What are the Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana in Washington State in 2025?

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Although recreational cannabis is legal in Washington, there are still many reasons to obtain a medical marijuana card if you qualify. Medical patients enjoy access to stronger products, lower taxes, and legal protections that aren’t available to recreational users. But first, you need to know how to qualify for medical marijuana in Washington State.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the Washington State medical marijuana qualifying conditions, application process, costs, and benefits—so you can make an informed decision about whether a medical card is right for you in 2025.

Is Medical Marijuana Legal in Washington?

Yes, both medical and recreational marijuana are legal in Washington State. Medical marijuana was legalized in 1998 through Initiative 692, while recreational use was approved in 2012. However, despite recreational legalization, medical marijuana in Washington State remains a separate program with its own laws, registration requirements, and benefits.

To participate in the medical program, patients must be certified by a qualified healthcare provider and added to the state’s Medical Marijuana Authorization Database. Once registered, patients can access exclusive privileges not available to recreational consumers.

Learn more about how Washington’s marijuana laws compare here: Is Weed Legal in Washington?

What are the Benefits of a Medical Marijuana Card in Washington?

There are several advantages to having a medical marijuana card, even in a state where recreational use is legal. Some of the biggest benefits include:

• Lower Taxes: Medical marijuana patients in Washington are exempt from the 37% excise tax applied to recreational purchases.
• Higher Purchase and Possession Limits: Medical patients can legally possess up to three ounces of usable cannabis (versus one ounce for recreational users).
• Access to Medical-Only Products: Some dispensaries offer higher-strength or specialized products exclusively for medical patients.
• Home Cultivation Rights: Qualified medical patients are allowed to grow up to six plants at home (or more with a special recommendation), while recreational users cannot grow any.
• Legal Protections: Medical authorization may offer added protection in legal, workplace, and housing situations.

These advantages make obtaining a card worthwhile for many patients. To get started, visit our Washington Medical Marijuana Card Online page.

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What are the Requirements for a Washington Medical Marijuana Card in 2025?

To qualify for a medical marijuana card in Washington State, you must:

• Be a resident of Washington with proof of residency
• Be at least 18 years old (minors can apply with parent/guardian approval)
• Have a diagnosis that meets the medical marijuana qualifying conditions in Washington State
• Be evaluated by a healthcare practitioner who is authorized to recommend cannabis
• Be entered into the Medical Marijuana Authorization Database
• Receive a Washington State medical marijuana recognition card

Unlike in some states, Washington does not require patients to pay a state registration fee. However, you may be charged a small fee (usually $1–$10) by the medically endorsed dispensary when receiving your card.

What are the Medical Marijuana Qualifying Conditions in Washington State?

The following Washington State medical marijuana conditions are approved for participation in the medical program as of 2025:

• Cancer
• HIV/AIDS
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Epilepsy or other seizure disorders
• Glaucoma
• Intractable pain (defined as pain unrelieved by standard medical treatments)
• Crohn’s disease
• Hepatitis C
• PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
• Traumatic brain injury
• Chronic renal failure requiring hemodialysis
• Diseases resulting in nausea, vomiting, wasting, appetite loss, cramping, seizures, or muscle spasms
• Terminal illness with a life expectancy of less than 12 months

This list covers a wide range of physical and neurological conditions. If your symptoms significantly impact your daily life, you may still qualify even if your condition isn’t listed by name. A healthcare provider can help you determine eligibility based on the broader scope of medical marijuana conditions for a card in Washington.

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Washington Medical Marijuana Costs: What to Expect

While Washington does not charge a state registration fee, there are still a few costs to keep in mind when applying for a medical marijuana card:

• Physician Evaluation: Expect to pay between $125 and $200 for an appointment with a medical marijuana doctor.
  • • While Green Health Docs offers certification services starting at $200, we are happy to offer our readers an $80 coupon code, to bring the price down to $120. This discount can be applied by using code WABLOG80 when you checkout on the Washington Medical Marijuana Card page.
• Card Issuance Fee: Dispensaries typically charge a small fee (often $1–$10) to print your physical recognition card.
• Product Costs: Medical marijuana products may be more affordable due to tax exemptions, but prices still vary by dispensary and product type.

Medical patients often save money over time due to lower taxes and more efficient product dosing. Visit our guide to Washington dispensaries to compare local options.

How to Apply for a Washington Medical Marijuana Card Online in 3 Steps

Step 1: Consult a Medical Marijuana Doctor

Schedule an evaluation with a qualified practitioner who can legally recommend cannabis in Washington. Green Health Docs offers secure, convenient telemedicine appointments that can be completed from home.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documentation

You’ll need a valid Washington State ID and any supporting medical records. Your doctor will determine whether you meet the medical marijuana Washington qualifying conditions based on your symptoms and health history.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

If approved, your doctor will provide a written authorization and enter your information into the state’s database. You can then visit a medically-endorsed dispensary to receive your medical marijuana recognition card.

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Washington Medical Marijuana Conditions FAQs

Who Prescribes Medical Marijuana in Washington?

Only licensed healthcare professionals authorized under state law can recommend cannabis. This includes physicians (MDs and DOs), physician assistants (PAs), naturopathic doctors (NDs), and advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs). Green Health Docs connects patients with qualified providers through online consultations.

How Hard Is It to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Washington?

For patients with a qualifying condition, the process is simple. After meeting with a provider and receiving authorization, your information is entered into the state database and your card can be printed at a participating dispensary. There are no state approval delays or registration backlogs.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Washington?

The main cost is the doctor’s evaluation, which usually ranges from $125–$200. Some dispensaries may charge a $1–$10 fee to issue the card. There are no additional fees required by the state itself, and medical patients are exempt from the 37% excise tax on cannabis products.

Is Medical Marijuana Covered by Insurance in Washington?

No. Like in all U.S. states, insurance providers do not cover medical cannabis or the associated doctor’s visit. This includes Medicaid, Medicare, and private plans. However, many patients find the long-term savings in taxes and product efficiency outweigh the upfront evaluation cost.

Apply for a Washington Medical Marijuana Card Today!

If you’re living with a qualifying condition and want to take full advantage of Washington’s medical marijuana program, now is the time to act. A medical card can help you access stronger products, save money, and grow your own cannabis legally—all with fewer restrictions than recreational users face.

Green Health Docs offers fast, private online evaluations with licensed Washington providers. We’ll guide you through every step of the process so you can get certified and start accessing medical cannabis legally and confidently.

Apply for your Washington medical marijuana card online today or call/text 240-356-1000 to get started.

This article has been reviewed by Dr. Anand Dugar, an anesthesiologist, pain medicine physician and the founder of Green Health Docs. Graduating from medical school in 2004 and residency in 2008, Dr. Dugar has been a licensed physician for almost 20 years and has been leading the push for medical cannabis nationwide.