Where can I buy cannabis in Washington?

At licensed dispensaries regulated by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB). You must be 21 or older with valid government-issued photo ID. Visit their website for a list of licensed retailers.

Can I bring cannabis into Washington from a legal state?

No. Transporting cannabis across state lines is a federal crime regardless of the legal status in either state. You must purchase and consume cannabis within the state where it is legal.

Cannabis in Washington — Laws & Limits

Limited Evidence

Cannabis Is Legal in Washington

Initiative 502 passed November 2012 with 56% of the vote — one of the first two states to legalize. Retail sales began July 2014.

Washington Cannabis Quick Facts

Status	Recreational & Medical
Recreational	Legal
Medical	Legal
Decriminalized	Yes
Possession Limit	1 oz flower, 7g concentrate, 16 oz edibles solid, 72 oz edibles liquid; medical: 3 oz flower or equivalent
Medical Conditions	Cancer, HIV/AIDS, epilepsy, Crohn's, glaucoma, hepatitis C, intractable pain, and others
Regulatory Agency	Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB)

Penalties & Enforcement

Over 1 oz: misdemeanor. Over 40g: felony.

Even in states with legal cannabis, violations of possession limits, public consumption rules, and driving under the influence carry penalties. Driving while impaired is illegal in every state and can result in DUI charges.

What You Need to Know

One of the most mature markets in the US alongside Colorado. 37% effective tax rate (one of the highest). No home cultivation for recreational users. Medical patients may grow up to 6 plants with authorization.

Nearby States with Legal Cannabis

Washington borders or is near states with legal recreational cannabis. Remember: transporting cannabis across state lines is a federal crime, even between two legal states.

Oregon — Recreational & Medical

Explore our dedicated Washington guide:

WashingtonCannabis.org — Washington State cannabis guide — I-502 market, dispensary locations, home-grow rules, and the 37% tax breakdown

Planning a cannabis-friendly trip? Visit CannabisTravel.org for destination guides, travel tips, and what you need to know about cannabis tourism across the U.S. and internationally.

Crossing into Canada? Washington borders Canada, where cannabis is federally legal. Visit CannabisCanada.org for province-by-province guides, border crossing rules, and what travelers need to know. Remember: carrying cannabis across the border is illegal in both directions.

Learn More

How to Get a Medical Cannabis Card — state-by-state application guide
Understanding State Cannabis Laws — how state and federal laws interact
What to Expect at a Dispensary — first visit guide
Dosing Fundamentals — start low, go slow
Drug Interactions — check before combining cannabis with medications
Driving & Impairment — DUI laws apply in every state

Cannabis in Washington — Laws, Dispensaries & What You Need to Know