Qualifying Conditions for Medical Card in Washington [2025]

How to Qualify for a Medical Marijuana Card in Washington

Medical cannabis has been lawful in Washington since 1998 under Initiative 692. To qualify in 2025, an applicant should be a Washington resident, be at least 18 years old, and—if under 18—have a designated provider who is at least 21 years old. The program is overseen by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH).

Eligibility requires a medical cannabis authorization issued by a Washington-licensed health care professional authorized under RCW 69.51A.030. The authorization confirms that the patient has a qualifying medical condition.

Qualifying conditions include:

• Cancer
• HIV/AIDS
• Multiple sclerosis
• Epilepsy
• Crohn’s disease
• Glaucoma
• Chronic pain
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

After receiving an authorization, patients can obtain a recognition card by presenting the authorization and government-issued ID at a medically-endorsed retail store; program staff will enter the patient into the authorization database and issue the card.

Washington Medical Marijuana Card Requirements

To obtain a Washington medical cannabis recognition card in 2025, applicants present required items at a medically endorsed retailer; authorizations are issued by practitioners following DOH guidance on the healthcare practitioner information page, and card issuance is recorded in the state authorization database, which is a secure system.

• Valid medical cannabis authorization signed by a Washington-licensed health care professional.
• Government-issued photo identification.
• Proof of Washington residency that matches the identification.
• Any retailer-collected card printing fee, if applicable under state rules.

Ensure all information matches across documents to avoid delays during card issuance at the retailer.

How Much Does a Washington Medical Marijuana Card Cost

The state fee to issue or renew a Washington medical cannabis recognition card is $1, collected when the card is printed at a medically endorsed retail store. State law permits retailers to charge an additional card-issuance fee, and any added amount is set by the retailer. Fees for the medical cannabis authorization appointment are separate and determined by the authorizing health care professional.

What Documents do I require for the Washington Medical Marijuana Card

To receive a Washington medical cannabis recognition card at a medically endorsed retailer, bring:

• A valid medical cannabis authorization signed by a Washington-licensed health care professional
• Government-issued photo identification
• Proof of Washington residency that matches the identification (for example, a lease, utility bill, or similar document)
• If applicable, documentation for a designated provider (required for patients under 18)

Ensure all information matches across documents to avoid delays during card issuance at the retailer.

I Was Certified By the Washington Doctor - What is The Next Step?

After a Washington-licensed health care professional issues your medical cannabis authorization, call a medically endorsed retail store to schedule an appointment with a certified medical cannabis consultant. During the appointment, the consultant reviews your authorization for completeness, enters your record into the state medical cannabis authorization database, and prints your recognition card. Once the card is issued, you may purchase Department of Health–compliant products, including high-THC compliant cannabis products, from medically endorsed retailers.

Is Medical Marijuana Legal in Washington?

Yes. Medical cannabis is legal in Washington under state law. Qualifying patients obtain an authorization from a licensed health care professional and are issued a recognition card through the state system; requirements for authorization and patient eligibility are outlined in RCW 69.51A.210. Patients must follow program rules to remain in compliance.

Common Questions about the Qualifying Conditions & Requirements for a Medical Card in Washington