Cannabis Purchase Limits in Washington State
Purchase limits apply to legal cannabis sales in the state of Washington. These limits depend on the status of the customer (adult-use or medical) and the type of cannabis product the customer buys.
Adults twenty-one and above can buy cannabis at licensed dispensaries. These dispensaries (including our dispensaries in Bellevue, Kirkland, and Downtown Redmond) typically offer a variety of cannabis products, such as dry flower, concentrates, and edibles.
It's important to be familiar with the laws and regulations surrounding cannabis purchase limits and other relevant laws before you buy or consume marijuana in the state of Washington to have a great experience and avoid any problems with the law.
How Much Can You Buy from a Dispensary at a Time in Washington State?
Washington weed laws currently allow adults twenty-one years and older to purchase one ounce of "useable" cannabis from a cannabis dispensary for recreational use. Many other cannabis products, such as concentrates and edibles, are also available to purchase legally at licensed dispensaries. Recreational marijuana is regulated by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Control Board.
Here's a breakdown of the cannabis purchase limits under Washington State laws for adults 21 years and older:
1 ounce (28 grams) of cannabis flower
7 grams of cannabis concentrates
16 ounces of solid-form edibles infused with marijuana
72 ounces of cannabis-infused liquid products
Medical Marijuana Purchase Limits in WA
Medical marijuana patients in WA who have valid medical marijuana authorization are permitted to buy up to three times the legal limit for recreational purchases. Meaning:
Three ounces of useable cannabis
21 grams of cannabis concentrates
48 ounces of solid-form edibles infused with marijuana
216 ounces of cannabis-infused liquid products
Cannabis customers who purchase marijuana for qualifying medical conditions must be added to the medical cannabis authorization database and have a medical cannabis recognition card. The Washington State Department of Health regulates medical cannabis.
Medical Marijuana Growing Laws in WA
Washington state laws permit qualifying patients to have up to four marijuana plants in their homes. A medical cannabis patient with a lease has no legal right to grow or smoke cannabis in their home unless an agreement has been made with the landlord.
Is Weed Legal to Have in Public in WA?
The use of cannabis in any public area in the state of Washington is outlawed (this also means that you can’t smoke weed in public in Seattle). The state has laid down specific guidelines regarding the places where cannabis is allowed to be consumed. Cannabis is not allowed to be possessed or consumed on U.S. federal land.
Some of the places where it is illegal to consume cannabis in WA include:
Streets
Sidewalks
State and federal parks
Public hiking trails
Ski resorts
Many of these measures were created so that non-consumers, specifically children, avoid inhaling secondhand smoke. There are hefty fines if you are caught smoking cannabis near schools, school buses, or anywhere with large groups of kids. If you are 21 years or older, it is legal to possess marijuana and consume it in the privacy of your home.
Can I Smoke Cannabis in My Car or Motor Vehicle in WA?
Consuming cannabis in your car is illegal in WA, even if the car is parked. Cannabis is a controlled substance that is treated by the law similarly to alcohol. Washington law prohibits smoking cannabis in any type of motor vehicle, even a boat. It is illegal to drive a car or a boat under the influence of marijuana.
These laws also apply to a passenger in a motor vehicle. If an individual has purchased cannabis at a dispensary, they must transport it back home in the original unopened package—whether they are the passenger or the driver.
Can I Bring Cannabis Across State Lines?
Transporting cannabis plants, concentrates, or any other type of cannabis products across state lines is illegal (unless the product qualifies as “hemp”). Despite the legalization of marijuana in many states, it is still classified as a controlled substance according to federal law. This legislation falls under the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency’s jurisdiction and can result in criminal charges with hefty fines.
These charges and fines apply equally to marijuana for medical and recreational use. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) also forbids the carrying of cannabis products in airport terminals. Federal intervention will generally supersede state law and penalize individuals who are caught carrying cannabis across state lines.
Where Can I Buy Cannabis in Washington State?
You can buy cannabis in Washington State from dispensaries that are regulated by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB). These dispensaries are allowed to sell to adults 21 years and above for medical and/or recreational purposes (depending on the license). Many of these dispensaries have a variety of marijuana products, such as:
Flower, including indica, hybrid, and sativa strains
Edibles such as baked goods and gummies
Infused beverages
Concentrates such as budders, wax, and hash oil
Topicals like patches, creams, and salves
THC and CBD tinctures
Weed dispensaries can be found in towns and cities throughout Washington State. Some dispensaries even allow you to order cannabis online and pick it up in person. It is advisable to purchase high-quality weed from a reputable and fully compliant licensed retailer.
Please note: You will need to take a government-issued photo ID to the dispensary as proof of your age. We explain everything you need to know about purchasing cannabis in Washington State in our guides to visiting your first dispensary and buying weed in Seattle.
Enjoy Cannabis within the Law
Washington State’s purchase limits are fairly comparable to those of other recreational states in the U.S. Adults aged 21 and above can legally purchase and possess up to one ounce of cannabis. Authorized medical marijuana patients can legally purchase and possess up to three ounces of cannabis.
It's important to buy cannabis from state-approved dispensaries to ensure a legal and high-quality product. If you purchase cannabis, keep the package closed until you reach home. You can then enjoy your cannabis in private, at ease in the knowledge that you are following the law.