someone who is under 21 years old you could get in trouble with the law. It is also against the law to sell cannabis without a license.
What Should Visitors Know About Washington Cannabis Laws?
People who visit Washington and are least 21 years old can buy cannabis from stores that are allowed to sell it. They need to show a government identification to do this.
However just because you can buy cannabis in Washington it does not mean you can take it to another state. It is still against the law to take cannabis across state lines even if it is legal, in both states.
The Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board says that you cannot take cannabis on a flight. Visitors should use the cannabis. Get rid of it before they leave Washington instead of trying to take it to another state.
A Few Important Things to Remember
Washington’s cannabis laws are easier to understand when you separate legal purchase and possession from where and how cannabis can be used.
Here are the main points:
- You must generally be 21 or older for adult-use cannabis.
- Buy cannabis from a state-licensed retailer.
- Follow Washington’s possession limits.
- Do not consume cannabis in public.
- Do not drive while impaired.
- Follow vehicle transportation rules.
- Recreational home growing is generally prohibited.
- Eligible medical patients may have different possession, tax, product, and cultivation benefits.
- Do not take cannabis across state lines.
- Visitors can buy cannabis legally in Washington if they meet the age and ID requirements.
Final Thoughts
Cannabis is legal for adult use in Washington. The states legal framework has clear limits. Being able to buy cannabis legally does not mean that public consumption is allowed or that impaired driving is acceptable or that unlicensed sales are permitted or that home cultivation is unlimited or that transporting cannabis across state lines is allowed.
For patients Washington has a different system that offers extra benefits for people who meet the requirements and complete the steps needed to get permission and register. The rules about how much cannabis a person can carry the right to grow plants at home how taxes are. Access to specific medical products can be very different from the rules that apply to regular adult-use users.
Since cannabis laws and rules can change people who use cannabis and patients should look at the information, from official Washington agencies before making choices based on legal rules.