Where Can You Smoke Weed in Seattle?
The Seattle area is home to some of the nation’s best legal weed, but where can you actually smoke it? For people visiting Seattle from out of town, this is a common question. Our Bellevue marijuana dispensary serves guests from all over the world, but most of these guests have few legal options for where to light up.If you’re planning to visit Seattle from out of town, you’ll need to plan ahead to ensure that you’re able to legally enjoy all of the green delights when you arrive.
Can You Smoke Weed in Public in Seattle?
Smoking weed in public is strictly forbidden in Seattle, WA. According to the city’s Criminal Code, “It is unlawful to open a package containing or consume marijuana, useable marijuana, marijuana-infused products, or marijuana concentrates, reasonably identifiable by sight or smell as marijuana or a product derived from marijuana, in view of the general public or in a public place.”Public consumption in Seattle is a class 3 civil infraction. You won’t go to jail for it, but you will be hit with a fine. Also, the law doesn’t just apply to consuming cannabis in public. Simply opening a package of a marijuana-containing product will put you at odds with the law.What Constitutes a Public Place in Seattle?
According to the Criminal Code, a public place is essentially any place that isn’t a private residence. It includes:- Any street or alley
- Any state or county road or highway
- Schools
- Public dance halls and adjacent grounds
- Public buildings
- Public meeting halls
- Theaters
- Stores
- Bars and restaurants
- Soft drink establishments
- Hotel common areas
- Gas stations
- Beaches
- Parks
- Playgrounds
- Any other place that’s generally open to the public
Can You Smoke Weed in a Parked Car in Seattle?
Unfortunately, cannabis consumption in a vehicle is strictly prohibited in Seattle and throughout Washington state. When transporting weed from the dispensary to your home, the product must remain in its original sealed packaging and carried in the passenger compartment of your car.Although your vehicle is your private property, it doesn’t meet the legal definition of a private residence. Activities inside the vehicle are clearly visible to the outside world, and the issue of consuming cannabis in a motor vehicle raises a host of other legal issues (even if the vehicle isn’t in motion).Are There Cannabis Lounges in Seattle?
Seattle doesn’t currently allow cannabis lounges or bars. The state’s indoor consumption law makes them inherently illegal. However, some legislators have been pushing for an exception for these types of establishments, as they’re already becoming a reality in states like Nevada, California, and Colorado.So while cannabis consumption lounges and even cafes may become a viable option in the foreseeable future, you won’t find any in the Seattle area for right now.Where to Smoke Weed in Seattle
Now that we’ve covered all the places where you can’t smoke weed in Seattle, the essential question still remains: Where can you light up? The good news is that you do have options, even if you’re visiting from out of town.Private Residences
Washington’s cannabis law dictates that marijuana should be consumed in a private residence, specifically inside the home or in a fenced yard — completely out of the view of the general public. This applies to both medicinal and recreational cannabis users.It’s important to note, however, that if you’re renting your home, landlords may reserve the right to prohibit cannabis consumption.Some Vacation Rental Properties
If you’re using Airbnb or another vacation rental service for an upcoming trip to Seattle, you can find cannabis-friendly accommodations. Just make sure to search for properties that are “420-friendly.” If you smoke in a rental that forbids cannabis consumption, you may be fined or have your vacation rental account suspended.To make the search even easier, you can use weed-specific vacation rental sites like Bud & Breakfast. In some cases, you can find cheap, no-frills rentals for under $50 — so even if you’re not spending the night, you’ll have a place to relax and light up, like your own private cannabis lounge. This has become a common solution for travelers seeking a “pot sanctuary” while touring recreational weed cities.Some Hotels
Under Washington’s Smoking in Public Places law, 75% of hotel and motel rooms must remain smoke-free, and that applies to cannabis smoke. A majority of hotels still prohibit cannabis use, but a growing number are catering to pot tourism. You won’t be able to smoke a traditional joint or pipe in most hotel rooms, but you can vape, consume edibles, or enjoy other smoke-free THC consumables in certain hotels as long as it’s done outside of public view.The key, once again, is to plan ahead and look specifically for hotels that allow cannabis use. Many tourists have greater luck with local bed-and-breakfasts, which tend to be more 420-friendly since they function more like private residences.For example, spots like Bacon Mansion (just a short drive from Capitol Hill), Mountain Views Treehouse B&B (in Monroe), and the Bed & Breakfast Inn (near the Pike/Pine Corridor) are known for their cannabis-friendly accommodations. Be sure to book ahead of time, as these types of smaller properties tend to book up well in advance.How to Enjoy Weed in Public in Seattle
If you’re planning a trip to the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, or any other iconic Seattle landmark, you’re sure to have a lot more fun with a bit of THC in your system. And while you can’t light up at the landmarks themselves, there are still ways to enjoy the full sensory-heightened experience that only cannabis can provide.- Consume before you leave your house, hotel, or rental property.
- Assign a designated driver, or use a ride-share service or public transportation to get around. Never drive high.
- Consider a cannabis product with a slow onset time and long-lasting effects. Edibles are your best bet here. They won’t kick in right away (so you can get to your destination with a clear head), but they’ll last all day. Just be careful with the dosage.
- Consider taking a Seattle cannabis tour like the Original Cannabus, the Herban Adventure tour, or the Seattle Green Adventures tour. Everyone around you will probably be as baked as you are, so it’s a guaranteed good time for all.