Understanding How Much a Washington Medical Marijuanas Card Costs

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If you’re wondering about the benefits of a medical marijuana card in Washington State or trying to figure out the cost of a medical marijuana card in Washington State, you’re not alone. Even though recreational cannabis is legal in Washington, there are still compelling reasons to consider getting a medical card—especially when it comes to product cost, legal protection, and access to higher-potency medicine.

This guide will walk you through every aspect of Washington’s medical cannabis program—from how much weed costs and how to qualify, to possession limits, eligibility, and how to apply. Whether you’re new to medical marijuana or thinking about switching from recreational use, understanding the system can help you save money and receive better care.

Is Weed Legal in Washington?

Yes, both recreational and medical marijuana are legal in Washington State. In fact, Washington was one of the first states to legalize recreational cannabis back in 2012. However, the state’s medical marijuana program has existed since 1998 and still provides unique benefits for patients who need long-term, consistent treatment with cannabis.

Recreational users over 21 can buy and possess limited quantities of marijuana from licensed retailers. But for those who want higher possession limits, tax exemptions, and priority access to products, getting a medical cannabis card is still worth it.

For a complete breakdown, see: Is Weed Legal in Washington?

Medical Weed in Washington

Washington’s medical marijuana program allows certified patients to access cannabis with fewer restrictions than recreational users. Registered patients may purchase stronger products, possess larger quantities, and even grow their own marijuana at home if authorized by their physician. Medical users can also join the state’s Medical Marijuana Authorization Database to receive an official card and benefit from tax exemptions on cannabis purchases.

Enrolling in the program is optional, but doing so provides legal protections and greater flexibility in how cannabis can be used to manage chronic or qualifying conditions.

The Status of Recreational Weed in Washington

Recreational cannabis is legal in Washington for adults 21 and older. Anyone can walk into a state-licensed shop and buy cannabis flower, edibles, vape cartridges, and more. However, recreational users are limited to one ounce of flower, 16 ounces of edibles, and cannot grow their own plants at home. Medical patients, on the other hand, are permitted to exceed those limits in certain situations.

While the legal landscape is relatively progressive, registered medical users are still granted more favorable terms for possession, taxation, and legal defense.

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The Benefits of Obtaining a Medical Marijuana Card in Washington State

Although you don’t technically need a card to use marijuana in Washington, having one unlocks a number of valuable benefits. For patients who use cannabis regularly, the benefits of medical marijuana card in Washington State are well worth the time and cost to obtain one.

Medical Marijuana Card Tax Benefits in WA

Registered medical marijuana patients in Washington are exempt from paying state excise tax on cannabis products. This can reduce total costs by as much as 37% per purchase, which adds up quickly for patients using cannabis on a regular basis.

Access to Stronger Products and Higher Potency Limits

Medical cannabis products can exceed the potency limits applied to recreational products. This is especially important for patients who need highly concentrated THC or CBD formulations for conditions like chronic pain, seizures, or severe nausea.

Higher Purchase and Possession Limits

Medical patients in Washington can purchase and possess more cannabis than recreational users. This is a huge benefit for people using daily therapeutic doses, especially those traveling long distances to reach a dispensary or those needing steady supply for serious conditions.

Home Cultivation Rights

Recreational users in Washington cannot grow their own cannabis. However, registered patients who receive a physician’s authorization may grow up to six plants, and in some cases, up to 15 plants depending on their condition and need.

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Who Is Eligible for a Washington Medical Marijuana Card?

To obtain a medical marijuana card in Washington, you must meet state requirements and be certified by a healthcare provider who is licensed in Washington State and authorized to recommend cannabis.

WA Medical Weed Requirements

Applicants must be Washington residents, with proof of identification such as a state-issued ID or utility bill. Patients must also be diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition, and be seen by a licensed physician, physician assistant, or advanced registered nurse practitioner who agrees that medical marijuana is an appropriate treatment option.

Minors can also apply for a medical card with parental consent and a designated caregiver who manages the child’s cannabis use.

WA Medical Weed Qualifying Conditions

Washington recognizes a range of conditions for medical marijuana eligibility, including but not limited to:

• Cancer
• HIV/AIDS
• Epilepsy or other seizure disorders
• PTSD
• Multiple sclerosis
• Crohn’s disease
• Glaucoma
• Intractable pain
• Severe nausea
• Muscle spasms

If your symptoms interfere with your quality of life and haven’t responded to traditional treatment, your healthcare provider may still recommend cannabis even if your condition isn’t explicitly listed. The Washington Department of Health provides flexibility to practitioners to assess on a case-by-case basis.

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How Much Does a Washington Medical Marijuanas Card Cost?

