The Complete guide to Marijuana Law in Washington

About 90 to 100 years ago, the state of Washington was among the many states that criminalized marijuana. It was considered an “opiate” or “narcotic” and possession was punishable by one to 10 years in prison. 

Now marijuana is legal in Washington as well as 10 other states and Washington, DC. Washington became the first state to legalize the recreational use of marijuana and the second to legalize the sales of recreational marijuana. Meanwhile, as at 1998, medical marijuana was already legal in Washington.

After a multitude of marijuana bills that did not make it into law, in 2012, the initiative 502 was passed into law, and marijuana became legal in Washington, not just for medical use but also for recreational purposes.

It was an epic moment on November 6, 2012 when the initiative was passed into law. Marijuana aka weed is finally legal and it brought about a lot of joy and happiness, literally.

While riding on your high horse, it can be easy to forget that “terms and conditions” apply. That’s why in this article, we’ll be breaking down the law and all you should know about legal recreational marijuana in Washington.

Now marijuana is legal in Washington as well as 10 other states and Washington, DC.

Who can buy marijuana in Washington?

Anybody really, you just have to be 21 years and above. This is because according to Initiative 502, selling weed to a minor (under 21) is illegal.

The slightly stricter version of that law comes in the case of medical marijuana. Although an 18-year-old can purchase marijuana for medical use in Washington, you just have to own a medical marijuana card. You also have to be a resident of the state in order to procure one of these cards. 

The brighter side is you don’t have to reside in Washington to get recreational marijuana in the state. As long as you are above the age limit and can provide some documents to back up that fact.

If you want to purchase weed for recreational purposes, you must present government issued IDs to prove that you are 21 or older. If you don’t have your ID with you, your driver’s license or passport is enough. Even better news? Your license doesn’t even have to be issued by Washington or the US, you’re welcome.

Where can you make this purchase?

You can purchase marijuana in Washington from any licensed store or dispensaries. Weed is legal but they don’t sell it at grocery stores and shops that sell marijuana can only sell marijuana.

Here are some things to keep in mind when planning to purchase a blunt in Washington

• You already know minors aren’t allowed in a weed store so don’t do it. There’s usually security there to check your ID, they can either turn you away or take you away.
• As of now, marijuana retailers are largely unable to use electrical forms of payment due to the fact that marijuana is still illegal at the federal level. Which translates to you have to bring cash. To get some pot, you need some dough.
• When you have gotten your joint, resist the urge to taste it, it’s prohibited.

You should only purchase marijuana legally from retail stores that have their licenses from the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Control Board. It’s illegal to buy weed on the streets. 

You should only purchase marijuana legally from retail stores that have their licenses from the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Control Board. It’s illegal to buy weed on the streets.

Exactly how much weed can you buy? 

Well, since we are being exact, if you are 21 years or older in Washington, you can purchase and possess:

• One ounce of usable marijuana
• 7 grams of marijuana concentrate
• 16 ounces of solid marijuana-infused product
• 72 ounces of liquid marijuana-infused product 

For simpler terms or definition, usable marijuana refers to the dried marijuana flowers, plants and leaves. Marijuana concentrates are products made from the cannabis plants that have been processed to keep only the most desirable parts of the plant. On the other hand, marijuana infused products (both solid and liquid) are products that contain marijuana or marijuana extracts and are intended for human use. Like drinks or baked goods or candy. Here is a list of the weed-infused products that are currently approved by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Control Board.

Can you cultivate your own weed?

Of course, but only if you are a licensed marijuana grower or wholesaler. In fact, the only businesses that are strictly regulated to cultivate marijuana in Washington are licensed grow facilities, then they deliver the product to retailers after harvest.

Nobody else is allowed to grow their own marijuana, if they do, they are looking at a fine of up to $10,000 and some significant time behind bars. It would not be cool to go jail because of weed.

However, medical marijuana patients can grow their own cannabis. All patients who have weed cards may cultivate up to 15 plants if they have special dispensation from their doctor. They can also possess amounts higher than the general public. 

If you are a licensed marijuana grower or wholesaler, check out our product reviews for these best grow tools.

Can these blunts be smoked anywhere?

Absolutely not. Washington is pretty strict about all of their marijuana laws and you should know that you can have marijuana on your person but you cannot open it, display it or use it in public.

Public includes: school compounds or campuses, restaurants, bars, public parks, hospitals, national parks, amusement parks, ski resorts. Basically, anywhere there are other people who might not like to take the high train and definitely far away from children.

If you get caught using weed in public, you may face civil infraction. Marijuana in Washington must be consumed on private property. Thankfully, there are a few bars, hotels and restaurants that allow the consumption of cannabis in case you can’t smoke at home or if your landlord prohibits it. 

Marijuana in Washington must be consumed on private property. Thankfully, there are a few bars, hotels and restaurants that allow the consumption of cannabis in case you can’t smoke at home or if your landlord prohibits it.

Is it okay to smoke and drive? 

No, it’s not. Washington does not allow residents or tourists to drive under the influence of anything – marijuana, alcohol or anything.

Washington has DUI laws that sets a limit for how much THC you have in your system. If your blood test shows a THC concentration of 5.0 or higher, you will be considered to be driving under the influence and you may be arrested for it. 

Can you travel with weed?

You cannot under any circumstance travel with any quantity of weed. It is illegal to take marijuana outside of Washington to any other state even if that state also legalizes the use of marijuana. 

Whether you’re crossing state lines in a car or flying, or sending it in the mail, there’s no other way to put it, transporting marijuana is illegal. If you and the other party is caught, the consequences can be pretty dire. Plus, the possession of cannabis is still a federal offense. To reiterate, it would be absolutely not cool to get busted by the feds for trying to smuggle weed. 

You cannot under any circumstance travel with any quantity of weed. It is also illegal to smoke and drive or drive under the influence of any intoxicating substance.

Can you get fired for taking weed? 

Employers are allowed to regulate the use or impacts of marijuana use in the workplace. Initiative 502 prohibits the use of marijuana in public, so if it has not been stated otherwise by that establishment, you can be prosecuted. 

Just because marijuana is legal in Washington doesn’t mean your employer cannot fire you for coming to work high. Providing a safe working environment for you and your fellow employees is important.

Often times, employers state that they do not want you coming to work under the influence in your contracts. Drug tests are also conducted periodically to this effect. 

The Washington Supreme Court backs employers in this decision regardless of state laws because it is a direct violation of the employment agreement. 

Finally… 

As you enjoy the new reality of legal weed in Washington, remember that it doesn’t hurt one bit to be discrete. As long as you stick with the rules, you won’t have to worry about any funny business and you can enjoy your high on a low. 

Check out our other Marijuana Legislation articles here.

Check out our other Marijuana Legislation articles here.