STATE CANNABIS GUIDE
Cannabis Laws in Washington
Is weed legal in Washington? Possession limits, home grow rules, medical program and dispensary info.
STATE CANNABIS GUIDE
Is weed legal in Washington? Possession limits, home grow rules, medical program and dispensary info.
Cannabis is currently recreational in Washington (WA). Legalized same day as Colorado. No home growing for rec users.
Adults in Washington may possess up to 1 oz flower, 16 oz edibles of cannabis.
| Category | Limit / Rule |
|---|---|
| Public Possession | 1 oz flower, 16 oz edibles |
| Home Growing | Not allowed |
| Medical Program | Active |
| Dispensaries | ~580 licensed dispensaries |
Possession over 1 oz is a misdemeanor (up to 90 days, $1,000 fine). Open public use is a misdemeanor. DUI threshold of 5ng/ml THC blood applies.
Washington's medical system was merged with its recreational system in 2016. Qualifying patients get sales tax exemptions and higher possession limits (up to 3 oz flower).
Washington was one of the first two states to legalize recreational cannabis via Initiative 502 in November 2012, along with Colorado. Retail sales began in July 2014.
Washington generates approximately $500 million in cannabis excise tax annually, with funds directed to public health programs, the Basic Health Plan, and substance use disorder services.
Despite recreational legality in Washington, cannabis remains federally illegal. Employers can — and many do — still require drug tests.
The most common pre-employment test in Washington is the urine test, which can detect THC metabolites for up to 30 days in regular users. See: How long does THC stay in urine?
