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The complete guide to cannabis in Seattle

Skyline, Seattle, Washington

Article written by

April AcernoContent Writer

Content reviewed by

Dipak HemrajMedical Cannabis Researcher

Table of contents

  1. Key takeaways
  2. Washington cannabis laws
  3. Tips for buying cannabis in Seattle
  4. Benefits of getting a medical marijuana card in Seattle
  5. How to get a medical marijuana card in Seattle
  6. Other things to know about cannabis in Seattle
  7. Resources

Recreational and medical cannabis are legal in Seattle. As a result, there are a number of licensed dispensaries throughout the city.

Still, it’s important to know Seattle cannabis laws, whether you’re a long-time resident or just a visitor. Learn about possession limits, local dispensaries, and more in this guide.

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Key takeaways

Here are the must-know facts about cannabis in Seattle:

  • Legal age: You must be at least 21 years old to purchase and use recreational cannabis. Medical cannabis cardholders must be at least 18.
  • Possession limits: Adults 21 and over can possess up to 1 ounce (oz) of cannabis. Medical cannabis cardholders who are registered in the voluntary medical cannabis authorization database can possess up to 3 oz.
  • Consumption rules: Public cannabis consumption is illegal for both recreational and medical use, so enjoy your supply at home.

Washington cannabis laws

Washington state law prohibits using cannabis in public. The state’s Smoking in Public Places law also forbids smoking of any kind in public places and workplaces. These laws apply to indoor locations like restaurants as well as outdoor spaces like public parks and sidewalks.

It’s illegal to drive under the influence of cannabis. If you’re transporting your supply, it must be kept in a sealed container out of reach.

If you’re renting your home, check your lease agreement for any restrictions your landlord may have for cannabis use on the property.

As of January 1, 2024, following the passing of Senate Bill 5123, employers in Washington cannot refuse to hire someone who tests positive for cannabis with a drug test. However, employers may fire employees if they are intoxicated on the job.

Recreational cannabis laws

Washington became one of the first states to legalize recreational cannabis when it passed Initiative Measure 502 in​​ 2012. However, it wasn’t until 2014 that state-licensed dispensaries could begin selling cannabis.

Washington has some of the highest cannabis taxes in the country. Customers pay a 37% excise tax, a 6.5% sales tax, plus local tax on cannabis products.

Recreational users can possess 1 oz of dry cannabis flower, 7 grams of cannabis concentrate, 72 oz of cannabis-infused product in liquid form, or 16 oz of cannabis-infused product in solid form. Recreational users cannot legally grow any cannabis.

Violating possession limits or selling cannabis without a license can lead to penalties, including fines and jail time. Depending on the severity of the offense, fines can range from $50 to $20,000, and sentencing can vary from 24 hours to 10 years.

Medical cannabis laws

Washington legalized medical cannabis in 1998. State-approved medical cardholders who are also registered in the voluntary medical cannabis authorization database can possess 3 oz of flower, 21 grams of cannabis concentrate, 216 oz of cannabis-infused product in liquid form, or 48 oz of cannabis-infused product in solid form. And they may be allowed to possess more if their doctor recommends it.

Medical cannabis cardholders who are in the state’s medical cannabis authorization database can legally grow up to 6 mature cannabis plants. Medical cardholders who are not in the database can grow up to 4.

Medical cannabis cardholders who are registered in the state’s database are exempt from the 37% excise tax.

Tips for buying cannabis in Seattle

To ensure a smooth, safe, and legal cannabis experience in Seattle, follow these tips:

  • Buy from licensed dispensaries: Always make your cannabis purchases from a licensed dispensary. This ensures you’re buying products that have been tested for safety and authenticity.
  • Compare prices: Look for deals at different dispensaries to save money on your favorite products.
  • Stay up to date on local laws: Washington state and Seattle cannabis laws can change. Stay in the know to avoid potential issues.
  • Seek expert guidance: The budtenders at your local dispensary are available to answer any questions you might have about cannabis. If you’re a medical cardholder, telehealth services like Leafwell can guide you toward a cannabis routine that suits your health-related needs.
  • Bring your documentation: You cannot enter a dispensary without a state-issued photo ID. If you’re a medical cannabis cardholder, bring your ID card with you to access benefits like higher purchase limits and lower tax costs.