Let’s break down the cost of medical marijuana card in Washington State so you know what to expect before applying. While Washington doesn’t charge a state application fee, there are a few other costs to keep in mind.

Doctors Visit

The first step is a consultation with a licensed provider. These appointments usually cost between $125 and $200, depending on the clinic and whether the visit is in person or online. During the consultation, your provider will assess your medical history, confirm your qualifying condition, and determine whether medical marijuana is appropriate.

If you’re approved, they will issue an authorization form that you’ll use to register with the state’s optional database.

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.

Telemedicine Appointment

Telehealth appointments are available throughout Washington and offer a convenient option for patients who live in rural areas or prefer to skip the travel. These virtual visits are just as legitimate as in-person evaluations and often cost less—around $125 to $150 at most clinics.

Telemedicine is HIPAA-compliant and allows you to receive your authorization form electronically so you can register quickly.

Application Process

Washington doesn’t require patients to submit an application directly to the state. Instead, after your doctor issues your authorization, you bring it to a licensed cannabis retailer with a certified medical consultant on staff. The consultant will enter your information into the state’s Medical Marijuana Authorization Database and issue your official card.

Most dispensaries charge a small fee for card creation, typically around $1 to $5. Once registered, you’ll receive a plastic medical marijuana card that exempts you from excise tax and unlocks all patient benefits.

Renewal Fees

Medical marijuana authorizations in Washington are valid for one year. To renew, you must schedule another appointment with your provider to confirm your condition and continue treatment. Renewal appointments typically cost the same as your initial visit—between $125 and $150.

Your dispensary may also charge a small fee to reissue your card. It’s best to renew at least 30 days before expiration to avoid any gaps in your access or tax exemptions.

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Washington Medical Cannabis Limits

Even though Washington is a legal cannabis state, medical marijuana users are granted higher limits for purchase, possession, and cultivation.

How much marijuana can you buy from one Washington dispensary?

Recreational users in Washington can purchase up to one ounce of cannabis flower, seven grams of concentrate, or 16 ounces of solid edibles per visit. Registered medical marijuana patients can purchase up to three ounces of flower, 21 grams of concentrate, and 48 ounces of infused edibles per visit—triple the standard limit.

These higher allowances make a major difference for patients using cannabis consistently or at higher therapeutic doses.

How much weed can you carry in Washington?

Registered patients may legally carry up to three ounces of usable marijuana, as well as 21 grams of concentrates and 48 ounces of marijuana-infused edibles. Recreational users are limited to one ounce of flower and significantly lower amounts of other product types.

Possession must remain within private spaces—public consumption remains illegal, regardless of your status as a recreational or medical user.

How much weed is a felony in Washington?

Possession of more than 40 grams (about 1.4 ounces) of cannabis without proper authorization may be considered a felony under Washington law—especially if the intent to distribute is suspected. However, registered medical marijuana patients are protected when carrying up to three ounces, as long as they can present a valid authorization and ID.

Always keep cannabis in its original packaging and avoid carrying more than your medical limit to stay within the law.

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FAQs About Washington Medical Marijuana Costs

How much does medical weed cost in Washington?

Medical marijuana prices in Washington State vary depending on the product and dispensary. On average, flower costs between $8 and $15 per gram, or $25 to $45 per eighth. Edibles generally range from $20 to $40 per package, and concentrates can cost $30 to $70 per gram, depending on potency. Medical patients may pay less overall due to tax exemptions and discounts offered by select retailers.

What conditions qualify for a medical card in WA?

Qualifying conditions include cancer, epilepsy, HIV/AIDS, PTSD, Crohn’s disease, intractable pain, glaucoma, and several others. If your condition causes significant symptoms and has not responded to standard treatments, your physician may approve you for medical marijuana use.

How do I get medical weed in Washington?

First, meet with a licensed provider for an evaluation. If approved, they’ll give you an authorization form. Bring this form to a certified dispensary, where a consultant will help register you in the state database and issue your card. You’ll then be eligible to purchase and possess cannabis at medical limits.

How long does it take to get a medical card in Washington?

Most patients can complete the process in a single day. After your doctor’s visit, you can go directly to a participating dispensary to be entered into the database and receive your card. There is no mailing delay or application processing period, making Washington one of the quickest states for card issuance.

Apply for a Washington Medical Marijuana Card Today

Whether you’re seeking better pricing, stronger products, or legal protection, getting a medical marijuana card in Washington is a smart move. Green Health Docs makes the process simple with licensed physicians available online and in person. We’ll guide you through every step—from evaluation to registration—so you can take control of your treatment with confidence.

Apply for your Washington medical marijuana card today and start experiencing the full benefits of Washington’s patient-focused cannabis program.

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.