How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Washington State
The Journey to Your Medical Marijuana Card
If you're a resident of Washington State and have been considering getting a medical marijuana card, now might be the perfect time. With recent changes in tax regulations, the benefits of having a medical marijuana card have never been more compelling. At The Novel Tree, we're dedicated to helping you navigate these benefits, ensuring you get the most out of your medical cannabis experience.
Step-by-Step Process
Schedule an Appointment with Your Healthcare Provider:
Discuss your condition with your doctor or naturopath and obtain a medical cannabis authorization form.
Visit a Medically-Endorsed Store:
Take your authorization form to a medically-endorsed dispensary, such as The Novel Tree, where you can receive a medical cannabis card.
Enjoy the Benefits:
Use your card to purchase cannabis products tax-free and access other perks.
Step 1: See a Healthcare Provider
The first step is getting a Medical Cannabis Authorization Form from a Washington-licensed healthcare practitioner. This is the only step that has costs and time variability — the rest is fast.
Who can authorize you? Under Washington law, the following provider types can issue medical cannabis authorizations:
Medical Doctors (MDs)
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs)
Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners (ARNPs)
Physician Assistants (PAs)
Naturopathic Doctors (NDs)
How to find an authorizer:
Start with your existing primary care provider — they often will authorize patients they know
Many specialists (rheumatologists for chronic pain, sleep specialists, oncologists) will authorize for conditions they're already treating you for
If your regular providers don't authorize, search for "medical marijuana authorization Washington" — there are multiple in-person and telemedicine clinics that specialize in this
Cost range: $45–$200 for the authorization appointment, depending on whether you use your existing doctor (often covered by insurance) or a dedicated cannabis clinic (cash-only, $50–150 typical).
Important: Washington law prohibits dispensaries from recommending specific authorizers. We can't refer you to a specific clinic or doctor.
Step 2: Visit a Medically-Endorsed Dispensary
Once you have your authorization form, the next step takes about 15–20 minutes. Bring two things to the dispensary:
Your completed Medical Cannabis Authorization Form (printed on the official tamper-resistant paper)
A government-issued photo ID
A DOH-certified Medical Cannabis Consultant will:
Verify your authorization
Take your photo
Enter you into the Washington State Medical Cannabis Authorization Database
Print your physical recognition card on the spot
Both of our locations have DOH-certified consultants on-site to handle this process for you.
Step 3: Use Your Card
Once you have your recognition card, the savings start immediately. You can use it at any medically-endorsed dispensary in Washington — and the benefits are substantial.
What Are the Benefits of a Washington Medical Marijuana Card?
Here's where it gets really compelling. As of mid-2024, Washington medical patients are exempt from the state's 37% cannabis excise tax — a massive change that significantly increased the value of having a card.
| Benefit | Recreational Customer | Medical Cardholder |
|---|---|---|
| Cannabis Excise Tax (37%) | Pays full | Exempt |
| Sales Tax (~10%) | Pays full | Exempt |
| Daily Possession Limit | 1 oz flower / 16 oz solid edibles | 3 oz flower / 48 oz solid edibles |
| Home Cultivation | Not allowed | Up to 6 plants (or 15 in a cooperative) |
| High-THC Products | Limited access | Full access to DOH-compliant high-potency products |
| Legal Protection | Standard | Affirmative defense under state law |
Real-world savings example: A $100 cannabis purchase that costs a recreational buyer about $147 after taxes costs a medical cardholder $100 flat. Over the course of a year, this can mean savings of hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on your usage.
Who Qualifies for a Washington Medical Marijuana Card?
Washington defines qualifying conditions broadly. Under state law, you may qualify if you have a "terminal or debilitating medical condition." The current qualifying conditions include:
Cancer
HIV/AIDS
Multiple sclerosis or other spasticity disorders
Epilepsy or other seizure disorders
Glaucoma (acute or chronic)
Hepatitis C with debilitating nausea or intractable pain
Crohn's disease with debilitating symptoms
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Anorexia or other diseases resulting in nausea, vomiting, wasting, appetite loss, cramping, or muscle spasms unrelieved by standard treatments
Intractable pain unrelieved by standard medical treatments and medications
A licensed healthcare provider has discretion to authorize medical cannabis for any condition where they believe it's medically appropriate under the law. The decision ultimately rests with your provider.