Dispensaries in Seattle

jars of cannabis on a tables with hands of people visible and an MMJ card

  • Have A Heart (115 Blanchard St, Seattle, WA 98121): Have a Heart has every type of cannabis product you could ask for. They also offer daily and weekly deals, as well as regularly scheduled cannabis events.
  • The Bakeree (222 Wall Street Seattle, WA 98121): The Bakeree is an award-winning dispensary founded in 2011. They’re also known for their daily discounts as well as a generous selection of top-shelf flower strains.
  • Greenside Recreational (523 Queen Anne Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109): Greenside Recreational has a generous menu. Their budtenders will also price-match your cannabis products so that you’re always getting the best deal.
  • Seattle Cannabis Co (7266 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118): Seattle Cannabis Co has a small-business feel, with high standards for the products that they carry. They have a great selection of concentrates, flower, vaporizers, and edibles.

Benefits of getting a medical marijuana card in Seattle

Even though cannabis use is legal for adults 21 and older across the state, there are benefits to getting a medical card and joining the medical cannabis authorization database.

  • Age requirements: Recreational users must be at least 21 to buy cannabis. Medical cardholders only need to be 18.. Minors may also be able to access cannabis through a registered caregiver.
  • Possession amounts: Recreational users cannot legally possess more than 1 oz of cannabis. Medical cardholders can possess up to 3 oz (or more if their healthcare provider recommends it).
  • Tax benefits: Recreational users have to pay the state’s 37% excise tax on cannabis purchases. Medical cannabis cardholders are exempt from this tax if the buyer is listed in the state’s authorization database.
  • Cultivation rules: Recreational users are legally prohibited from growing cannabis. Registered cardholders in the voluntary authorization database can grow up to 6 plants. Even if they’re not in the voluntary database, medical cardholders can still grow up to 4 mature plants.

How to get a medical marijuana card in Seattle

To qualify for a medical cannabis card in Washington:

  1. You must be a state resident over the age of 18.
  2. You have to get a cannabis recommendation from a licensed physician.
  3. You need to apply through the state’s registry system for approval for medical cannabis.

People under the age of 18 are not eligible for a medical cannabis card. However, they may designate a parent or guardian as their caregiver to buy medical cannabis on their behalf.

Unlike other states, Washington maintains a voluntary medical cannabis authorization database. Those who are approved for a medical cannabis card have the option to register as an authorized user. Only those who have joined this database can access higher cultivation and possession limits (compared to non-authorized cardholders). They are also exempt from the state’s 37% excise tax.

Finding a doctor

The first step to getting a medical cannabis card in Seattle is obtaining a cannabis recommendation from a licensed healthcare provider. If your existing doctor doesn’t provide cannabis recommendations, you can find a local doctor who does.

You can also get a recommendation through a telehealth service like Leafwell. These services can be a convenient alternative, allowing you to get an appointment in minutes without having to leave your home.

Once you have a physician’s recommendation, you can use the state’s medical cannabis authorization form to apply for medical cannabis certification. You’ll also need to provide your state-issued photo ID.

Once approved, your medical cannabis card should arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

After receiving your card, it’s recommended, but not required, that you join the medical cannabis authorization database. Those who hold valid authorizations but aren’t registered with the database don’t have the same access to cardholder benefits compared to recreational users. One exception is that you can legally grow up to 4 cannabis plants (compared to none for recreational users).

Qualifying conditions

To qualify for a medical cannabis card in the state of Washington, you must be diagnosed with a qualifying health condition, such as:

Other things to know about cannabis in Seattle

Weed delivery is not legal in Washington. That means you can’t order cannabis for delivery to your address from a dispensary.

Seattle does host a number of cannabis events throughout the year, including:

Resources

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Frequently asked questions

Get answers to common questions about weed in Seattle.

Is weed legal in Seattle, Washington?

Yes. Cannabis is legal for both recreational and medical use. To make a purchase from a dispensary, recreational users must be at least 21 years old, and medical cardholders must be at least 18.

Can you smoke weed in Seattle?

Only in your private residence. It’s illegal to use cannabis in public in the state of Washington.

Does Seattle have dispensaries?

Yes. You can find a number of licensed dispensaries throughout the city of Seattle.

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