Washington Recreational Cannabis Laws
Purchasing & consumption rules for adults 21+.
Informational only — not legal advice. Cannabis laws change frequently; verify current rules with the official sources linked below before relying on this page.
Last verified: 2026-08-28
Washington Cannabis Laws — Quick Facts
Status
Recreational legal · since 2012 (Initiative 502)
Min. Age
21
Home Grow
No
Source: official state guidance · Facts verified 2026-08-28
Residents & out-of-state visitors
Adult-use cannabis: adults 21 and older
State residents
- Who can buy
- Adults 21+ with valid government-issued photo ID.
- Purchase limit
- 1 oz usable cannabis, 7 g concentrate, 16 oz solid infused product, or 72 oz liquid infused product
- Public possession limit
- 1 oz usable cannabis, 7 g concentrate, 16 oz solid infused product, or 72 oz liquid infused product
Out-of-state visitors
- Who can buy
- Adults 21+ with valid government-issued photo ID.
- Purchase limit
- 1 oz usable cannabis, 7 g concentrate, 16 oz solid infused product, or 72 oz liquid infused product
- Public possession limit
- 1 oz usable cannabis, 7 g concentrate, 16 oz solid infused product, or 72 oz liquid infused product
Sources: Official state guidance · Reviewed 2026-09-09
Purchase and possession limits are different. Limits apply within this state; do not carry cannabis across state lines. Medical programs may have separate rules.
Find dispensary listings in Washington
253 directory listings across 106 cities.
Browse all Washington dispensaries →1. Status & Authority
- Legal Since: 2012 (Initiative 502)
- Governing Agency: Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB)
- Statute/Citation: RCW 69.50 (Uniform Controlled Substances Act)
- Medical Exists: Yes
- Retail Sales Operational: Yes
2. Who Can Purchase
- Minimum Age: 21
- ID Requirements: Valid government-issued photo ID
- State residents: Adults 21+ with valid government-issued photo ID.
- Resident vs. Out-of-State/Visitor: Adults 21+ with valid government-issued photo ID.
3. Purchase & Possession Limits
- Resident purchase: 1 oz usable cannabis, 7 g concentrate, 16 oz solid infused product, or 72 oz liquid infused product
- Visitor purchase: 1 oz usable cannabis, 7 g concentrate, 16 oz solid infused product, or 72 oz liquid infused product
- Resident public possession: 1 oz usable cannabis, 7 g concentrate, 16 oz solid infused product, or 72 oz liquid infused product
- Visitor public possession: 1 oz usable cannabis, 7 g concentrate, 16 oz solid infused product, or 72 oz liquid infused product
4. Where & How to Buy
- Dispensaries: State-licensed retail stores only.
- Delivery & Online: Home delivery of recreational cannabis is strictly prohibited. Online orders may be placed for in-store pickup, but the transaction must occur at the licensed retail location.
- Consumption Lounges: Not permitted.
- Local Opt-Outs: Some cities and counties have enacted bans or zoning restrictions on retail stores.
5. Taxes & Payment
- Excise Tax: 37% retail excise tax (one of the highest in the US).
- Sales Tax: Standard state sales tax (6.5%) plus local sales taxes apply.
- Payment: Cash or cashless ATMs.
6. Consumption Rules
- Permitted Locations: Private residences.
- Prohibited Locations: All public places, in view of the general public, and federal property (including national parks and forests).
- Vehicles/Open Container: Illegal to consume in a vehicle. Open container laws require cannabis to be in its original unopened packaging or stored in the trunk (or an area inaccessible to the driver and passengers).
- Landlord/Employer: Landlords may prohibit smoking on their properties. Employers can maintain drug-free policies, though recent WA laws offer some protections against pre-employment testing for non-psychoactive cannabis metabolites (with many exemptions for safety-sensitive roles).
7. Home Cultivation
- Allowed: No
- Plant Count Limits: Home cultivation is illegal for recreational (adult-use) consumers. Only registered medical cannabis patients or their designated providers may legally cultivate cannabis at home.
8. Penalties
- Over-Limit Possession: Can result in misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the amount.
- Public Consumption: Civil infraction / fine.
- Sale to Minors: Felony.
- DUI Thresholds: "Per se" limit exists. Driving with a THC blood concentration of 5.0 ng/mL or higher is a DUI. You can also be charged with a DUI for impairment below this threshold.
9. Sources
- Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) (Accessed: 2026-07-12)