Note for minors: Patients under 18 can qualify but must have a parent or legal guardian act as a designated provider.
DOH-Compliant Products: What They Are and Why They Matter
One of the lesser-known benefits of having a medical card is access to DOH-compliant products. These are cannabis products that have undergone additional voluntary testing for quality, potency, and contaminants beyond the standard recreational testing requirements.
DOH-compliant products bear a distinct logo on their packaging. They're often:
Higher potency than products available to recreational customers
More precisely dosed — particularly important for medical use
More thoroughly tested for pesticides, heavy metals, and microbials
At The Novel Tree, our budtenders can help you identify DOH-compliant products and select what's right for your situation.
How Long Does the Card Last?
Your authorization is valid for 1 year from the date your healthcare provider signs it. After that, you'll need to:
Get a new authorization from your healthcare provider
Return to a medically-endorsed dispensary to renew your card
Your healthcare provider will determine appropriate renewal frequency — some providers may issue authorizations for shorter periods depending on your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a medical card to buy cannabis in Washington? No — Washington has been a fully recreational state since 2014. Anyone 21+ with a valid government-issued ID can buy cannabis at any licensed dispensary. The medical card is optional but provides significant tax savings, higher possession limits, and access to specially-tested products.
Will my insurance cover the authorization appointment? Sometimes. If you see your existing healthcare provider for the authorization, your visit may be billed through insurance like any other appointment. Dedicated cannabis clinics typically don't accept insurance and charge cash fees of $50–150.
Can I use a medical card from another state in Washington? No. Washington does not have medical marijuana reciprocity. However, anyone 21+ can purchase recreationally with a valid out-of-state ID.
How much do I save with a medical card? You save the 37% cannabis excise tax plus the ~10% state and local sales tax. On most purchases, the total tax savings comes to approximately 45% of pre-tax price — so a purchase that would cost $147 recreationally costs you $100 with a medical card.
Can I grow cannabis at home with a medical card? Yes. Medical cardholders can grow up to 6 plants for personal use, or up to 15 plants if part of a registered cooperative. Recreational customers cannot grow cannabis at home in Washington.
Where in Bellevue or Bremerton can I get my recognition card? Both Novel Tree locations have DOH-certified Medical Cannabis Consultants on-site who can register you in the state database and print your card. Just call ahead to confirm consultant availability.
Is the process confidential? Yes. Information you provide during the authorization process and at the dispensary is protected under both state and federal privacy laws. Your participation in the medical cannabis program is not shared with employers, insurance companies, or other parties.
How early in the day can I come in? Bremerton opens at 8am daily — one of the earliest in the state. Bellevue opens at 9am. Both locations stay open late.
Ready to Get Started? Visit Us in Bellevue or Bremerton
If you've completed your healthcare provider visit and have your Medical Cannabis Authorization Form, you're ready for the easy part. Visit either Novel Tree location and a DOH-certified Medical Cannabis Consultant will get you registered and your physical card printed in about 15–20 minutes.
Have questions about the process before you start? Stop in or call us:
Bellevue: 1817 130th Ave NE, Suite B | (425) 867-2700
Bremerton: 3720 Kitsap Way, Suite AA | (360) 616-2014
We've been serving Washington medical cannabis patients since 2014. Our team can help you understand the benefits, identify DOH-compliant products that fit your needs, and make sure you're getting the most value out of your medical cardholder status.
Learn More About Medical Cannabis at The Novel Tree | Visit Our Bellevue Location | Visit Our Bremerton Location
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. For official program information, visit the Washington State Department of Health Medical Cannabis page. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider about your individual situation.