Visitors' Guide to Buying Weed in Seattle

If you’re thinking about buying weed in Seattle for the first time, you probably have a lot of questions. Can anyone buy weed? How much does it cost? Where can you actually smoke it? And what exactly happens when you walk into a dispensary?Maybe you’re visiting our fair city from a less weed-friendly state, or maybe you’re a local who’s just curious about the recreational or medicinal benefits of cannabis. Either way, you’ll be glad to know that Seattle has one of the most consumer-friendly weed markets in the country.

Can You Buy Weed Recreationally in Seattle WA?

Seattle’s recreational cannabis market is open to all adults, whether you live in Washington state or are just visiting. In fact, Washington was one of the first states to legalize recreational weed back in 2012, and the market is still going strong.You don’t have to have a medical marijuana card to buy cannabis, but there are still a select few dispensaries that are open exclusively to medical marijuana patients (which is why it’s a good idea to call or research ahead of your visit).Adults can legally possess up to one ounce of cannabis flower (about 28 grams) for personal use. The law also allows up to 16 ounces of marijuana-infused product in solid form or 72 ounces of marijuana-infused product in liquid form.One important thing to be aware of: Growing cannabis is strictly forbidden in Washington. While some states will allow you to purchase seeds and keep a few plants at home, Washington treats all unlicensed cultivation as a felony. So don’t do it.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Weed in Seattle?

Recreational Use

If you want to shop in any Seattle dispensary as a recreational customer, you must be at least 21 years of age with valid proof of ID (in state or out of state). This law applies to both purchasing and consuming, so if you’re under 21 and you consume cannabis that was purchased by someone else, you’re committing a civil infraction. The person who provided you with the cannabis may be committing a felony for distributing to a minor.

Medicinal Use

If you’re an adult between 18 and 20 years old, you can shop in cannabis dispensaries if you have a state-recognized medical marijuana card. To be eligible for a medical marijuana card, you’ll need to have a qualifying medical condition, such as intractable pain, glaucoma, cancer, PTSD, or traumatic brain injury. If you’re a patient under the age of 18, a parent or guardian will need to register as a caregiver and shop in dispensaries on your behalf.

Where Can You Buy Marijuana in Seattle?

Marijuana can only be purchased in a licensed Seattle dispensary. As of right now, Seattle doesn’t allow cannabis lounges, cafes, or other establishments (though this may change down the line). Cannabis delivery is also illegal throughout the state, so steer clear of any company or advertisement offering cannabis delivery in Seattle.If you want to find the best prices and best selection, consider venturing outside of Seattle proper and shopping in adjacent cities where the overhead costs are lower and the supply is more abundant. For instance, you’ll generally have much better luck in a Kirkland or Bellevue dispensary than you’ll have in central or west Seattle, and it’s only a short drive to these locations.Another great way to explore the city’s weed offerings is to take a Seattle cannabis tour like Herban Adventure, Seattle Green Adventures, or the Original Cannabus. These tours will generally take you to multiple dispensaries as well as other cool spots like a cultivation facility, a glass-blowing facility, or a processing lab. Sometimes you’ll even enjoy stops at iconic Seattle destinations like the Space Needle or Pike Place Market.

How Much Does Weed Cost in Seattle?

Seattle has some of the lowest cannabis costs in the nation. Washington dispensary prices average just $230 for an ounce of high-quality flower, or about $13.50 for a gram. You can find pre-rolls for as little as $5, pot brownies between $5 and $10, concentrates for $15 to $35 per gram, and vape pen cartridges for about $35 to $40 (all based on user-submitted data).It’s worth noting that Seattle prices are a bit higher than the state average (about $250 for an ounce of flower, on average). This is partly due to the high cost of doing business in Seattle and also due to the increased demand from tourism and the city’s high population density. Again, you can easily save money by heading to a smaller neighboring community and shopping in the local dispensaries.There are other ways to save money as well. For instance, most Seattle dispensaries offer daily deals. Some also offer loyalty programs, which may be beneficial if you plan to become a repeat customer. When you visit a pot shop, it never hurts to ask, “What kinds of deals are you running today?” The budtenders are usually happy to assist.

What to Expect During a Visit to a Seattle Dispensary

Visiting a dispensary for the first time can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Most dispensaries are clean, inviting, and upscale. The key is being prepared. Before you venture out to the dispensary, make sure that you have:

• Cash. Cannabis is still largely a cash business, so don’t expect to pay with a credit or debit card.
• A valid photo ID. Driver’s licenses and state IDs work best.
• Your medical marijuana card. Bring this if you have or require it.
• A plan. What types of products are you looking for? What is your goal for consuming cannabis (Improved sleep? Anxiety support? Just to get your buzz on?)? What questions do you have for your budtender?

When you first enter the dispensary, you’ll be asked to present your ID. Then a security guard or other employee will guide you to the main retail floor. In most cases, you’ll need to wait in line to be served. This is because dispensaries rely on one-on-one communication between the customer and budtender. Thankfully, the lines usually move quickly.Once you make it to the front of the line and arrive at the main counter, the budtender will ask you what you’re looking for. That’s the time to describe your reasons for visiting and ask any questions you have. The budtender will make recommendations and show you available products based on your input.When you decide what you want to buy, your budtender will place everything in a sealed bag (or bags). Payments are made in cash, and tipping your budtender is highly encouraged. Keep all products sealed until you get the product home.Most importantly, just relax and take your time with the shopping experience. When you’re inside the dispensary, there’s no rush and no judgment.