Is marijuana legal in Washington
1. Legal Status
- Recreational Use:
Legal since November 2012 following the passage of Initiative 502.
Adults 21 years and older may legally purchase and possess marijuana from licensed retailers.
- Medical Use:
Legal since 1998 under the Washington State Medical Use of Cannabis Act.
Requires a medical authorization from a healthcare provider.
2. Possession Limits
- Recreational Users:
- 1 ounce (28g) of usable cannabis
- 16 ounces of cannabis-infused solids
- 72 ounces of cannabis-infused liquids
- 7 grams of cannabis concentrates
- Medical Patients (Registered):
- Three ounces or more of edible marijuana
- 48 ounces of solid infused goods
- 216 ounces in liquid form
- 21 grams of concentrates
- May grow up to 6 plants (up to 15 with healthcare authorization)
3. Regulation & Enforcement
- Regulatory Authority:
Managed by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB).
Regulates licensing for production, processing, and retail.
- Public Use:
Consumption in public is prohibited and subject to penalties.
- Driving Under the Influence:
Illegal; blood THC concentration limit is 5 ng/mL.
4. Federal Law
- Cannabis remains illegal federally under the Controlled Substances Act (Schedule I).
Use on federal lands (e.g., national parks) is prohibited.
